These crispy baked spicy chicken wings are a delightful treat for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Using a higher oven temperature helps achieve a crispy texture without frying.
Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the wings.
A wire rack prevents the wings from sitting in their juices, ensuring even crisping.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
Drying the wings removes excess moisture, which helps them crisp up in the oven.
Season the wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Ensure all wings are evenly coated with the seasoning for consistent flavor.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
Spacing the wings out ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Flipping the wings halfway ensures even cooking on both sides.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and stir in the hot sauce until well combined.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl and toss them with the prepared sauce until evenly coated.
Toss the wings gently to avoid breaking the crispy coating.
Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce and celery sticks.
Serving the wings immediately ensures they retain their crispiness.