If you’re searching for a snack that’s bursting with bold flavor and crispy perfection, look no further than this Old Bay Wings Recipe. These wings bring together the unmistakable zest of Old Bay seasoning with a crispy, golden crust that will have you reaching for more. Whether you bake them in the oven or crisp them up in an air fryer, these wings are the perfect combo of savory, spicy, and downright addictive. Trust me, once you try this Old Bay Wings Recipe, it’s going to be your go-to for game days, get-togethers, or whenever you need a flavorful pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but crucial for creating wings with the right balance of crispiness and flavor. Each item contributes in a meaningful way to the texture, seasoning, and overall deliciousness of your wings.
- 2 pounds mix of chicken wings and drumettes: Choosing both wings and drumettes adds variety in texture and size, making each bite exciting.
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning: This classic blend of spices is the star, delivering that signature tangy and savory kick.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: A secret weapon for achieving crispy skin without deep frying.
How to Make Old Bay Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken wings and drumettes dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is essential for crispiness when cooking, whether baking or air frying.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning with the baking powder. The baking powder helps to create that irresistible crunchy texture, while the Old Bay seasoning infuses the wings with rich flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Place the dry chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss everything thoroughly so each wing is evenly coated in the flavorful mix.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
For oven cooking, preheat to 425°F. Arrange the coated wings on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. For air fryer cooking, set your air fryer to 380°F, cook the wings for 25 minutes, turning halfway, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your wings hot. The crispy skin combined with that iconic Old Bay flavor makes these wings irresistible on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
How to Serve Old Bay Wings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Old Bay Wings Recipe visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright contrast to the spices and makes every bite pop with zest.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing create a perfect balance to the wings’ spicy, crunchy exterior. For something heartier, try pairing with crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw to complement that savory punch.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Old Bay wings on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy buffalo sauce. This creates a fun, interactive eating experience that’s perfect for entertaining friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these delicious wings left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain most of that crispy texture if reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings by placing them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps their texture intact, ideal for a quick meal down the road.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain crispiness, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy, dulling that wonderful crunch you worked hard to create.
FAQs
What makes Old Bay Wings Recipe different from other wing recipes?
The unique flavor profile comes from the Old Bay seasoning, which combines herbs and spices like celery salt, paprika, and black pepper. It creates a bold, complex taste that’s distinct and addicting compared to typical buffalo or BBQ wings.
Can I use just baking powder or just Old Bay seasoning?
While baking powder is key for crispiness, Old Bay seasoning is essential for flavor. Using both provides the perfect balance: crispy, well-seasoned wings that truly stand out.
Is it better to bake or air fry these wings?
Both methods yield fantastic results. Baking is easy for larger batches, while air frying works well for a smaller, quicker cook with a similarly crispy finish.
Should I marinate the wings before cooking?
For this recipe, coating with the seasoning and baking powder right before cooking is sufficient. Marinating isn’t necessary because Old Bay seasoning delivers intense flavor that penetrates well with this method.
What dipping sauces go best with Old Bay Wings Recipe?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs beautifully, but don’t be afraid to experiment with spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even a tangy BBQ sauce to complement the bold seasoning of the wings.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the crunch and zest of a perfectly cooked batch of wings seasoned with the magic of Old Bay. This Old Bay Wings Recipe is simple but unforgettable, perfect whenever you want to impress without a ton of fuss. Give it a try and prepare for those satisfying moments when your taste buds do a happy dance!
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Old Bay Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (oven) or 30 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 55 minutes (oven) or 40 minutes (air fryer)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old Bay Wings are a flavorful and crispy appetizer featuring chicken wings and drumettes seasoned with the classic Old Bay seasoning blend and a touch of baking powder for extra crunch. This versatile recipe offers two cooking methods: oven-baked or air-fried, both delivering perfectly crispy, golden wings that pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce. Ideal for game day, parties, or a tasty snack, these wings are easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds mix of chicken wings and drumettes
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the wings.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken wings and drumettes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better in the oven.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of baking powder with 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning. Stir until fully mixed to ensure even coating.
- Coat Wings: Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss well to fully coat every piece of wing evenly with the seasoning.
- Bake Wings: Arrange the coated chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking to promote even crisping on all sides.
- Serve: Once baked to crispy perfection, remove the wings from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Air Fryer Option – Prepare Chicken: For air fryer cooking, start again by patting chicken dry and coating with the baking powder and Old Bay seasoning mix as described above.
- Air Fry Wings: Place the coated wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Halfway through, remove the basket and use tongs to flip the wings and rearrange them so the bottom pieces come to the top for even cooking.
- Crisp Wings: Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and continue cooking the wings for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy skin.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning is essential for achieving crispy skin.
- Baking powder is the secret ingredient that helps wings get extra crispy without frying.
- Flipping the wings halfway through cooking ensures even crispiness and browning.
- You can customize the dipping sauce to your liking—ranch, blue cheese, or spicy sauces all pair well.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet if possible to allow air circulation around the wings for even crisping when baking.
- If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure every wing cooks evenly and crisps properly.
