Chicken wings are one of the cheapest and easiest things you can throw in the oven, but there are a few small tricks that make a huge difference.
Anybody can season wings and bake them, but getting them crispy on the outside while still juicy inside is what makes them really good.
For me, buffalo wings are one of those foods that immediately make the house feel more fun. Somebody always ends up standing next to the baking tray stealing “just one more” before they even make it to the table. My kids love them, my husband loves them, and honestly there are rarely leftovers.
The best thing about homemade wings is that you can control everything yourself. More spice, less spice, extra sauce, extra crispiness… however your family likes them. And you don’t even need a deep fryer. The oven does a great job when the wings are properly dried, seasoned, and baked until golden.
The buttery buffalo sauce is what brings everything together. It’s spicy, tangy, a little sticky, and perfect with blue cheese dressing, garlic sauce, fries, or cold drinks on the side.
These buffalo wings are simple, affordable, full of flavor, and the kind of food people gather around without needing a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 lbs chicken wings are the base of the recipe. Drumettes and wingettes both work great and become crispy in the oven.
4 tbsp butter melts into the hot sauce and gives the wings that classic rich buffalo flavor.
5 tbsp Frank’s Hot Sauce adds the spicy, tangy kick buffalo wings are known for.
1 tbsp baking powder helps the wings crisp up in the oven without deep frying.
1 tbsp brown sugar balances the heat and gives the sauce a slight sweetness.
1 tsp paprika adds extra flavor and helps the wings get a nice color while baking.
1 tsp granulated garlic gives the seasoning more depth and savory flavor.
1/2 tsp salt seasons the wings and helps bring all the flavors together.
You can also serve the wings with blue cheese dressing, ranch, garlic sauce, celery sticks, or fries on the side.
How to Make Buffalo Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is important because dry wings get much crispier in the oven.
In a large bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, granulated garlic, and baking powder.
Add the wings to the bowl and toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the wings close together in a single layer.
Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 25 minutes until they become golden and crispy.
While the wings finish baking, make the buffalo sauce. Melt the butter and stir it together with Frank’s Hot Sauce and brown sugar until smooth.
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together until all the wings are fully coated.
Serve the wings hot with blue cheese dressing, garlic sauce, ranch, celery sticks, or fries on the side.
FAQ
How do I make buffalo wings crispy in the oven?
The biggest trick is drying the wings really well before seasoning them. Baking powder also helps create that crispy texture while baking. Turning the wings halfway through cooking helps both sides crisp up evenly.
Do I need a deep fryer for buffalo wings?
No. These wings are baked in the oven and still come out crispy and flavorful without the mess of deep frying.
Are buffalo wings very spicy?
They have a noticeable kick, but they’re not unbearably hot. If you want milder wings, use less hot sauce or add a little extra butter to the sauce.
Can I make buffalo wings ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the wings ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before tossing them in the sauce. They stay crispier that way.
Why do you use baking powder on chicken wings?
Baking powder helps dry out the skin slightly while baking, which creates a crispier texture in the oven.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning them. Too much moisture prevents the wings from getting crispy.
What should I serve with buffalo wings?
Buffalo wings go great with blue cheese dressing, ranch dip, garlic sauce, celery sticks, carrot sticks, fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
How do I store leftover buffalo wings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to help bring back some crispiness.
Can I make these wings in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry the wings at 400°F until crispy, flipping halfway through cooking, then toss them in the buffalo sauce before serving.