Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe

This baked buffalo wings recipe makes crispy, flavorful chicken wings without breading or deep-frying. I season the wings, bake them until the skin is golden and crisp, then toss them in a buttery homemade Buffalo sauce. They’re perfect when you want saucy wings with tender meat and plenty of flavor.

These oven baked buffalo wings are great for game day, an appetizer spread, or a casual dinner. If you’re making a few flavors, try my oven baked Garlic Parmesan wings or oven baked BBQ chicken wings. For a smaller batch, my air fryer Buffalo wings are another option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy without deep-frying: Baking powder and a hot oven help the wings develop crispy skin while keeping the meat tender.
• Simple homemade Buffalo sauce: Hot sauce and melted butter make a tangy, buttery coating with just two ingredients.
• Great for appetizers or dinner: Serve these wings with dipping sauce for a snack spread or add a couple of sides for an easy meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need chicken wings, a few seasonings, and two ingredients for the Buffalo sauce. The recipe card below has the exact measurements.

For the Chicken Wings

• Chicken wings: Use thawed wings separated into flats and drumettes. This makes them easier to season evenly and serve.
• Baking powder: Helps the skin brown and crisp in the oven. Be sure to use baking powder, not baking soda.
• Seasonings: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, while garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper season the wings. Regular paprika works if you don’t have smoked paprika, but the flavor will be milder.
• Olive oil: Optional. A little oil can help the seasoning mixture stick to the wings.

For the Homemade Buffalo Sauce

• Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce: Gives the wings their classic tangy, cayenne-pepper flavor.
• Butter: I use unsalted, melted butter to balance the heat and make the sauce rich and buttery.

How to Make Baked Buffalo Wings

For crispy Buffalo wings, bake them until golden before tossing them in the buttery sauce.

Prepare and season the wings

Pat the thawed wings dry with paper towels. Mix the seasonings and baking powder in a small bowl, then toss with the wings until evenly coated. Add the optional olive oil if needed to help the mixture stick.

Bake until crispy

Arrange the wings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or an oven-safe wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Make the Buffalo sauce

Whisk the hot sauce and melted butter together in a bowl. Add the hot wings and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings

• Give the wings some space: Arrange them in a single layer without crowding the pan. This helps the skin crisp instead of steaming.
• Use a wire rack if you have one: An oven-safe rack lifts the wings off the baking sheet so hot air can circulate around them. You can also bake them directly on a parchment-lined sheet.
• Add the sauce just before serving: Tossing the wings after baking helps preserve their crispy texture. The longer they sit in the sauce, the softer the skin becomes.

If you’d prefer wings without Buffalo sauce, try my crispy oven baked chicken wings.

What to Serve With Buffalo Wings

These wings are delicious with classic dipping sauces and a few easy sides.

• Dipping sauces: Serve with my homemade blue cheese dressing, homemade ranch dressing, or cottage cheese ranch dip.
• Classic sides: Add celery and carrot sticks to the plate, along with homemade air fryer French fries.
• Vegetables: For a simple dinner, pair the wings with air fryer green beans or roasted broccoli.

Storage and Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Arrange the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven until heated through. The oven helps maintain more of their crispy texture than the microwave.
• Make ahead: If you’re preparing the wings ahead of time, keep the baked wings and Buffalo sauce separate. Reheat the wings before tossing them in the sauce.

More Buffalo Recipes

If you love Buffalo flavor, try my Buffalo chicken sliders for a party-friendly option or my Buffalo chicken bowls for an easy meal. My slow cooker Buffalo wings are another way to make saucy wings.

For something different, try my Buffalo fried shrimp or Buffalo chicken pizza, which uses a low-carb cauliflower crust.