Ingredients
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cooking oil
2.5 lbs. chicken wings or drumettes
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
Pat the wings dry, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle the cooking oil over top, then toss until the wings are coated in oil. Add the cornstarch-seasoning mixture, then toss to coat again.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place wire cooling racks on top. Place the seasoned chicken wings on the wire racks with space between each wing.
Bake the wings for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the wings have achieved the amount of browning desired (this will depend on the size of your wings).
Serve hot with your favorite sauce!
Key Points About Ingredients:
- Cornstarch is the secret weapon here — it draws moisture away from the skin during baking, creating an extra-crispy exterior that rivals deep-fried wings.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle, wood-fired depth of flavor that elevates the overall spice blend beyond ordinary paprika alone.
- Patting the wings completely dry before seasoning is essential; any excess surface moisture will steam the wings instead of crisping them.
- Using a wire rack elevated over the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate underneath each wing, ensuring even browning on all sides.
- Cooking oil helps the spice mixture adhere to the wings and promotes golden browning in the oven without making them greasy.
Key Nutritional Insights:
- Chicken wings are a rich source of complete protein, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and immune function.
- Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the total fat and calorie content compared to traditional deep-fried wings.
- Paprika and cayenne pepper contain capsaicin and carotenoids, compounds associated with anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
- The sodium content is moderate per serving; those watching sodium intake can reduce the added salt without sacrificing overall flavor.
- Chicken wings are a notable source of selenium and zinc, two minerals that play key roles in immune defense and antioxidant activity.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size1
- Amount per serving
- Calories520
- Standard DV% Daily Value*
- Total Fat35 g72 g48.61%
- Saturated Fat9 g20 g45%
- Trans Fat0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat7 g
- Monounsaturated Fat15 g
- Cholesterol175 mg300 mg58.33%
- Sodium560 mg2300 mg24.35%
- Total Carbohydrate4 g275 g1.45%
- Dietary Fiber0 g28 g0%
- Total Sugars0 g
- Added Sugars0 g50 g0%
- Sugar Alcohal0 g
- Protein45 g50 g90%
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)12 mcg20 mcg60%
- Calcium28 mg1300 mg2.15%
- Iron2 mg18 mg11.11%
- Potassium420 mg4700 mg8.94%
- Vitamin A620 mcg900 mcg68.89%
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)2 mg90 mg2.22%
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)1 mg15 mg6.67%
- Vitamin K5 mcg120 mcg4.17%
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.1 mg1.2 mg8.33%
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.25 mg1.3 mg19.23%
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)9 mg16 mg56.25%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)0.6 mg1.7 mg35.29%
- Folate12 mcg400 mcg3%
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)0.5 mcg2.4 mcg20.83%
- Biotin4 mcg30 mcg13.33%
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.2 mg5 mg24%
- Choline95 mg550 mg17.27%
- Phosphorus320 mg1250 mg25.6%
- Iodine5 mcg150 mcg3.33%
- Magnesium30 mg420 mg7.14%
- Zinc3.5 mg11 mg31.82%
- Selenium32 mcg55 mcg58.18%
- Copper0.1 mg0.9 mg11.11%
- Manganese0.05 mg2.3 mg2.17%
- Chromium2 mcg35 mcg5.71%
- Molybdenum4 mcg45 mcg8.89%
- Chloride200 mg2300 mg8.7%
