Description
These Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are perfectly seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection using either the oven or an air fryer. Coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and garnished with fresh chives, they make a delicious appetizer or snack served best with ranch or bleu cheese dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds party chicken wings (908 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder (14 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper or freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1-2 pinches cayenne pepper, to taste
- Neutral oil or cooking spray (such as avocado oil)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup good-quality salted butter (60 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (9 grams)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped chives (6 grams)
For Serving
- Ranch or bleu cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Place them in a large bowl and add the baking powder, kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss well to evenly coat all the wings with the dry rub. Set aside.
- Oven-Bake the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or tin foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Grease the wire rack with neutral oil or cooking spray. Arrange the wings skin-side up in a single layer on the rack, allowing them to touch slightly as they will shrink while baking. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let the wings rest for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Wings: Lightly grease the basket of your air fryer with neutral oil or cooking spray. Place the wings skin-side up in a single layer in the basket, allowing slight touching. Air fry the wings at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the wings and air fry for another 6-8 minutes until crispy and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 4-5 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While the wings cook, melt the salted butter with minced garlic over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Swirl the pan occasionally and cook until the butter is melted and the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss Wings with Garlic Butter: After the wings have rested, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the wings and toss gently with tongs to coat them evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the wings. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately with ranch or bleu cheese dressing on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder, not baking soda, to achieve the crispiest skin.
- Drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning and cooking is essential for crispiness.
- Both oven baking and air frying methods yield crispy wings; choose based on your equipment and preference.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the wings are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your desired spice level.
- Serving with a cool ranch or bleu cheese dressing complements the garlicky richness perfectly.
- For best results, let wings rest briefly after cooking to redistribute juices before tossing in sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-45 minutes (depending on oven or air fryer method)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
