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The Ultimate Guide to Ultra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings: The Baking Powder & High-Heat Method

A generous pile of golden brown, crispy baked chicken wings stacked high on a white plate.

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Achieve shatteringly crisp skin on your chicken wings using only your oven. This no-fry recipe uses baking powder and high heat to deliver juicy inside, crunchy outside wings perfect for game day or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes separated)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce for tossing after baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire cooling rack on top of the sheet. This setup allows air to circulate completely around the wings, which is key for crispiness.
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. Removing surface moisture is essential for crispy skin.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the dry mixture. The baking powder helps raise the skin’s pH, allowing it to brown and crisp better.
  5. Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Do not let the pieces touch.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Flip the wings over. Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  8. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden brown and very crispy.
  9. Remove the wings from the oven. If you are using sauce, place the hot wings in a clean bowl, pour your sauce over them, and toss to coat.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest result, ensure you use aluminum-free baking powder.
  • Do not skip the wire rack; this prevents the bottom of the wings from steaming in rendered fat.
  • If you want extra crunch, you can briefly place the sauced wings under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after tossing, watching them closely to prevent burning.
  • These wings can be seasoned and placed on the rack up to 4 hours ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator before baking.

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