The aroma of Frank’s RedHot and melted butter still takes me back to countless game days, the kind where anticipation hangs thick in the air and the only thing better than the score is the snack spread. I’ve always loved a good buffalo wing, but the thought of deep-frying at home usually sends me straight to the takeout menu. That was until I discovered the magic of baking powder creating impossibly crispy skin right in my oven. These Honey Buffalo Wings are my answer for that irresistible sweet and spicy kick, no fryer required, just pure, crunchy, oven-baked perfection. Get ready for your new go-to!
Buffalo Wings Without the Fryer?
Absolutely! These oven-baked honey buffalo wings are a game-changer, delivering that sought-after crispy skin and sticky, flavorful glaze without the mess or hassle of deep-frying. You’ll love the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy hot sauce, and the secret to their incredible crunch is a simple spice rub that makes them taste like a pro-chef creation. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for any gathering or a weeknight treat.
Buffalo Wings: Crispy, Baked, & Delicious
- My family’s recipe secrets for the best Buffalo Wings at home!
How to Make Honey Buffalo Wings
- Prep for crispiness: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, then lightly grease the rack to ensure your buffalo wings release easily.
- Season for flavor: In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until they’re evenly coated. This is key for that amazing crispy texture!
- Bake to golden: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the greased rack, space them apart, and bake for 35-40 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and delightfully crisp.
- Simmer the sauce: While the wings bake, gently heat Frank’s hot sauce, honey, and butter in a small pot. Stir until combined and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Glaze and enjoy: Let the baked wings cool on the rack for about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and toss generously with the warm honey-buffalo sauce. Serve immediately!
Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Proper Storage for Honey Buffalo Wings
- Fridge: Store leftover honey buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the extra sauce separate to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively impact the crispy texture desired for buffalo wings.
- Reheating: Reheat wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
Make Ahead Options
These crispy oven-baked buffalo wings are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to get ahead of the game for parties or busy weeknights. You can prepare the seasoned wings up to 24 hours in advance; simply toss them with the baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator (do not bake them yet). The honey-buffalo sauce can also be made up to 3 days ahead and stored separately in a sealed jar in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake the seasoned wings directly from the fridge for about 40-45 minutes, ensuring they are completely cooked and crisp, then warm the sauce gently on the stove before tossing and serving for a flavor-packed, stress-free appetizer.
What to Serve with Crispy Oven-Baked Honey Buffalo Wings?
Transform these sweet and spicy delights into a complete meal with some vibrant and refreshing accompaniments.
- Cool & Creamy Ranch Dip: A classic pairing that perfectly balances the wings’ heat, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
- Crunchy Celery & Carrot Sticks: The ultimate fresh crunch that cuts through rich flavors and cleanses the palate beautifully.
They provide a familiar, refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky wings. - Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potatoes soak up any extra sauce.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: A tangy, pungent addition that complements the sweet and spicy glaze with its bold flavor.
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Its natural sweetness offers a delightful contrast, especially when grilled or roasted to smoky perfection.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds much-needed freshness to a hearty snack.
Expert Tips
- Baking Powder Power: Use baking powder, not soda! It’s essential for drawing out moisture and achieving crispy buffalo wings without frying.
- Rack Readiness: Generously grease your wire rack to prevent sticking, ensuring those perfectly crisp wings slide off easily.
- Airing Out: Give your wings space on the rack; crowding leads to steaming, ruining that coveted crispiness.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to your liking—more for a fiery kick, less (or none) for milder enjoyment.
- Sauce Simmer: Don’t overcook the sauce; it will thicken beautifully as it cools, creating a perfect glaze.
- Cool Down: A brief resting period on the rack after baking helps set the crispness and makes removal easier.
Buffalo Wings Taste Twists
Ready to explore beyond the classic? These ideas will tantalize your taste buds and make your wings uniquely yours.
- Spicy Kick: Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a bolder fiery finish.
- Smoky Heat: Toss in some smoked paprika with the rub, or a pinch of chipotle powder for a delicious, smoky dimension.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic powder in the rub and consider adding a clove of minced fresh garlic to the sauce.
- Honey Variations: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different, nuanced sweetness.
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice in the sauce right at the end adds a vibrant brightness.
- Sweet & Tangy Swap: Use a good quality BBQ sauce as a base and add a touch of honey and hot sauce to create a unique glaze. This offers a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Extra Crispy: For an even crispier skin, try a second bake at a slightly higher temperature for a few minutes, watching closely!
Honey Buffalo Wings Recipe FAQs
How do I ensure my honey buffalo wings are extra crispy?
The secret is in the baking powder! It helps draw moisture from the skin, creating that wonderful blistered and crunchy texture without any frying. Make sure you coat the wings evenly with the baking powder mixture and give them plenty of space on the wire rack in the oven.
Can I make these honey buffalo wings ahead of time?
While these wings are best enjoyed fresh right out of the oven, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can even bake the wings ahead and reheat them, but they won’t be quite as crisp as freshly baked ones.
How should I store leftover honey buffalo wings?
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For the best results when reheating, place them on a wire rack in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crisped up again. This helps avoid a soggy texture.
How do I reheat honey buffalo wings to bring back their crispiness?
The key to reviving crispy wings is to use your oven and a wire rack! Place the leftover wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping to restore their crunchy texture.
Can I freeze honey buffalo wings?
I really don’t recommend freezing these honey buffalo wings, especially after they’ve been sauced. Freezing can make the crispy skin turn soggy and mushy upon thawing, which really takes away from the delightful texture we achieved in the oven. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
Crispy Oven Buffalo Wings: Better Than Fried!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, then lightly grease the rack.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until they're evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the greased rack and bake for 35-40 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy.
- While the wings bake, gently heat Frank’s hot sauce, honey, and butter in a small pot. Stir until combined and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Let the baked wings cool on the rack for about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and toss with the warm honey-buffalo sauce. Serve immediately!