How Long to Cook Chicken Wings in the Oven for Crispy, Juicy Results

Chicken wings are a staple finger food for game days, parties, and casual get-togethers While deep frying yields crispy wings doused in sauce, baking wings in the oven results in juicy meat with crispy skin too Best of all, oven-baked wings cut down on added fat and calories compared to their fried counterparts.

If you want to skip frying and make crispy chicken wings in the oven, the cooking time depends mainly on the temperature. The size of the wings also plays a role. Below, you’ll learn how long to bake wings to ensure they come out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Oven Baked Chicken Wings Cooking Times

Here are general guidelines for how long to cook chicken wings in the oven:

• 350°F – 60-70 minutes: The lower heat helps render fat from the skin for crispiness. Bake for at least 60 minutes. Jumbo wings may need up to 70 minutes.

• 375°F – 50-60 minutes: Medium-high heat speeds up cooking time. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

• 400°F – 40-50 minutes: The high heat crisps up the skin quickly in 40-50 minutes.

• 425°F – 30-40 minutes Extra-hot oven temperature achieves crispy wings fast in 30-40 minutes

At higher temperatures, small or medium-sized wings will cook faster compared to larger wings. For meaty jumbo wings, allow the full cooking time range listed above.

If you’re baking frozen wings, tack on 5-10 extra minutes to compensate for the frozen state. Monitor them closely near the end.

For saucy or sticky wings, use a lower oven temp in the 350°F range to prevent burning.

How to Bake Chicken Wings for Crispiness

Follow these steps for oven-baked chicken wings with crispy skin:

1. Pat the wings dry: Remove excess moisture from the skin’s surface for crispier results. Blot with paper towels.

2. Use a wire rack: Elevate the wings off the baking sheet so air can circulate completely around each wing.

3. Bake on the top rack: Heat exposure on the top oven rack helps the skin crisp up.

4. Turn halfway: Flipping the wings midway through cooks them evenly.

5. Check for doneness: Chicken reaches the safe 165°F internal temperature when done.

6. Broil briefly: 2-3 minutes under the broiler makes the skin extra crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

How to Tell When Chicken Wings Are Done

It’s difficult to judge doneness of chicken wings by sight alone. Follow these tips for guaranteed doneness:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part of a wing. Insert carefully between the bones to get an accurate reading.

• Pierce a wing with a fork or knife tip. If the juices run clear, the wings are done. If pink or red juices leak out, continue baking.

• The meat should feel firm when pierced, not mushy.

• The skin darkens and crisps up when fully cooked. Raw skin appears more pale and soft.

Allow the wings to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they cool.

Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Tips

• Pat the wings very dry before seasoning. Dry skin makes for crisper wings.

• Use a liberal dose of baking powder along with spices. It helps dehydrate the skin.

• Elevate the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of baking directly on the pan.

• Resist the urge to crowd the wings. Leaving space allows air circulation for even cooking.

• Bake the wings on the oven’s top rack closest to the heating element.

• Reheat leftover wings in a hot oven, not the microwave which makes them rubbery.

How Long to Reheat Chicken Wings in Oven

Fortunately, it’s easy to reheat baked chicken wings in the oven. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. They’ll emerge crispy as if just baked.

First, ensure the wings are arranged in a single layer on the pan. Stacked wings won’t heat evenly. Bake just until heated through, about 10-20 minutes max. Avoid overcooking the reheated wings.

Serving Ideas for Baked Chicken Wings

Crispy oven-baked chicken wings deserve some delicious accompaniments:

• Classic buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing – The classic hot wing pairing never goes out of style. Offer ranch dressing for those who want a cooler dip.

• BBQ sauce – Sweet, tangy and sometimes spicy, BBQ sauce pleases wing lovers of all tastes.

• Dry rubs – Skip the sauce and coat wings in a blend of spices and herbs for finger-licking flavor without the mess.

• Veggies and dip – Fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower florets make a lighter counterpoint to wings. Pair with ranch or hummus.

• Fries or tater tots – Crispy potatoes served alongside wings offer a satisfying crunch factor.

• Mac and cheese – The creamy, cheesy noodles make a fulfilling side for chicken wings.

• Potato salad or coleslaw – Cool, mayo-based potato or cabbage salads balance the heat of spicy wings.

Oven-Baked Chicken Wing Recipes

These oven-baked chicken wing recipes yield crispy, juicy wings without deep frying:

Simple Baked Chicken Wings

Coat wings with oil, salt, pepper and baking powder. Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Sweet Chili Wings

Toss wings in soy sauce, brown sugar, chili powder and crushed garlic. Bake at 400°F for 40-50 minutes.

Jerk Chicken Wings

Marinate wings in a spicy blend of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes.

Parmesan Garlic Wings

Coat wings in melted butter, garlic powder and grated Parmesan before baking at 425°F for 30 minutes.

Honey Sriracha Wings

Bake wings at 375°F for 50 minutes then coat with a honey sriracha glaze. Broil 2-3 minutes to caramelize.

Old Bay Wings

Season wings with Old Bay seasoning and bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes until crispy.

The Takeaway

Baking chicken wings in the oven at temperatures between 350°F and 425°F yields crispy, tender wings in 30-70 minutes depending on wing size. Smaller wings cook faster. Allow extra time for frozen wings or meaty jumbo wings. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After baking, broil the wings briefly to intensify crispiness. Baked wings can be easily reheated in the oven. Pair wings with sauces, dry rubs or veggie sides for a well-rounded meal.