Craving those perfectly crispy, juicy, and saucy chicken wings you get at your favorite restaurant? You’ve come to the right place. This is the ultimate guide and chicken wings recipe, designed to give you unbelievably crunchy wings every single time. Forget soggy, disappointing results. We’re sharing the secrets that work whether you’re baking, frying, or using your air fryer.
Get ready to make the best wings of your life, right in your own kitchen. Perfect for game day, parties, or any night you need a delicious, satisfying treat.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wings Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a master guide to wing perfection. Here’s why it will become your go-to:
Unbeatable Crunch: We use a simple but magical combination of cornstarch and baking powder to create a shatteringly crispy skin.
Total Versatility: We provide clear, step-by-step instructions for three popular cooking methods: baked in the oven, deep-fried, and air-fried.
3 Amazing Sauces: Why settle for one? We’ve included easy recipes for Classic Buffalo, Smoky Honey BBQ, and a rich Garlic Parmesan sauce.
Foolproof Method: From prepping the chicken to saucing the final product, our tips ensure success for cooks of all skill levels.
The Secret to Unbelievably Crispy Wings
The difference between good wings and great wings comes down to texture. The goal is a super crispy skin that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce. Here are the two non-negotiable steps to achieve that.
Pat Them Dry, Seriously!
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before you do anything else, you must pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. The drier the surface of the chicken skin, the faster it will crisp up when heat is applied. Don’t skip this step!
The Magic Dust: Cornstarch & Baking Powder
This is the game-changer. A light coating of cornstarch and baking powder (not baking soda!) works wonders. Cornstarch helps absorb any remaining moisture and fries up into a light, crispy coating. Baking powder raises the pH level of the chicken skin, which helps break down proteins more efficiently and allows for better browning and crisping.
Essential Ingredients
For the wings themselves, you only need a few pantry staples. The real magic is in the technique.
A few simple pantry staples are all you need for the crispiest wings.
Chicken Wings: About 3 pounds of “party wings,” which are pre-separated into drumettes and flats.
Cornstarch: For that light, crispy coating.
Baking Powder: The secret weapon for browning and crisping. Make sure it’s aluminum-free for the purest taste.
Seasonings: We use a simple but flavorful blend of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Oil for Frying (Optional): If you’re frying, you’ll need a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil.
Flats vs. Drumettes: Does it Matter?
A “party wing” package usually contains both parts of the wing. The “drumette” looks like a miniature drumstick and has more meat. The “flat” is, well, flatter, and has a higher skin-to-meat ratio, which many people love for its crispiness. This recipe works perfectly for both, so there’s no need to choose a side!
How to Make The Best Chicken Wings Recipe: Step-by-Step
FL Recipes
The Ultimate Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe (Baked, Fried, or Air Fryer!)
This is the ultimate guide to a perfect chicken wings recipe. Learn the secret to unbelievably crispy skin using your oven, air fryer, or deep fryer, plus get 3 amazing sauce recipes!
Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is the most crucial step for crispy skin!
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Add the dry wings to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss well until every wing is evenly coated.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. (See notes for other cooking methods).
While the wings are cooking, prepare your sauce. For Classic Buffalo, simply whisk the melted butter and hot sauce together in a bowl large enough to hold all the wings.
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, let them rest for a minute. Then, transfer the hot wings to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately with celery, carrots, and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 35g
Notes
Frying Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry wings in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack. Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook wings in a single layer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Saucing Tip: Always toss the hot, cooked wings in sauce immediately before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
This is our preferred method for its hands-off nature and incredible results without the mess of deep-frying. For an even crispier result, try this oven-baked chicken method on a wire rack.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack inside a large, rimmed baking sheet. The rack is key for allowing hot air to circulate around the entire wing.
Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are deep golden brown and very crispy.
Method 2: Classic Fried Chicken Wings
For that undeniable, classic deep-fried crunch, this method is king. It’s faster than baking but requires more attention.
Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a clean wire rack.
Method 3: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The air fryer is a champion at making wings crispy with minimal oil. It’s fast, easy, and the cleanup is a breeze.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You will likely need to cook them in two batches.
Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. They are done when the skin is blistered and crispy.
3 Irresistible Wing Sauces
A great wing is nothing without a great sauce. Prepare your sauce while the wings are cooking, and remember the golden rule: toss the hot, crispy wings with the sauce right before you serve them.
Why choose one? Make all three of our irresistible wing sauces!
Classic Buffalo Sauce
1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
Smoky Honey BBQ Sauce
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions: Warm all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until combined.
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and minced garlic. Once you add the hot wings, add the Parmesan, parsley, and pepper and toss to coat everything evenly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Wings Every Time
Don’t Overcrowd: Whether baking, frying, or air frying, give your wings space. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the skin from crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
Rest Before Saucing: Let the wings rest for a minute or two on a wire rack after cooking. This helps the coating set and stay crispy.
Sauce at the End: For maximum crunch, toss the wings in the sauce in a large bowl immediately before serving.
Check for Doneness: The safest way to know your chicken is cooked is with an instant-read thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the wing.
What to Serve with Chicken Wings
Classic wings demand classic sides. You can’t go wrong with crunchy celery and carrot sticks with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with other party foods like French fries, onion rings, or even a simple side salad. For a full party spread, serve them alongside this amazing crispy fried chicken recipe.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results when reheating, skip the microwave! Reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for 5-10 minutes until they are hot and the skin has crisped up again.
The two most important secrets are patting the wings completely dry with paper towels and coating them in a mixture containing cornstarch and baking powder. This combination draws out moisture and creates an incredibly crunchy crust during cooking.
It’s personal preference! Baking on a wire rack is a healthier, hands-off method that yields very crispy results. Frying is faster and gives that classic, deep-fried flavor and texture. Both methods are excellent with this recipe.
Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic way to get super crispy wings with less oil. Follow the same prep steps and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until the skin is blistered and golden.
It is highly recommended to thaw your wings completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen releases too much water, which steams the wings and prevents them from getting crispy. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
The key is to toss the hot, freshly cooked wings with the sauce immediately before serving. Do not let them sit in the sauce for a long time, as the crust will absorb the liquid and soften. Serve them right away for maximum crunch.
More Game Day Favorites To Try
We hope you love this ultimate chicken wings recipe! It’s truly a game-changer for homemade wings. If you’re looking for other crowd-pleasers, be sure to check out our recipe for perfect juicy grilled chicken or a comforting creamy chicken casserole.
If you make these wings, please leave a comment below and let us know your favorite sauce! And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
