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Crispy oven-baked buffalo wings served with dipping sauce

Truly Crispy Oven Baked Buffalo Wings

Delightful Buffalo wings that are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for game days or cozy nights in.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Wings
  • 4 lb chicken wings, wingettes & drumettes Juicy and tender, these wings form the base of your delicious creation.
  • 5 teaspoons baking powder Not to be confused with baking soda, this ingredient is crucial for that crunchy exterior.
  • 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt / cooking salt Coarse salt enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted Adds richness and flavor, making each bite so satisfying.
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce The classic choice for heat and tang, it elevates the wings to new heights.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar A touch of sweetness balances the spiciness of the hot sauce.
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt / cooking salt Helps bring everything together.
For the Blue Cheese Dip
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, softened Creamy and tangy, blue cheese is the ultimate dipping accompaniment.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Adds richness and a cooling effect against the spicy sauce.
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise, preferably whole-egg A creamy base for the dip that enhances the flavors.
  • 1 clove small garlic, minced Aromatic and flavorful, it gives the dip a savory kick.
  • 1 – 3 tbsp milk Adjusts the consistency of the dip to your liking.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice A zingy brightness that enhances the dip’s flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt / cooking salt A final touch of seasoning.
  • black pepper For an additional layer of flavor.
  • celery sticks Crunchy and refreshing, perfect for dipping.
  • lots of beer An excellent pairing that makes your wing experience even better.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. For the ultimate in crispiness, lay the wings on a rack on a rimmed baking tray and allow them to dry uncovered in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can simply pat them dry with paper towels just before cooking.
  2. Set your oven to 250°F/120°C. Place one oven shelf in the lower quarter and another in the top quarter to prepare for the baking process.
  3. Line the tray with foil for easy cleanup. Then, place a rack on the tray and spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Baking the Wings
  1. In a large bowl, place the wings. Sprinkle with the baking powder and salt, then toss well. You can also place them in a ziplock bag and shake to coat evenly.
  2. Arrange the wings skin-side up on the rack. Don’t worry if they’re a bit snug, as they will shrink as they cook. Bake on the lower shelf for 30 minutes.
  3. Move the tray to the upper shelf and increase the oven temperature to 425°F/220°C. Bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Your wings should be dark golden brown and have an incredibly crispy skin.
Saucing the Wings
  1. Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour your prepared sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated. If you prefer, you can serve the wings plain with a side of Buffalo Sauce for dipping.
Preparing the Blue Cheese Dip
  1. To make the dip, whisk together the ingredients until the sugar has dissolved. Keep it warm or reheat it just before serving. For the blue cheese dip, mash the blue cheese with sour cream until smooth, then mix in the remaining ingredients, adjusting the consistency with milk as necessary. Store in the fridge until ready to serve, and remember to pull it out 15 minutes beforehand.

Notes

For wings that are even crispier, make sure they are well dried before baking. The baking powder plays a vital role in achieving that coveted crunch, so don't skip it. You can also customize the level of heat in your sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preferences. These wings shine best when served hot from the oven alongside a refreshing Blue Cheese Dip and crunchy celery sticks.