The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings: A Simple Recipe for Flavorful Perfection

Craving those irresistible, finger-licking good buffalo wings but want to skip the deep-fryer and save on takeout? Look no further! This recipe for Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings, generously tossed in an incredibly easy homemade sauce of hot sauce and melted butter, promises restaurant-quality flavor and texture right in your own kitchen. Prepare for a culinary experience that will make you wonder why you ever ordered them out.

Perfectly baked buffalo chicken wings ready to be tossed in sauce

My love affair with Buffalo wings spans decades. It goes so far back, in fact, that I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I had my first bite. These iconic, spicy, and satisfying chicken wings feel like a fundamental part of my culinary history, a comfort food that has always been there.

I distinctly remember documenting my go-to Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe during my college years, a testament to the versatility and universal appeal of Buffalo flavor. But I’m quite sure my initial encounter with those spicy, wonderfully crunchy, and undeniably finger-lickin’ good wings dates back even further—perhaps high school, or even middle school. It’s a flavor profile that truly transcends generations.

Even my dad, who often complains about the heat from a single jalapeño, has a soft spot for Buffalo wings. It’s quite amusing to witness his transformation when these wings are on the table! Given that dining out for wings can quickly become an expensive affair, my parents often opted to bake them at home. Their method typically involved bottled sauces, which were convenient but often lacked that fresh, vibrant kick.

It wasn’t until later that I unlocked the secret to authentic Buffalo wing sauce. And the revelation? It’s incredibly simple: just hot sauce and melted butter. Shocking, isn’t it? This humble two-ingredient combination forms the foundation of that classic, tangy, and rich flavor we all adore.

Beyond sharing this super easy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe, my ultimate goal here is to share a fool-proof method for baking them that consistently delivers irresistibly crispy wings, bypassing the need for a deep-fryer entirely. This technique not only makes them healthier but also simplifies cleanup and reduces cooking time.

These homemade wings are also the quintessential snack or appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, need an impressive party appetizer, or are looking for the ideal Super Bowl food for two, these wings will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.

Why Choose Baked Buffalo Wings Over Fried?

There are numerous advantages to baking your chicken wings instead of deep-frying them:

Healthier Option: Baking uses significantly less oil, resulting in a lighter wing without sacrificing flavor or crispness.
Less Mess: Say goodbye to splattering oil and the daunting task of oil disposal. Baking is a much cleaner process.
Easier Cleanup: A baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack are much simpler to clean than a deep fryer.
Consistent Results: With the right technique, oven-baked wings can be just as crispy, if not crispier, than their fried counterparts, thanks to even heat distribution.
Cost-Effective: Making wings at home is almost always cheaper than ordering them from a restaurant, especially when you can buy chicken wings in bulk.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

How often do you find yourself craving chicken wings? For me, it’s at least once a month. While I enjoy trying local establishments, baking them at home has become my preferred method for consistent quality and convenience.

There’s a popular bar and grill near me that boasts the “best wings in Pittsburgh.” So far, I’ve only ventured to try their unique curry chicken wings, which were fantastic. But with almost 40 flavors to choose from, including their classic Buffalo, I absolutely need to make a return trip to explore their other offerings! However, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you can whip up equally delicious, if not superior, wings from your own kitchen.

Crispy baked chicken wings before being tossed in buffalo sauce

The key to achieving truly crispy baked chicken wings comes from a technique I learned and adapted from Bon Appetit:

The Wire Rack Method: First and foremost, you must place your chicken wings on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. This elevation is critical. It allows hot air to circulate completely around each individual wing, ensuring that the bottoms get just as crispy as the tops and sides. Without a rack, the bottoms would steam and become soggy.
A Light Coat of Oil: Tossing the wings in a small amount of vegetable oil (or another neutral, high-smoke-point oil) before baking is essential. This helps promote browning and crisping of the skin, giving you that desirable crunch.
Pat Dry, Always: Before oiling and baking, thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the skin is the enemy of crispiness. The drier the skin, the crispier the result will be.
High Heat Baking: Baking at a relatively high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) ensures that the fat renders out efficiently and the skin crisps up beautifully.
Sauce at the End: This is a crucial step for maximum crispness. To ensure your wings remain wonderfully crisp and saucy, toss them in the Buffalo sauce *after* they come out of the oven. If you toss them with the sauce before baking, the sauce will bake into the chicken, creating a delicious flavor but a less saucy and less traditionally crispy exterior. However, if you prefer the flavor baked in and a less “messy” wing, then pre-tossing is an option!

Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Sauce

The beauty of homemade Buffalo sauce lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your liking. The basic recipe is just two ingredients, but a few additions can elevate it further:

Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice for authentic Buffalo flavor due to its vinegar base and moderate heat. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite cayenne pepper-based hot sauces.
Melted Butter: Unsalted butter is usually preferred, as it gives you more control over the overall saltiness. The butter adds richness, mellows the heat slightly, and creates that silky, emulsified texture that clings perfectly to the wings.
Salt and Black Pepper: A pinch of each enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who love an extra kick, a dash of cayenne pepper can boost the heat without significantly altering the flavor.
Garlic Powder (Optional): A small amount of garlic powder can add a subtle layer of savory depth to your sauce.
A Touch of Acid (Optional): A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can brighten the sauce, but be careful not to overdo it, as most hot sauces are already vinegar-based.

Tips for Success: Your Crispy Wing Checklist

Room Temperature Wings: For more even cooking, let your chicken wings sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s plenty of space between each wing on the rack. Overcrowding will lead to steaming, not crisping. You might need to use two baking sheets.
Flip Halfway: While the rack method helps with circulation, a quick flip halfway through baking can further ensure even browning and crisping.
Internal Temperature: Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure your wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Adjust Heat: If your wings aren’t browning enough towards the end of cooking, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5-10 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning.

Don’t have time to wait for wings to bake, but still craving that Buffalo flavor? Explore my other delicious Buffalo-inspired creations like Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese!

More Crispy Baked Chicken Wing Recipes to Explore

If you’re now a fan of the oven-baked wing method and looking for more easy wing recipes to expand your repertoire, check out these other fantastic oven-baked wing creations:

Sweet Chili Wings

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings

Mexican Chicken Wings

Honey Barbecue Wings

Salt and Vinegar Wings

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Classic Buffalo wings are often served with cooling sides to balance the heat. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

Blue Cheese Dip: The tangy, pungent flavor of blue cheese dressing or dip is the ultimate classic pairing, offering a creamy contrast to the spicy wings.
Ranch Dressing: A milder, yet equally popular choice, ranch dressing provides a cool, herbaceous counterpoint.
Celery Sticks: Crisp, refreshing celery is a must-have for cleansing the palate between bites and adding a satisfying crunch.
Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, carrot sticks offer another refreshing option.
Fries or Tater Tots: For a heartier meal, serve your wings alongside a side of crispy fries or golden tater tots.
Cold Beer or Soda: A frosty beverage is always a welcome companion to spicy wings.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Buffalo Wings

If you happen to have any leftover wings (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and restore some of their crispness:

Oven Method: This is the best way to regain crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the skin has re-crisped.
Air Fryer Method: An air fryer is also excellent for reheating. Place wings in a single layer and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
Microwave (Not Recommended for Crispness): While you can microwave wings to heat them through, they will lose any crispness and become somewhat soft. Only use if time is of the essence and crispness isn’t a priority.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Yield:
8 wings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
50 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes

These crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings, perfectly coated in an easy homemade hot sauce and melted butter, are guaranteed to be a finger-licking sensation. Save money and make delicious wings at home!

Ingredients

8 chicken wing pieces (flats and drumettes), thawed and patted very dry
1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
Salt, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

For the Classic Buffalo Sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted melted butter
1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot Original is recommended)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions for Crispy Baked Wings

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a flat wire rack on top of the lined pan. Lightly grease the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the thoroughly patted dry chicken wing pieces, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and a few generous pinches of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon). Ensure each wing is evenly coated.
Bake for Crispiness: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring there is space between each wing for optimal air circulation. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital thermometer. For even crispier results, flip the wings halfway through baking.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare your delicious Buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, hot sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well combined.
Sauce and Serve: Once the wings are done and beautifully crispy, transfer them immediately to the bowl with the prepared Buffalo sauce. Toss thoroughly until all the wings are evenly coated in the rich, spicy sauce. Serve your homemade crispy baked buffalo wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and fresh veggie sticks. Enjoy!

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We hope you enjoy making these incredibly flavorful and crispy Baked Buffalo Wings at home. They’re a testament to the fact that you don’t need a deep fryer to achieve perfectly satisfying results. This recipe is sure to become a staple for your gatherings, game nights, or whenever that unmistakable craving hits!

Source: Adapted slightly from Bon Appetit

The Ultimate Baked Buffalo Wings