Crispy Buffalo Wings are a beloved appetizer known for their irresistible crunch and classic tangy-spicy flavor. This homemade version uses a simple 3-ingredient buffalo sauce that perfectly coats the wings, giving them a restaurant-quality taste without the need for deep frying. The secret to achieving ultra-crispy skin lies in the use of baking powder, which helps create a crunchy crust in the oven. These wings are baked on a wire rack, allowing heat to circulate and crisp up the chicken evenly while keeping the fat content lower than traditional fried wings. Perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful snack, these buffalo wings combine the zing of Frank’s RedHot sauce with buttery smoothness and a touch of sugar to balance the heat, making every bite addictive.
3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes, wingtips removed
1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Buffalo Sauce:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over the pan to allow air circulation beneath the wings.
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for crispy skin.
In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, sea salt, and garlic powder. Add the wings to the bowl and toss them well until they are evenly coated in the dry seasoning mix.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching. This setup ensures that the heat circulates all around the wings for even crisping.
Bake the wings in the center of the oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip each wing over and bake for another 25 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crisp.
While the wings bake, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every wing in the sauce.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as blue cheese or ranch, alongside celery sticks for a classic presentation.
Each serving (approximately 8 servings total) contains roughly:
Calories: 265 kcal
Protein: 17 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Sugar: (from the sauce)
Sodium: Moderate, depending on salt and sauce amounts