Step 1: Prepare the Wings
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
- Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
Step 2: Season the Wings
- Mix Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Wings: Toss the chicken wings in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
- Arrange on Rack: Place the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Sauce Them Up: If desired, toss the baked wings in your choice of sauce. Return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, and a side of celery sticks!
Tips for Success
- Dry Wings: The key to crispy wings is ensuring they are as dry as possible before seasoning.
- Baking Powder: Using baking powder (not baking soda) helps achieve that crispy texture.
- Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on the size of the wings and your oven’s calibration.
Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Toss with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil before baking.
- Lemon Pepper: Use lemon zest and black pepper in the seasoning mix for a zesty twist.
- Garlic Parmesan: After baking, toss wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Final Thoughts
These crispy chicken wings are a deliciously satisfying treat that can be tailored to suit any flavor preference. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own, they’re guaranteed to be a favorite at any gathering!