Wings
Classic Buffalo Wings
Real buffalo wings are all about the sauce — equal parts hot sauce and butter, whisked together until glossy and tossed with the wings right before serving. This baked version gets genuinely crispy skin using a baking powder trick, no deep fryer required.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Classic tangy, buttery buffalo sauce
- Crispy skin from baking, not frying
- Ready for game day in under an hour
- Endlessly customizable heat level
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Toss the wings with the baking powder, salt and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, not touching.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the wings bake, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter and honey if using.
- Toss the hot wings in the buffalo sauce immediately after baking, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Tips for success
- The baking powder trick (not baking soda) raises the pH of the skin, helping it crisp in the oven without deep frying.
- Toss the wings in sauce right before serving, not before baking, so the skin stays crispy under the sauce.
- For extra crispiness, let the seasoned wings air-dry uncovered in the fridge for an hour before baking.
- Adjust the hot sauce-to-butter ratio to control the heat and richness to your taste.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between buffalo wings and hot wings?
Buffalo wings specifically use a butter and hot sauce combination for a tangy, rich sauce, while 'hot wings' can refer more broadly to any spicy wing preparation.
Can I fry buffalo wings instead of baking?
Yes, deep fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through, then toss in the same sauce.
Why use baking powder on the wings?
Baking powder helps draw moisture to the surface and raises the skin's pH, both of which promote browning and crisping in a dry oven.
How do I make buffalo wings milder?
Reduce the ratio of hot sauce to butter, or stir in a bit more honey to mellow the heat.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 398 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Fat | 31g |
| Sodium | 920mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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