Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Your favorite sauce for tossing (e.g., buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Prepare the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps in getting them crispy.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Oil the Wings: Drizzle the vegetable oil over the wings and toss again to ensure they are well coated.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier.
- Bake the Wings: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly crispy.
- Check for Crispiness: After 40 minutes, check the wings. They should be golden brown and crispy. If you desire extra crispiness, you can broil them on high for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Toss in Sauce: Once the wings are cooked to your liking, remove them from the oven. If you’re using a sauce, toss the wings in your favorite sauce until they’re well coated.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy chicken wings hot with your choice of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side.
Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken wings!