Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of spicy goodness drifting through the air makes it clear: game day just wouldn’t be the same without crispy Buffalo wings. These Baked Buffalo Wings are the perfect crowd-pleaser! With a crispy exterior and tender meat that melts in your mouth, they’re a lightened-up version of your classic favorite, thanks to the oven-baking technique. Not only are they a healthier choice without the guilt of deep frying, but they also deliver an unforgettable punch of flavor tossed in that zesty Buffalo sauce. Whether it’s a casual night with friends or the star of your next party, these wings will have everyone coming back for more. Curious about how to achieve that crispy texture without a fryer? Let’s dive into this delicious journey together! Why are These Wings a Game Changer? Crispy Perfection awaits you in every bite! These Baked Buffalo Wings not only provide an unforgettable flavor, but the oven-baked method makes them a healthier alternative to fried wings without sacrificing taste. Versatile Options for dipping sauces allow you to cater to everyone’s preferences—think classic blue cheese or zesty ranch! Plus, they’re a fantastic crowd-pleaser for parties or game days, effortlessly impressing your guests. If you’re searching for simple, delicious recipes, consider pairing these wings with sides like Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken or our flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Get ready to elevate your next gathering! Buffalo Wings Ingredients Here’s everything you need to whip up these crispy Baked Buffalo Wings! For the Wings Chicken Wings – You can use wingettes and drumettes for easier handling and coating! Baking Powder – This is your secret weapon for achieving that ultra-crisp skin. Be sure it’s not baking soda! Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavor beautifully; avoid table salt to prevent over-salting. For the Buffalo Sauce Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich flavor to the sauce; consider olive oil as a lighter substitute if you wish. Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce – This gives the wings their famous spicy kick; feel free to use sriracha with a dash of sugar for a zesty alternative! Brown Sugar – Counteracts the heat of the sauce with a touch of sweetness. For the Blue Cheese Dip Blue Cheese – Offers creamy richness; ranch dressing is a great alternative for those who prefer milder flavors. Sour Cream & Mayonnaise – These create the perfect creamy texture in the dip that everyone loves! Garlic – Adds a robust flavor that brightens up the dip. Lemon Juice – A splash of citrus can brighten the dip; you can skip it if lemon isn’t your thing. To Serve Celery Sticks – These add a nice crunch and balance the richness of the wings and dip. Optional – Have plenty of beer on hand to elevate the party atmosphere with your Buffalo wings! Now, you’re set to make these mouthwatering Buffalo Wings that promise to make any gathering unforgettable! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Step 1: Prep Chicken For the crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings, start by drying your chicken wings. You can do this by patting them dry with paper towels or, for an even better result, let them chill on a rack in the fridge overnight. The drying process helps to remove excess moisture, which is key for achieving that perfect golden crispiness. Step 2: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This lower temperature allows the wings to render fat while staying juicy. Position the oven racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven to ensure even air circulation for your Baked Buffalo Wings later. Step 3: Prepare Tray Line a large baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking oil to prevent sticking. This setup ensures that air circulates around the wings, helping them crisp up beautifully as they bake. Step 4: Coat Wings In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder and kosher salt until they are evenly coated. Be sure every wing is covered, as the baking powder is your secret weapon for achieving that ultra-crispy skin in these Baked Buffalo Wings. Step 5: Bake at Low Temp Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the rack, skin side up. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the wings to start cooking slowly. This will help render the fat while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Step 6: Bake at High Temp After the initial bake, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue baking the wings for an additional 40-50 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Watch for them to turn dark golden brown and reach a crispy texture—this is the signature look of your Baked Buffalo Wings. Step 7: Toss in Sauce While the wings are finishing baking, prepare the sauce by mixing melted unsalted butter, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Once the wings are done, add them to the sauce and toss to coat evenly, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Step 8: Prepare Blue Cheese Dip For a delicious accompaniment, create a creamy blue cheese dip. Mash blue cheese in a bowl and mix in sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Adjust the consistency with a little milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. This dip perfectly balances the spicy kick of your Baked Buffalo Wings. Step 9: Serve and Enjoy Once everything is ready, serve your crispy Baked Buffalo Wings hot with the blue cheese dip and crunchy celery sticks on the side. This combination not only complements the spicy wings but also rounds out your dish for an irresistible party spread. What to Serve with Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings? Get ready to create a flavorful spread that perfectly complements the zingy essence of your crispy wings! Creamy Blue Cheese Dip: This classic dip enhances every bite, offering a tangy richness that cools the spice of the Buffalo wings. It’s a must-have! Celery Sticks: Crisp and refreshing, celery acts as a delightful palate cleanser that balances the rich flavors of the wings and dip. French Fries: Golden, crispy fries add an indulgent sidekick to the spicy wings—perfect for dipping in the sauce or enjoying on their own! Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the heat, bringing freshness that brightens the meal. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is an inviting side that makes for delicious aftermath for any remaining sauce—don’t let that flavor go to waste! Chilled Beer: Nothing pairs better than a cold beer to wash down the zesty flavors. Opt for a hoppy IPA or a crisp lager to enhance the experience. Potato Wedges: Extra crispy potato wedges seasoned to perfection are a satisfying side that mirrors the wings’ heartiness while offering a different texture. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note! Soft and chewy cookies provide the perfect contrast to the spiciness, creating a balanced dining experience. How to Store and Freeze Baked Buffalo Wings Room Temperature: Allow wings to cool completely before refrigerating them. They should not be left out for more than 2 hours to stay safe. Fridge: Store leftover Baked Buffalo Wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To preserve their flavor, avoid stacking them too tightly. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze wings in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy your crispy Buffalo wings! Buffalo Wings Variations & Substitutions Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own with these fun alternatives! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure your hot sauce is certified gluten-free for a safe option. Spicy Kick: Add a splash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat if you’re craving a fiery flavor! Alternative Protein: Swap the chicken wings for turkey wings or even cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian twist that everyone will love. Sweet & Spicy: Incorporate honey or maple syrup into the sauce for a delightful sweet and spicy fusion that elevates the flavor. Flavor-Infused Oil: Instead of straight unsalted butter, try infusing olive oil with garlic or herbs for a rich and fragrant sauce. Change the Dip: Experiment with different dips, like a creamy avocado dip or garlic aioli, to surprise your guests with new flavors. Herb Add-Ins: Toss fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro in the sauce for a fresh finish that brightens every bite! Crispy Alternative: For even more crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on your chicken wings before baking for that extra texture—it’s a game changer! Don’t forget, if you love spicy, you might enjoy trying out these wings with our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken or for something completely different, our delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta is sure to impress! Enjoy creating your perfect version of these tasty Buffalo wings! Expert Tips for Perfect Buffalo Wings Dry the Wings: Ensure wings are completely dried, using paper towels or an overnight chill on a rack. This eliminates moisture for a crispier buffalo wings outcome. Use Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: Always choose aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste in your wings while achieving the perfect crispy skin. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your wings; under-baking results in sogginess while over-baking can dry them out. Look for that golden brown color! Cool Before Serving: Let the wings rest for about 30 minutes after baking; they remain crispy and flavor-packed for a short time, which enhances the enjoyment during your gathering. Experiment with Sauces: For unique flavor profiles, don’t hesitate to explore different hot sauces or adjust sweetness with varying amounts of brown sugar in your buffalo sauce. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can dry the chicken wings and coat them with baking powder and salt up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate them uncovered to maintain their crispiness. Additionally, you can prepare the blue cheese dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a stir before serving to revive its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the wings at low temperature, then increase to high for that golden crispiness. This way, you’ll have mouthwatering wings ready to impress your guests with minimal effort! Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best chicken wings for baking? Absolutely! When selecting chicken wings, look for those that are plump and evenly sized. Wingettes and drumettes are preferred for their ease of handling and coating. Also, ensure there are no dark spots or foul odors, as these can indicate poor quality. Fresh wings will make all the difference in achieving that perfect crispy texture. What’s the best way to store leftover wings? To store your Baked Buffalo Wings, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For maximum freshness, avoid stacking them tightly as this can lead to sogginess. Simply reheat in the oven for the best results when you’re ready to enjoy them again! Can I freeze my Baked Buffalo Wings? Absolutely! To freeze your wings, start by cooling them completely. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Once frozen solid, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat directly from the freezer—no need to thaw! What if my wings aren’t crispy after baking? No worries! If your wings don’t turn out crispy, it might be because they were not dried sufficiently before baking or the baking powder was not evenly distributed. An easy fix is to blot the wings with paper towels and apply a little more baking powder before returning them to the oven. Baking them at a higher temperature and ensuring even spacing on the rack can also help achieve that coveted crispiness. Are these wings suitable for anyone with dietary restrictions? Yes! These Baked Buffalo Wings can be tailored for various dietary needs. If you’re concerned about calories or fat, feel free to substitute the unsalted butter in the sauce with olive oil, and adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste. For anyone with dairy allergies, you can replace the blue cheese dip with a dairy-free ranch or try a simple avocado dip. Always check the hot sauce ingredients, as some brands might have allergens. How long can I keep these wings at room temperature? It’s best to keep your Baked Buffalo Wings at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. This helps ensure food safety while still allowing guests to enjoy the flavorful wings during your gatherings. After that, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly! Crispy Buffalo Wings Baked to Perfection for Your Next Party These Baked Buffalo Wings are a healthier game day choice, with a crispy exterior and tender meat, delivering an unforgettable flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 wingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Wings2 pounds Chicken Wings Wingettes and drumettes recommended1 tablespoon Baking Powder Use aluminum-free1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Avoid table saltFor the Buffalo Sauce1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with olive oil1/2 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce Can use sriracha1 tablespoon Brown SugarFor the Blue Cheese Dip1/2 cup Blue Cheese Or ranch dressing1/4 cup Sour Cream1/4 cup Mayonnaise1 clove Garlic Minced1 tablespoon Lemon Juice OptionalTo Serve4 sticks Celery SticksBeer Optional Equipment OvenBaking TrayRackMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Baked Buffalo WingsDry the chicken wings with paper towels or chill on a rack in the fridge overnight.Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and position the oven racks for even air circulation.Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a lightly sprayed rack on top.Toss the wings with baking powder and kosher salt until evenly coated.Arrange wings on the rack in a single layer and bake at 250°F for 30 minutes.Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.Mix melted butter, hot sauce, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Toss baked wings in the sauce.Prepare blue cheese dip by mixing mashed blue cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic, and lemon juice.Serve wings hot with blue cheese dip and celery sticks. Nutrition Serving: 4wingsCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure wings are completely dried for better crispiness. Experiment with different sauces for unique flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
