Name: Buffalo Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb chicken wings, wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed; 1 tbsp baking powder, (use aluminum free); 1 tsp fine sea salt; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup franks original red hot sauce; 1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar

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Crispy, spicy, and downright irresistible, Buffalo Chicken Wings are the quintessential American appetizer. Known for their crunchy skin and succulent meat, these wings are bathed in a luscious hot sauce that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. You’ll find that making them at home yields wings far superior to those from your local restaurant; they’re fresh, crispy, and you can adjust the heat to match your cravings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to order takeout again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Buffalo Chicken Wings

The beauty of making Buffalo Chicken Wings lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand, these wings can be on your table in about an hour. Perfect for game day, movie night, or a casual get-together with friends, these wings are always a crowd-pleaser. So why not treat yourself? I invite you to gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these mouthwatering wings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a total prep and cook time of just about an hour, you can whip these up without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery hot sauce and the fragrant garlic powder creates a bold flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Imagine serving these golden, crispy wings at your next gathering. They look as good as they taste!
Flexible Serving: These wings shine at any time—whether you’re snacking during a game, hosting a party, or just indulging during a cozy night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to experiment with sauces and spices. You can easily venture into gluten-free or sugar-free territory while still enjoying delicious wings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb chicken wings: Choose fresh wings for the best flavor and texture. Ensure they are split into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
1 tbsp baking powder: This helps to achieve an ultra-crispy skin without frying. Just make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for the best taste.
1 tsp fine sea salt: Essential for flavor enhancement, this salt helps to season the chicken perfectly.
2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the hot sauce.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: The perfect base for your sauce, adding richness without being overly greasy.
1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: This iconic hot sauce brings the authentic Buffalo flavor that’s loved by many. Feel free to adjust the amount for your preferred heat level.
1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar): Sweetness balances the heat of the sauce; brown sugar will give it a richer flavor.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels to ensure they crisp up beautifully. Preheat your oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Placing a wire rack over the pan will elevate the wings, allowing the heat to circulate for even cooking.

Season the Wings: In a bowl, combine the 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. Toss this seasoning mixture over the chicken wings, ensuring they are uniformly coated. This step is crucial as it contributes to that dream-worthy crunch!

Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden. After this, flip the wings and bake for another 25 minutes or until they are crispy and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is perfectly crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.

Make the Sauce: While the wings bake, prepare the sauce by mixing 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce, and 1 tbsp granulated (or brown) sugar in a medium-sized bowl. This mixture should be well combined, creating a fragrant sauce that smells like heaven.

Coat and Serve: Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them directly to the bowl with the sauce. Drizzle it over and toss until they are perfectly coated. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, whether it’s ranch, blue cheese, or something spicy. Enjoy the crunch and mouthwatering flavor of these Buffalo Chicken Wings!

Storing & Reheating

For storing, let your wings cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last up to 3 months. When reheating, simply pop them back into a 350˚F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore that lovely crispiness. Note that while they will still be delicious, the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy wings: Make sure to pat the wings dry well before seasoning to avoid any moisture that might inhibit crispiness.
Room temperature wings: Allow the wings to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to baking. This helps them cook evenly.
Flavor the sauce: After tossing the wings, reserve some sauce to drizzle on once served for added flavor.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to mix in your favorite spices, like paprika or cayenne, for extra flavor in the seasoning mix.
Make-ahead option: Prep the wings and season them earlier in the day—just wait to bake until you’re ready to serve.

The process of making these wings is as rewarding as devouring them! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’re set to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a laid-back evening or a big celebration, Crispy Buffalo Wings will always be a highlight. Feel free to tweak the spices and flavor levels to suit your whims. Enjoy sharing these wings and the delightful crunch with your loved ones!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen wings, remember to thaw them properly in the refrigerator before cooking. It’s important to get them dry before seasoning to achieve that desired crispy skin.

How can I make these wings spicier?

If you love heat, feel free to add extra Frank’s hot sauce to the coating. You can also incorporate cayenne pepper or even toss them in a spicier hot sauce after baking for a kick!

Are there any healthy alternatives?

For a lighter version, you can bake without the butter, or use olive oil as a healthier fat option. Just keep in mind that you’ll lose some of that rich flavor!

Can I make the wings in an air fryer?

Sure! Cooking wings in an air fryer is a great alternative to baking. Preheat your air fryer, place the wings in a single layer, and cook at 400˚F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for perfect crispiness.

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Air Fryer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Wings are bursting with flavor and simplicity. Perfectly crispy, they make an ideal comfort food or quick evening meal for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lb chicken wings, wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed
1 tbsp baking powder, (use aluminum free)
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup franks original red hot sauce
1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar

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Instructions

Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, placing a wire rack on top.
In a bowl, mix together baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the mixture over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
Arrange the chicken wings on the wire rack and bake for 25 minutes.
Flip the chicken wings and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until they are crispy and cooked through.
Combine melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar in a medium bowl, mixing well.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken from the baking sheet to the bowl with sauce. Drizzle the sauce over wings and toss to coat well. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Make sure the chicken wings are thoroughly dried for maximum crispiness.
Serve these with a side of celery and blue cheese for a classic pairing.
Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to suit your spice preference.