Make Crispy Chicken Wings Without A Fryer At Home

Chicken wings are a popular snack, especially for game day, but frying them can be a hassle. Luckily, there are ways to make crispy chicken wings without a fryer. The secret to achieving that crunch without a fryer is to toss the wings in baking powder before cooking. This changes the pH balance of the skin, allowing it to become crispy and succulent. The wings can then be baked in the oven, with the fat dripping off, resulting in ultra-crispy wings. The ideal oven temperature for this is 425°F. The wings can then be tossed in a variety of sauces, such as buffalo sauce, voodoo sauce, or a citrus beer sauce.

Bake wings on a rack so the fat can drip off

Baking chicken wings is a healthier alternative to frying, and it's easier, too—no need to worry about getting the oil temperature just right. Plus, you can still get that delicious crispy texture.

First, you'll want to dry the wings with paper towels. This is an essential step to achieving a crispy coating. Then, you'll toss the wings in a dry spice rub. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. Make sure to use aluminium-free baking powder, as this will ensure your wings brown nicely and create a crispy coating.

Next, preheat your oven to 425°F and place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Spray the rack with non-stick spray. Place the wings on the rack in a single layer, skin side up. It's fine for them to be touching.

Bake the wings for 35-50 minutes, depending on their size, flipping them halfway through. You'll know they're done when they're crispy and golden brown.

Finally, remove the wings from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them as-is, or toss them in your favourite sauce.

Use baking powder to make the skin crispy

Baking powder is the secret to achieving crispy chicken wings without deep-frying. By lightly tossing the chicken wings in baking powder before cooking, you can change the pH balance of the skin, allowing it to become crispy and succulent. Here's a step-by-step guide to using baking powder to make delicious crispy chicken wings at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture on the wings can affect the crispiness of the skin. You can also place the wings on a rack and refrigerate them uncovered overnight for thorough drying.

Step 2: Toss the Wings in Baking Powder

Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Add aluminium-free baking powder (not baking soda) and toss to coat the wings evenly. You can also add a small amount of salt at this stage for extra flavour. Make sure to use just enough baking powder to coat the wings lightly. You're not trying to create a thick coating, but rather changing the pH level of the skin to enhance crispness.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet or tray with aluminium foil to make cleanup easier. Then, place an oven-safe metal rack on top of the foil. Spray the rack with cooking spray or lightly oil it to prevent the chicken from sticking. This rack is essential for achieving even crispness and allowing the fat to drip away from the chicken.

Step 4: Arrange the Wings on the Rack

Place the chicken wings on the prepared rack in a single layer, with the skin side up. Make sure they are spaced out evenly to allow for even cooking and crisping.

Step 5: Bake at Low Temperature

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the baking sheet with the chicken wings on the lower rack of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes at this low temperature to dry out the wings and allow the baking powder to work its magic. This step helps render the fat under the skin and starts the drying process.

Step 6: Increase Temperature and Bake Again

After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) without removing the wings. Bake for another 40-50 minutes at this higher temperature, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. If your wings are smaller, they may only need 30 minutes at this step. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Rest and Sauce the Wings

Once the wings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. You can now toss the wings in your favourite sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken wings!

Tips and Tricks:

• Be careful not to confuse baking powder with baking soda. Using baking soda can result in an unpleasant metallic taste.
• For extra flavour, you can add seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic powder, or your favourite wing rub after baking.
• If you want to add moisture to the wings, you can toss them in sauce before serving. However, this may affect the crispiness of the skin.
• For even crispier wings, you can brine the wings in a mixture of water, salt, and baking powder before tossing them in baking powder and baking.

Dry the wings thoroughly before cooking

Drying the wings thoroughly before cooking is an essential step in achieving the desired crispiness of the wings. This is because the moisture on the surface of the wings can inhibit the formation of a crispy coating during cooking.

To dry the wings thoroughly, use paper towels to blot away any moisture, pressing firmly on the wings. This step is crucial, as the less moisture left on the skin, the crispier the wings will become during the cooking process. Ensure that you pat the wings dry liberally, squeezing out as much moisture as possible.

Additionally, placing the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil will help catch any drippings and allow the fat to drip off during cooking, further promoting crispiness.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (230°C)

Preheating the oven to 425°F (230°C) is a crucial step in achieving the perfect chicken wings at home without a fryer. This temperature falls within the ideal range for baking chicken wings, which is between 350°F and 450°F.

By preheating your oven to this temperature, you create the optimal environment for the wings to cook evenly and efficiently. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings, but on average, it should take about 30-40 minutes to bake them at 425°F.

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

• First, ensure that your oven is properly preheated to 425°F. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and allow it to reach the desired temperature.
• While the oven is preheating, prepare your chicken wings. Start by patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy wings.
• Next, create your seasoning mix. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. You can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.
• Place the dried chicken wings in a large bowl and toss them with the seasoning mix. Ensure that they are evenly coated.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray or use a baking rack sprayed with cooking spray.
• Arrange the seasoned wings on the rack, skin-side up, in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and helps render the fat effectively.
• Place the baking sheet on the upper-middle rack of the oven. Baking at a higher rack position promotes even cooking and browning.
• Bake the wings for 20 minutes, then turn them over and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and browned. The total cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps and preheating your oven to 425°F, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy chicken wings without the need for a fryer!

Toss wings in sauce before serving

Once your wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the wings to a bowl and toss with your desired sauce. You can make a quick buffalo sauce with hot sauce, sugar, and water, or try something different like a citrus beer sauce or voodoo sauce. If you're making a sticky sauce, toss the wings through the sauce to evenly coat them.

For a classic Buffalo wing experience, serve your saucy wings with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce and some celery and/or carrot sticks on the side. If you prefer crispier wings, you can serve the hot sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions