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Perfect Crispy Wings Recipe for Pizza Night


If you’re anything like me, pizza night is sacred. It’s the ultimate comfort food fest, and nothing pairs better with a hot, cheesy slice than crispy wings that pack a punch! Today, I’m sharing my go-to perfect crispy wings recipe that will elevate your pizza night to legendary status. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, these wings are guaranteed to disappear fast. Ready to dive in? Let’s get those wings crispy and delicious!


Why Crispy Wings Are the Ultimate Pizza Night Sidekick


Pizza and wings are a match made in heaven. The crispy, flavorful wings add a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness that complements the gooey, melty pizza. Plus, wings are super shareable, making them perfect for gatherings.


Here’s the deal: crispy wings aren’t just about frying them until golden. It’s about the right prep, seasoning, and cooking technique that locks in juiciness while delivering that irresistible crunch. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, you’ll never want frozen wings again!


The Ultimate Crispy Wings Recipe: Step-by-Step


Let’s break it down. This recipe is simple, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and works whether you’re baking or frying. I’ll walk you through both methods so you can pick your favorite.


Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda!)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • Your favorite wing sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, or spicy Korean)


Why Baking Powder?

Baking powder is the secret weapon here. It dries out the skin and helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven. Don’t skip it!


Prep Your Wings:

  1. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

  2. In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper until evenly coated.

  3. Let them rest on a wire rack in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the skin dry out even more.


Cooking Method 1: Oven-Baked Crispy Wings

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this lets air circulate and keeps wings crispy).

  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  • Once golden and crispy, toss wings in your favorite sauce and serve immediately.


Cooking Method 2: Deep-Fried Crispy Wings

  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

  • Drain on paper towels, then toss in sauce.


Close-up view of golden crispy chicken wings on a wire rack
Perfectly baked crispy chicken wings cooling on a rack

Sauce It Up: Flavor Ideas That Wow


Now, wings without sauce are like pizza without cheese - just not right! Here are some killer sauce ideas to try:


  • Classic Buffalo: Melted butter + hot sauce + a splash of vinegar. Tangy and spicy!

  • Sweet BBQ: Thick, smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of honey.

  • Garlic Parmesan: Butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

  • Korean Gochujang: Sweet, spicy, and umami-packed Korean chili paste mixed with honey and soy sauce.


Pro tip: Toss your wings in sauce right before serving to keep them crispy. If you want to prep ahead, keep wings and sauce separate until the last minute.


Pairing Wings with Your Favorite Pizza Styles


At Nicky’s Deep Dish Pizza, we love mixing things up with regional pizza styles. Here’s how to pair your crispy wings with some crowd favorites:


  • Deep Dish Pizza: The hearty, cheesy goodness of deep dish calls for bold wing flavors like Buffalo or BBQ.

  • Thin Crust: Light and crispy wings with garlic Parmesan or lemon pepper seasoning complement the delicate crust.

  • Stuffed Crust: Rich and indulgent, so balance with spicy Korean or tangy Buffalo wings.


This combo is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for family nights or weekend hangouts.


Eye-level view of a pizza and crispy wings spread on a wooden table
A delicious spread of pizza and crispy chicken wings ready for a family meal

Tips for Making Crispy Wings Every Time


I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:


  • Dry your wings thoroughly before seasoning.

  • Use baking powder, not baking soda for crispiness.

  • Cook wings on a wire rack to let air circulate.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer - wings need space to crisp.

  • Toss wings in sauce just before serving.

  • Experiment with different sauces to keep things exciting.


Let’s Make Pizza Night Legendary!


There you have it - the perfect crispy wings recipe to take your pizza night to the next level. Whether you bake or fry, these wings will be the star of the show. Pair them with your favorite pizza from Nicky’s Deep Dish Pizza and enjoy a feast that’s bursting with flavor and fun.


Ready to impress your family and friends? Grab those wings, fire up the oven or fryer, and let’s make pizza night unforgettable!



For more delicious recipes and pizza inspiration, check out Nicky’s Deep Dish Pizza and discover why we’re Lansdale’s go-to spot for unique, high-quality homemade pizzas.


Happy eating!


Pappa Nicky & Mama Marie

 
 
 

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