Baked Buffalo Wings

by

Baked Buffalo Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and spicy, all without the need for frying. These wings are oven-baked to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy, buttery Buffalo sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat. The result is a lighter but still incredibly satisfying take on the classic favorite, ideal for game days, parties, or a fun dinner at home.

I first made these wings when I was looking for a healthier alternative to fried wings but didn’t want to sacrifice that crispy texture. The secret was baking them on a wire rack, which allowed the skin to crisp up beautifully while the wings stayed tender and juicy. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the spiciness of the Buffalo sauce, try different seasonings on the wings before baking, or even serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Pair them with celery and carrot sticks for a classic combo, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress every time!

Perfect for:

  • Game day gatherings
  • Parties and potlucks
  • Casual family dinners
  • Appetizer trays
  • Buffalo sauce lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Baked Buffalo Wings will become your go-to appetizer:

  • Healthier Alternative: Baked, not fried, these wings are a lighter take on the classic dish.
  • Crispy Texture: Achieves a crunch that rivals fried wings.
  • Bold Flavor: Coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce for a flavor-packed bite.
  • Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and effort for maximum results.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Versatile enough for parties, snacks, or main meals.
  • No Frying Mess: Avoids the mess and cleanup of deep frying.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepped in advance and baked when ready to serve.
  • Great with Dips: Pairs beautifully with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Kid-Friendly Version: Use a milder sauce for a family-friendly option.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Buffalo Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped parsley
  • Celery sticks

Ingredient Highlights

  • Baking Powder: Helps achieve crispy skin without frying.
  • Hot Sauce: Provides the signature buffalo flavor.
  • Honey: Balances the heat with subtle sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Wings:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Coat with Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange on Rack: Place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

Bake the Wings:

  1. First Bake: Bake the wings for 20 minutes.
  2. Flip and Bake Again: Flip the wings and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Make the Buffalo Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey over low heat until smooth.

Coat the Wings:

  1. Toss in Sauce: Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl and toss them with the buffalo sauce until fully coated.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Enjoy: Arrange the wings on a platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Baked Buffalo Wings:

  • As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with dips for easy sharing.
  • With Fries: Pair with crispy fries for a hearty meal.
  • On Game Day: A must-have snack for watching sports.
  • With Veggies: Add carrot and celery sticks for a classic pairing.
  • In Wraps: Use as a filling for buffalo chicken wraps.
  • With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for balance.
  • As Sliders: Shred and serve in mini buns with ranch dressing.
  • In Tacos: Add to soft tacos with coleslaw and extra sauce.
  • With Mac and Cheese: Combine with creamy mac and cheese for ultimate comfort food.
  • For Meal Prep: Make a batch and pack for lunch or dinner during the week.

Additional Tips

  • Use a Wire Rack: Place a wire rack on your baking sheet to elevate the wings. This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, making them extra crispy.
  • Pat the Wings Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat your wings thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning or baking.
  • Toss in Baking Powder: Coating the wings lightly with baking powder before baking can help create a crispy exterior. Avoid using baking soda, as it has a different effect.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your wings space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps steam, which can make the wings soggy.
  • Bake at High Heat: Bake your wings at 400–450°F (200–230°C) for optimal crispiness. Use the broiler for the last few minutes to add an extra crunch.
  • Flip Midway Through: Turn the wings halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
  • Marinate for Flavor: Let the wings marinate in buffalo sauce or a dry rub for a few hours before baking for a deeper flavor.
  • Serve Immediately: Baked wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The longer they sit, the more they lose their crisp texture.
  • Double Bake for Extra Crunch: Bake the wings once, let them cool, and then bake them again for a second crisping layer.
  • Pair with the Right Sauces: Serve your baked buffalo wings with classic sides like ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. Add celery and carrot sticks for a fresh crunch.

Recipe Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss the baked wings in a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Honey BBQ Wings: Replace buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with honey.
  • Spicy Asian Wings: Coat in a sauce made of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chili paste.
  • Lemon Pepper Wings: Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning before baking.
  • Buffalo Cauliflower: Swap chicken wings for cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.
  • Buffalo Ranch Wings: Mix ranch seasoning into the buffalo sauce for a creamy twist.
  • Dry Rub Wings: Skip the sauce and coat with a smoky spice rub.
  • Extra Crispy Wings: Bake an additional 5-10 minutes for extra crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure baking powder and sauces are gluten-free.
  • Sweet and Spicy Wings: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the buffalo sauce for a sweet kick.

Special Equipment

  • Wire Rack: Essential for allowing hot air to circulate around the wings for even baking and crispiness.
  • Baking Sheet: Used underneath the wire rack to catch drippings and prevent a mess in the oven.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping wings and tossing them in sauce without getting messy.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for evenly coating wings with sauce after baking.
  • Oven Thermometer: Ensures accurate oven temperature for perfectly baked wings.
  • Silicone Basting Brush: Handy for brushing extra sauce onto wings.
  • Cooling Rack: Useful for resting wings after baking to retain crispiness before serving.
  • Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: For lining the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
  • Kitchen Shears: Helps trim excess fat or separate wing segments if needed.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures the wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen wings?
    Yes, thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking.
  2. How do I make the wings extra crispy?
    Use baking powder and ensure the wings are dry before baking.
  3. Can I use a different sauce?
    Absolutely! Try BBQ, teriyaki, or honey mustard.
  4. How do I reheat leftover wings?
    Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  5. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
    Yes, bake them and store them plain, then toss in sauce before serving.
  6. How do I prevent sticking?
    Use a wire rack and grease it lightly if needed.
  7. Can I grill these wings instead?
    Yes, grill over medium heat for a smoky flavor.
  8. Are these wings keto-friendly?
    Yes, they’re low-carb as long as the sauce doesn’t contain added sugar.
  9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the sauce.
  10. How do I adjust the spiciness?
    Add or reduce the amount of hot sauce to your liking.

Conclusion

Baked Buffalo Wings are a healthier take on the classic game-day favorite, delivering all the bold, spicy flavor and crispy texture you love without the need for frying. These wings are baked to perfection, tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, and served with your choice of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, tailgates, or any time you’re craving something spicy and satisfying.

The baking process is simple yet effective—coating the wings in a light layer of oil or baking powder helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Once they’re golden and cooked through, they’re tossed in a classic buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, butter, and a touch of honey or garlic for added depth. Serve them alongside celery sticks or carrot sticks for the perfect balance of heat and freshness.

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Buffalo Wings turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your spicy creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!

Leave a Comment