1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet Adjust your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat the oven to 425°F. This high heat is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top, then spray the rack with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

2-Second Step: Prepare the Wings Dry the 4 pounds of chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is key for crispiness. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 tablespoons aluminum-free baking powder. Toss the wings evenly with this seasoning mixture to coat them well.

3-Third Step: Arrange and Bake the Wings Arrange the seasoned wings skin-side up in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings for even browning. Bake them on the upper-middle rack, turning every 20 minutes, until they are crispy and browned. Depending on the size, this takes about 40 minutes, but check after 30 to ensure they don’t overcook.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Sauce While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by stirring 1/3 cup hot sauce, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon water in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Let the sauce cool before using it, as this prevents the wings from becoming soggy.

5-Fifth Step: Rest and Toss Once baked, remove the wings from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle and keeps the meat juicy. Then, toss the wings in the cooled sauce or your choice of option like ranch or honey garlic for added variety.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Plate your wings immediately for the best texture and serve with sides like veggies or dips. Each serving offers about 381 calories and 23 grams of protein, making it a balanced meal. For more tips on keeping them crispy, remember that letting them rest is a simple trick that works wonders. If you’re looking for another easy recipe to complement this one, try our apple cranberry crisp for a fruity dessert.