Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Method9 steps · about 50 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut each whole chicken wing (2 lb) at its joints into a drumette, flat and tip. Keep the drumettes and flats for this recipe. Remove the tips; discard them or refrigerate or freeze promptly for a separate future stock.

   Uses 2 lb whole chicken wings

2. 2

   Step 2: Rub the drumettes and flats with the salt (1 tsp) and garlic powder (1 tsp), adding the optional cayenne if desired. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the seasoning settle.

   Season wings · 15 minUses Chicken drumettes and flats · 1 tsp salt · 1 tsp garlic powder · ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper, optional

3. 3

   Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking tray lightly with cooking oil and have it ready for the wings.

   Uses A little cooking oil, for greasing the baking tray

4. 4

   Step 4: Heat the ¼ cup frying oil in a pan. Once hot, pan-fry the seasoned wings over medium heat for 3 minutes on the first side. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.

   Fry wings, first side · 3 minUses Seasoned wing pieces · ¼ cup cooking oil, for pan-frying

5. 5

   Step 5: Turn the wings and pan-fry the second side over medium heat for 3 minutes.

   Fry wings, second side · 3 minUses Wing pieces, first side fried

6. 6

   Step 6: Lower the heat and add the 3 tbsp water carefully, keeping clear of splashes from the hot pan. Cover promptly to trap the steam and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Continue straight to baking.

   Steam wings, covered · 5 minUses Pan-fried wings with actual remaining pan oil · 3 tbsp water

7. 7

   Step 7: Transfer the wings from the pan to the prepared greased tray in one layer. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, until crisp and the thickest meat reaches 165°F (74°C), measuring away from bone.

   Bake wings · 25 minUses Steamed and pan-fried wing pieces · Lightly greased baking tray

8. 8

   Step 8: Remove the cooked wings from the oven and let them cool briefly until comfortable to handle, keeping their crisp coating intact.

   Uses Fully cooked crispy baked wings

9. 9

   Step 9: Serve the wings warm, sharing between 4 people, with optional ranch dressing on the side.

   Uses Warm crispy baked wings · Ranch dressing, to serve, optional