Buffalo Wings: Crispy, Saucy, Game Day Royalty

Buffalo wings are a vibe. Spicy, buttery, tangy, and just messy enough to be fun. The secret to crispy baked wings? Baking powder and a hot oven.

These wings come out shatteringly crisp without a drop of frying oil. Toss them in homemade Buffalo sauce and prepare for a napkin avalanche.

Ingredients

Serves 4 (2-3 people if they’re hungry).

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT baking soda)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the classic)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
• Serve with: ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Dry the Wings (Crucial)

1. Pat wings completely dry with paper towels. Like, really dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Step 2: Coat with Baking Powder

1. In a bowl, mix baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Toss wings in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Arrange wings on the rack (not touching).
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and super crispy.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. While wings bake, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using).

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss to coat.
2. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese and plenty of napkins.

Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 4 servings

Difficulty: Easy

Storage Notes

Leftover Wings:

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce soaks in and they’ll be less crispy but still tasty.

Reheating (Critical):

Air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on a wire rack. Never microwave (rubbery wings are a crime).

Make-Ahead Baking:

Bake wings without sauce, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat in a hot oven, then toss in warm sauce. Almost as good as fresh.