You can make buffalo wings by starting out with air fryer wings or Crock Pot wings, but oven baked chicken wings are the best choice for a fuss-free big batch that doesn’t require special equipment. Just follow my tips for getting perfectly crispy wings, then toss them in sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for buffalo chicken wings, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Wings:
Chicken Wings – Feel free to use a mix of both flats and drumettes for this buffalo wings recipe, so everyone gets their favorite part of the chicken wing. You can also use whole chicken wings. If you have other cuts on hand, I have a recipe for baked buffalo chicken breast, or you can make baked chicken legs and pour the buffalo sauce over them. If you have frozen wings, use my frozen air fryer wings recipe. Baking Powder – This is my secret ingredient for super crispy buffalo chicken wings! It works no matter what kind of sauce you like on your wings — plain, buffalo, BBQ, lemon pepper, etc. Just remember, it’s not the same as baking soda! Sea Salt & Black Pepper
Buffalo Wing Sauce:
Buffalo Sauce – For that classic, fiery kick! Any hot sauce will work, but buffalo is the classic. Butter – Adding butter to the buffalo sauce gives it a smoother, richer flavor and balances the heat. Be sure to use unsalted butter, since the buffalo sauce is already salty and we also add salt to the wings directly.
How To Make Buffalo Wings
This section shows how to make baked buffalo chicken wings, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. I kept it simple with just salt and pepper, because the buffalo sauce is already so flavorful! But if you like, you can add 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the wings for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat the buffalo wings recipe in a 375 degrees F oven until warm. I don’t recommend the microwave, as it will make the skin soggy. Toss in a fresh mixture of buffalo sauce and melted butter after reheating. Freeze: Freeze baked buffalo wings on a baking sheet in a single layer, until frozen solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
What To Serve With Baked Buffalo Wings
Now that you know how to make ’em, you might be wondering what goes with buffalo chicken wings! Here are some easy ideas:
Raw Veggies – Celery sticks, cucumber slices, mini bell peppers, and radishes are perfect to serve with a buffalo wings recipe. Dipping Sauces – Blue cheese dressing (pictured above) is my favorite pairing to cut the heat, but ranch dressing is also a great option. Fries – Try air fried French fries for a crowd, or zucchini fries for a lighter option. Appetizers – For a full appetizer spread, serve your hot wings alongside jalapeno poppers, creamy spinach dip, and stuffed mini peppers. Salads – Healthy salads are a great way to make these wings into a complete, balanced meal. Caesar salad is one of my favorites!
More Easy Chicken Wing Recipes
If you’re a fan of chicken wings like I am, you’re in for a treat! Check out these other wing recipes — each one is a personal favorite and perfect for any wing lover’s next meal: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
