Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Crispy oven-baked chicken wings seasoned with a smoky-sweet spice rub.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3 15

Total Time 3 30

Servings 4 servings

Preheat the oven to 200°F (about 95°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire cooling rack inside the sheet.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, light brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, and cayenne (if using).
Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the wings, then rub thoroughly so each wing is well coated.
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
Bake at 200°F for 1 hour 15 minutes. Then turn each wing over, increase the oven temperature to 250°F, and bake for another 1 hour 15 minutes.
Turn the wings again, raise the oven temperature to 300°F, and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through.
Remove the wings from the oven and serve warm or at room temperature.

You can bake wings whole or separate into drumettes and wingettes.
For different flavors, use a simple salt-and-pepper rub and toss in sauce during the last 30 minutes.
Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning to help them crisp.
Store cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 12 minutes, flipping once, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Cooked wings can be frozen unsauced for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.