Baking chicken wings to crispy perfection is an art that anyone can master with just a few simple steps. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these delightful bites, perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need about one pound of fresh chicken wings—never frozen if possible—as they tend to retain moisture which can hinder crispiness. Next, grab some olive oil and seasonings; I recommend Montreal steak spice for its robust flavor, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat your oven to 465°F (240°C). This high temperature is crucial—it’s what will give those wings their irresistible crunch! While the oven heats up, take a moment to pat dry each wing thoroughly using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy here; we want them bone-dry so they roast rather than steam.
In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with about one teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle on your chosen spices until evenly coated. The oil helps create that golden crust while also allowing the seasoning to stick beautifully.
Now comes the fun part: spread those seasoned wings out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup later. Make sure not to overcrowd them; giving each wing space allows hot air to circulate freely around them, enhancing their crispiness.
Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes. Halfway through cooking time—around 25-30 minutes—take them out carefully (watch out for splattering grease!), flip each wing over gently using tongs, and drain any excess fat from the pan before returning them back into the oven until they're perfectly browned and crunchy.
If you're feeling adventurous towards the end of baking time, drizzle some hot sauce over them right before pulling them out again—a quick blast under broil can caramelize it nicely without losing that coveted crunch!
Serve these beauties hot alongside celery sticks and ranch dressing or blue cheese dip—the classic pairing that never disappoints! With this straightforward method at hand, you'll find yourself whipping up batches of crispy baked chicken wings regularly.