How to Make Buffalo Wings in the Oven: Crispy & Easy Recipe

Craving crispy, flavorful buffalo wings without the hassle of deep frying? Making buffalo wings in the oven is a simple and healthier way to enjoy this classic favorite right at home. You’ll get that perfect balance of spicy, tangy sauce and crispy skin without the extra oil and mess.

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up wings that taste like they came straight from your favorite wing joint. Whether you’re prepping for game day or a casual get-together, oven-baked buffalo wings are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious wings with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Buffalo Wings

Prepare the following ingredients to make authentic buffalo wings in the oven:

• Chicken wings: Use 2 to 3 pounds of fresh or thawed wings, split into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
• Baking powder: Add 1 tablespoon of aluminum-free baking powder to help crisp the skin without drying the meat.
• Salt: Use 1 teaspoon to season the wings, enhancing flavor.
• Butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the sauce base.
• Hot sauce: Incorporate 1/2 cup of a cayenne pepper-based hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot, to achieve the classic buffalo heat and tang.
• Garlic powder: Add 1/2 teaspoon for subtle depth in the sauce.
• Black pepper: Use 1/4 teaspoon to balance the sauce with mild heat.
• Optional: Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for traditional serving.

Each ingredient contributes to the balance of crispy texture and bold flavor, ensuring your buffalo wings cook evenly and taste true to the original recipe.

Preparing the Chicken Wings

Preparing chicken wings correctly ensures crispy texture and even cooking. Follow these steps to get the wings ready before baking.

Cleaning and Drying the Wings

Clean the wings under cold running water to remove any residue or bone fragments. Pat them completely dry using paper towels; moisture prevents crispiness during baking. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a rimmed tray to air-dry for 10 to 15 minutes if time allows.

Optional: Marinating for Extra Flavor

Marinate the wings in a mixture of 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt with 2 tablespoons hot sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Marinating adds depth to the buffalo flavor but avoid excess liquid to maintain crispiness in the oven.

How to Make Buffalo Wings in the Oven

Follow these steps to bake crispy, flavorful buffalo wings in your oven. Proper preparation and baking techniques ensure even cooking and the perfect texture.

Preheating and Preparing the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) for optimal crispiness. Position a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment to catch drippings and promote air circulation around the wings. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack without crowding them, which helps the heat circulate evenly and crisp the skin thoroughly.

Baking the Wings to Perfection

Bake the wings for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety. After baking, toss the wings immediately in the melted butter and hot sauce mixture, coating them evenly for that classic buffalo flavor and glossy finish. Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing if desired.

Making the Buffalo Sauce

Crafting the buffalo sauce perfectly balances heat and richness to complement your crispy oven-baked wings. Using the right ingredients and proper mixing techniques ensures a smooth, flavorful coating.

Classic Buffalo Sauce Ingredients

Use the following essentials for authentic buffalo sauce:

• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter for richness and smoother texture
• 1/2 cup cayenne pepper–based hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, for signature heat
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to deepen flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for subtle spice balance

Each ingredient contributes to the sauce’s bold, tangy, and spicy profile that defines classic buffalo wings.

Mixing and Heating the Sauce

Start by melting the unsalted butter over low heat to avoid burning. Once melted, whisk in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined and glossy. Heat the mixture gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, to meld flavors and achieve a velvety texture. Avoid boiling to preserve the sauce’s sharpness and prevent separation. Toss your baked wings immediately in the warm sauce to coat them evenly and lock in flavor.

Coating the Wings in Buffalo Sauce

Toss the baked wings immediately in the warm buffalo sauce to maximize flavor absorption and maintain their crispiness. Use a large mixing bowl to evenly coat each wing with the melted butter and hot sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every part of the wing gets covered.

Avoid overcrowding the bowl, since crowded wings fail to coat evenly and lose their texture. If needed, work in batches to keep the sauce distribution uniform. After coating, let the wings rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce sets slightly, which helps it cling better during serving.

Serve the coated wings hot, pairing them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing to balance the heat and enhance the overall taste experience.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Pair the buffalo wings with classic sides like celery sticks and blue cheese dressing to balance the heat and add refreshing crunch. Offer ranch dressing as an alternative dip if you prefer a milder option. Present the wings on a platter lined with parchment paper to absorb excess sauce and keep the serving area clean.

Reheat leftover wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes to restore crispiness while warming the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the skin and diminishes texture. Store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Experiment with sauce variations by mixing your hot sauce base with honey, barbecue sauce, or a splash of lime juice to create sweet, smoky, or tangy profiles. Apply additional seasoning such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before baking to enhance depth if you want spicier wings.

Serve the wings immediately after coating to maintain the balance between crispy skin and saucy flavor. Letting the wings rest too long causes the coating to soften and reduce texture contrast. Use tongs for tossing to ensure even sauce coverage and avoid breaking the crispy skin.

Conclusion

Making buffalo wings in the oven is a straightforward way to enjoy that perfect crispy texture without the extra oil and mess. Once you master the balance of seasoning and sauce, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s ideal for any occasion.

With just a few simple steps, you can create wings that deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch every time. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a spicy snack, these oven-baked buffalo wings will hit the spot.