These oven baked chicken wings are so crispy and tender. I tested them at every oven temperature to figure out which temp and bake time give you the most crispy outside and tender, moist center. Skip the grease from frying and make these easy chicken wings in the oven! Coat them in your favorite sauce right at the end and broil to bubbly perfection.
Baked wings can be just as juicy and taste just as flavorful as fried wings! I tested batches of wings to determine which temperature resulted in crispy skin and tender chicken.
I’m sharing a recipe for everyday baked chicken wings, with sauce options, that stand up alongside some of our other favorite game day recipes like buffalo chicken meatballs and hot honey chicken tenders.
Chicken wings are a beloved snack and appetizer for good reason – they’re tasty, convenient, and customizable While deep frying leads to deliciously crispy wings, baking wings in the oven is a healthier cooking method that can achieve similar crunchy, mouthwatering results But to get the ideal texture when oven-baking wings, it’s crucial to use the right temperature.
So what is the best oven temperature for making chicken wings that are crispy and juicy? The best oven temperature range is 425°F to 450°F. This higher heat helps the skin crisp up while still letting the meat inside cook through and stay moist. Baking at temperatures lower than 425°F usually results in soggy wings.
How Hot Should the Oven Be for Chicken Wings?
While personal taste in texture plays a role most sources recommend 425-450°F as the ideal oven temperature range for chicken wings. Here’s an overview of common oven temperatures and their impact
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350°F – 375°F – Too low to achieve crispy skin. Wings will be soft and soggy.
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400°F – Crispier than 350°F but still not ideal. May need longer bake time.
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425°F – The most commonly recommended temperature. Crisps the skin nicely without overcooking.
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450°F – At the upper range but produces excellent crispy texture. Watch closely to avoid burning.
So, the best wings with crispy skin should be cooked between 425°F and 450°F. Many recipes call for 425°F specifically. It’s better for the skin to crisp and brown when the temperature is higher.
Baking Time for Chicken Wings at 425°F
Bake time can vary based on the size of the wings and specific oven model. For average sized wings at 425°F, total bake time is usually around 40-50 minutes. To ensure even cooking:
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Place wings on a wire rack over a foil lined baking sheet for air flow.
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Bake wings on the upper middle rack position.
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Flip wings at the halfway point.
Wings reach a safe 165°F internal temperature if they are checked early and given more time if needed. The skin should be browned and crispy when fully cooked.
Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Wings
Follow these tips for maximizing the crispy factor when baking wings:
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Dry wings thoroughly – Blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning. Drier skin crisps up better.
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Use baking powder. A little baking powder makes things brown and crisp faster. Sprinkle over wings along with other seasonings.
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Elevate wings on a wire rack – Air flow around wings as they cook helps the skin crisp up.
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Flip halfway – Ensures even browning and prevents soggy spots.
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Brush with oil – For extra crispy results, lightly brush seasoned wings with oil before baking.
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Crank up the heat – For ultra crispy wings, consider baking at 450°F instead of 425°F.
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Finish under the broiler – Broiling for 2-3 minutes after baking further crisps the skin.
How Long to Bake Chicken Wings at 400°F
For a 400°F oven, baked chicken wings will need 10-15 minutes longer than at 425°F. Total approximate bake time is 50-60 minutes for average sized wings at 400°F. Check for doneness early and extend time if needed for crispy, cooked through results.
Common Questions About Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting the perfect oven baked chicken wings every time:
Should you flip chicken wings when baking?
Yes, flipping halfway through is recommended. It prevents soggy spots and encourages even browning.
Do you need oil when baking wings?
Oil is not required but can enhance browning and crispiness. Lightly brush wings with oil or spray before baking.
How do you make baked wings crispy?
Dry wings well, use baking powder, cook at 425°F on a wire rack, flip halfway, and consider oiling or broiling.
What if my oven doesn’t go to 425°F?
Use the highest temperature available. 400°F can work but may take 10-15 minutes longer.
Should I bake wings covered or uncovered?
Uncovered allows air flow for better crisping. Tenting with foil initially can help retain moisture.
How can I tell when baked wings are done?
Wings are done when 165°F internal temperature. Skin should be crispy and browned.
Can you bake frozen wings without thawing?
Yes but add about 10 more minutes of bake time if starting with frozen wings.
Satisfying, Crispy Oven-Baked Wings Without the Fuss
By following the ideal oven temperatures and tips above, you can enjoy healthier baked chicken wings with a satisfying crispy crunch. Baking at 425°F delivers the best results, but even baking at 400°F can produce delicious wings when adding a bit more time. Serve these crunchy, crowd-pleasing wings with veggie sticks and dipping sauces for the perfect game day snack or party appetizer.
How Long to Bake Chicken Wings
It takes 35-45 minutes to bake chicken wings in the oven at 425°F. The cook time varies based on the size of the chicken wings and your oven. Always use an instant read thermometer and remove the chicken wings from the oven when they reach 165°F.
They takes 45-55 minutes at 400 and 55-65 minutes at 350.
Heads up: wings will cook 20% faster if you use a chicken wing brine, so account for that in your cook time and start to check the wings at 25-30 minutes.
Is It Better to Bake Chicken Wings at 350 or 400?
I tested baking these chicken wings at 350, 400, and 425 degrees f. Baking at a higher temperature will result in crispy skin in a shorter amount of time—which is why 400 is a better option. However, 425F is the best option.
A 350° F oven will still result in crispy skin, it will just take longer to crisp and cook all the way through. The crispy “crust” happens much faster when the temperature is higher, locking in the juices and making the wings extra juicy and crispy.