Old Bay Wings
These crispy Old Bay Wings bring the classic East Coast flavor right to your kitchen. Perfect for parties or a family dinner, these wings are sure to impress with their unique blend of spices and crispy perfection.
Oh, you’re in for a treat with Old Bay Wings! This is a finger-licking good recipe that brings a little bit of Baltimore right to your kitchen.
We’re sharing two ways to make this delicious game day appetizer. You can make your crispy wings in the oven or use our tried and true method for air fryer chicken wings. Both are simple and delicious!
Table of contents
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken wings – 2 pounds of drumettes and wings. If you are using frozen chicken wings we have a whole post about making frozen chicken wings in the air fryer.
- Old Bay Seasoning – This classic Maryland seasoning is the star of the show. Old Bay Seasoning, for those who might not know, is a zesty blend of herbs and spices that’s super popular in Maryland, especially for jazzing up seafood. But let me tell you, it works wonders on chicken wings too!
- Baking powder – This little secret helps get them crispy.
- Optional: Your favorite dipping sauce (because wings and dip go together like… well, wings and Old Bay!). Traditionally you’ll want ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing but you can also add a little buffalo sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even hot honey.
Now, here’s the kicker with Old Bay Wings – they’re not just a game-day snack. Oh no, they’re a conversation starter. Imagine sitting around with your friends, munching on these wings, and discussing the unique flavor of Old Bay. It’s got celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a whole bunch of other spices that make it such a distinctive spice blend.
How to Make Old Bay Chicken Wings
Step 1 – Prep the Wings. Pat your chicken wings dry. This is crucial for getting them nice and crispy.
Step 2 – Make seasoning mix. Combine the baking powder and Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl and stir together until well blended.
Step 3 – Season. In a big bowl, sprinkle the seasoning mix over your wings. Toss them in the bowl to make sure every wing is evenly coated with this magical concoction.
Step 4 – Bake or Air Fry. To bake, spread the wings on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated 425°F oven for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. To air fry, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy. Serve these beauties hot from the oven or fryer. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra Old Bay on top and have your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Looking for More Easy Game Day Appetizers?
Why Use Baking Powder for Chicken Wings
Ah, the magic of baking powder on chicken wings! It might sound like a bit of a culinary curveball, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. So, why do we use baking powder? Let’s dive into this crispy little secret.
The Science of Crispy Wings:
- Texture Transformation: Baking powder, which is alkaline, raises the pH level on the skin of the chicken wings. This chemical reaction promotes browning and leads to a more crispy texture. It’s like giving your wings a tiny science makeover!
- Drying Effect: Baking powder also helps to dry out the skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so by drawing out the moisture, baking powder ensures that the skin gets super crispy. Think of it as a mini dehydration session for your wings.
- No Frying Needed: This trick is especially handy when you’re baking the wings instead of frying them. Frying naturally gives that crispy texture we all love, but when you’re baking, you need a little extra help. Enter baking powder – it’s like the fairy godmother of baked wings, turning them from potentially soggy to wonderfully crispy.
A Few Tips:
- Ratio Matters: The key is to use the right amount of baking powder. Too little and it won’t have much effect, too much and you might get a slightly bitter taste. A good rule of thumb is about a teaspoon of baking powder per pound of chicken wings.
- Avoid Baking Soda: It’s easy to mix up baking powder and baking soda, but they’re not the same! Baking soda is much stronger and can leave an unpleasant taste if used in the same way as baking powder.
- Pat the Wings Dry: For the best results, pat the wings dry before seasoning. This helps the baking powder do its job even better.
So there you have it! Using baking powder on chicken wings is a simple yet effective way to achieve that delightful crunch without the need for deep frying. It’s like a little kitchen chemistry experiment that leads to a big flavor payoff. Next time you’re prepping wings, give it a try and get ready for some seriously crispy deliciousness!
What to Serve with Old Bay Wings
Serving up a batch of Old Bay Wings calls for side dishes that complement their unique, zesty flavor without overshadowing them. Here are some delightful sides that harmonize beautifully with the savory-spice profile of Old Bay Wings:
Celery sticks and Carrot Sticks with Ranch Dip – The crisp freshness of celery and carrots contrasts the wings’ spice, while the creamy ranch dip provides a cool counterpoint to the Old Bay seasoning’s heat.
Corn – Sweet corn offers a natural sweetness that complements the savory depth of Old Bay seasoning. Try your wings with corn on the cob, creamed corn casserole, or creamed corn.
Coleslaw – A tangy, homemade coleslaw can cleanse the palate between bites of spicy wings, adding a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste contrast. We also have a great recipe for apple coleslaw and jalapeno coleslaw!
Sweet Potato Fries – Their natural sweetness balances the savory and spicy flavors of the wings. Air fryer sweet potato fries are easy to make! Serve them with a side of aioli or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor dimension.
Cornbread – A slice of moist, buttery cornbread not only absorbs the spicy flavors but also adds a comforting, sweet note to your meal. Plus, it’s great for scooping up any leftover sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing and reheating chicken wings so they maintain their deliciousness can be a bit tricky, but fear not! Here’s your go-to guide to keep those wings tasting just as good the second time around.
Storing Leftover Chicken Wings:
- Cool Them Down: Before storing, let the wings cool to room temperature. But don’t leave them out for more than two hours, as that’s inviting trouble from bacteria.
- Airtight is Right: Place the wings in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and also prevents any fridge odors from creeping in.
- Fridge or Freeze?:
- In the fridge, they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
- If you freeze them, they’ll last a few months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and use freezer-safe containers.
Reheating Chicken Wings:
Ah, now here’s where the magic (or tragedy) can happen. The goal is to keep them crispy and delicious!
Oven Method (Best for Crispiness):
- Preheat the Oven: Aim for around 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Wings: Spread them out on a baking sheet. You can line it with foil or a baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Heat ‘Em Up: Heat for about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or a bit longer if frozen. If they’re frozen, you might want to start at a lower temperature, like 300°F (150°C), for about 20 minutes, then increase to 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through.
Microwave Method (Quick but Less Crispy):
- Layer with Paper Towels: This helps absorb some of the moisture.
- Microwave in Short Bursts: Heat them in 30-second intervals, flipping them each time. It’s quick, but you might sacrifice some crispiness.
Air Fryer Method (Great for Crispiness):
- Preheat: Set it to about 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- Air Fry: Place the wings in the basket and heat for about 5-10 minutes, shaking them halfway through.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid Sogginess: The key is reheating them slowly and evenly. Rapid, high heat can make them rubbery.
- Check Temperature: Ensure they’re heated through. A quick check with a meat thermometer should show 165°F (74°C).
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Old Bay Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Mix of chicken wings and drumettes
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon Baking powder
Instructions
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Pat chicken drumettes and wings dry with a paper towel and place them on a baking sheet or cutting board.
- In a small bowl combine the baking powder and Old Bay seasoning. Stir together until well combined.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with the seasoning mix making sure to toss the wings to ensure they are fully coated.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure they get crispy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Pat chicken drumettes and wings dry with a paper towel and place them on a baking sheet or cutting board.
- In a small bowl combine the baking powder and Old Bay seasoning. Stir together until well combined.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with the seasoning mix making sure to toss the wings to ensure they are fully coated.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 380 degrees F for 25 minutes. Halfway through remove the basket and use tongs to turn the chicken over and move it around so that what was on the bottom comes to the top.
- After 25 minutes turn heat up to 400 degrees F and continue to cook for 5 minutes or until skin is crispy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
It’s the cornstarch.
Baking powder is more cornstarch than anything else, leavening isn’t rly needed here. Lightly dusting with cornstarch crisps things up nicely.
Yes, I ordered my electric oven air fryer from temu. I’m seeing on your recipes that you say set the air fryer on 400 degrees. Well this air fryer goes all the way to 250. I did cook some wings in it and they actually came out good. I was somewhat worried a little. This is my first time using a air fryer though. When I received my air fryer it didn’t come with the recipe book so what I do is Google for what I need to do. I just used the electric oven air fryer twice because I don’t won’t to mess it up or damage it. So please help me. Thank you have a beautiful blessed day.
They were really good the third time I made them I had everything adjusted just right perfect