If you’ve ever craved chicken wings with a crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy meat on the inside, you’re in the right place. This extra crispy baked chicken wings recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the flavor and crunch you love, without the mess of deep frying. Inspired by my family’s love for wings and an afternoon spent experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe has quickly become a staple in our weeknight dinners. Whether it’s a casual Friday night, game day, or a craving that hits out of nowhere, these wings are sure to hit the spot.
What is Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe?
Extra crispy baked chicken wings are exactly what they sound like—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. The key to achieving that signature crunch without frying is in the preparation and cooking method. By using a simple combination of baking powder, seasoning, and the right cooking temperature, you can achieve wings that are both crispy and tender. The baking powder helps to draw out moisture from the skin, leaving you with that coveted crunch, while also allowing the chicken to cook evenly.
The best part? These wings are baked in the oven, making them much healthier than their fried counterparts. You still get all the crispy goodness but without the extra grease or hassle of a fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this extra crispy baked chicken wings recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can have a batch of wings ready in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, making a quick dinner, or preparing an appetizer for a party, these wings will satisfy.
The flavor is another highlight. The combination of savory seasonings and the crispy exterior is utterly irresistible. Plus, since they’re baked, you can easily adjust the seasonings or glaze to suit your taste preferences. Want to kick up the heat? Add a little extra cayenne pepper or drizzle some buffalo sauce on top. Prefer something sweet? Try a honey glaze.
And let’s not forget about the texture! The wings come out perfectly crisp every time, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. Even better, these wings are great for leftovers and make for a fun, easy meal the next day.
How to Make Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Making these extra crispy baked chicken wings is simple. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For the crispiest wings, use a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even cooking and maximizing crispiness.
2. Dry the Wings
Before anything else, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the skin is key to achieving that crispy texture.
3. Coat the Wings
In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until they’re evenly coated with the dry seasoning mix. The baking powder is the secret ingredient to making these wings extra crispy, so don’t skip it!
4. Arrange the Wings
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Be sure they’re not touching each other to allow for maximum air circulation around each wing.
5. Bake
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll want them golden brown and crispy on both sides. If your wings aren’t as crispy as you’d like after 45 minutes, you can place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re perfectly crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, or toss them in your favorite wing sauce.
What to Serve With
These crispy wings are fantastic on their own, but they pair well with a variety of sides. Try serving them with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or creamy coleslaw for a well-rounded meal. You can also go the classic route with a side of buffalo sauce for dipping, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try a honey mustard or garlic parmesan sauce.
Top Tips for Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
To ensure your wings turn out as crispy as possible, here are a few tips:
- Use Baking Powder, Not Baking Soda: Baking powder is crucial to achieving that crispy skin. Baking soda can leave a bitter taste, so stick with baking powder.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the crispiest wings, make sure the wings are in a single layer with space between each one.
- Flip the Wings: Be sure to flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
- Experiment with Sauces: While these wings are delicious as-is, you can toss them in any sauce you like after baking. From classic buffalo to sweet teriyaki, the possibilities are endless.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but it happens!), store the wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the wings and season them in advance, storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great option for meal prep or parties.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking. This will help ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
What’s the best way to make wings extra crispy?
The secret is in the baking powder. It draws out moisture from the chicken skin, helping it to crisp up during baking. Also, using a wire rack ensures air circulation around the wings for an even cook.
Conclusion
These extra crispy baked chicken wings are the perfect blend of flavor and crunch, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion. They’re easy to make, versatile enough to suit different flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekends spent with family and friends. With this recipe, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating a memorable experience, one crispy wing at a time.
Happy cooking!
Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowl
Zutaten
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Anleitungen
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare the Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps make them extra crispy.
- Season the Wings
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken wings and toss them until they’re evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange on the Rack
- Lay the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they’re not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake the Wings
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once crispy and golden, remove the wings from the oven. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, or toss in a glaze of your choice.