Annie & Skyler Ok you got us—so we may not be the biggest football enthusiasts here at FIO, but if there’s one thing we can get behind about watching football or just about any sports ball game, it’s THE FOOD. And Super Bowl food is extra-inspirational—all the excitement around this final game of the season really gets us going in the kitchen.
This year, we decided to focus on a classic: Buffalo wings. After multiple test batches—and plenty of messy fingers and napkins later—we developed the most AMAZING, no-fry, crispy-as-heck wings you’ll ever have. It all starts with a secret ingredient in our seasoning rub (baking powder!) that creates a crackly but paper-thin crust that’s perfect for soaking up our honey-sweetened Buffalo-style sauce.
One of our favorite things about these wings? They’re super easy and practically hands-off when they’re cooking. WAY easier than frying. The steps are short and streamlined. Here’s how to get ‘em on your appetizer table for the big game day (or whatever, really!). Get ready to score big, Orbiters!
1) Mix up the rub. We start flavoring our wings early so they’re ultra-flavorful throughout. The longer they chill with the rub on them, the better. Be sure to use baking powder and not baking soda to avoid any off flavors.
2) Pat the wings dry. Moisture keeps things from browning and makes the seasoning rub a bit caky, so use paper towels to dry the wings’ surface.
3) Toss the wings in the rub. Sprinkle the wings with the seasoning rub, tossing as you sprinkle for the most even application.
4) Arrange on a greased rack on a foil-lined baking sheet. Give the wings a little space to allow for even roasting.
5) Roast in a 300°F oven for 40 minutes, then crank up the heat to 400°F and roast until crispy, 30 to 40 minutes more.
6) Stir up the sauce ingredients. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6) Prepare honey hot sauce mixture, then toss the hot, crispy wings in the sauce to coat.
Two Ways to DIP Balance that fiery sauce with a deep dunk into a creamy, cooling dressing.
Go Ranch Try our epic homemade Zesty Ranch Dressing, or stir up a dip using classic Hidden Valley ranch mix (got to admit, we LOVE this stuff). Or even DIY the mix by combining ½ cup dried buttermilk powder, 1 tsp. dried cilantro, 1 tsp. dried dill, 1 tsp. dried chives (crushed), ½ tsp. kosher salt, ½ tsp, garlic powder, ½ tsp. black pepper, and ¼ tsp. citric acid (optional). To prepare, whisk 3 Tbsp. mix with ½ cup mayo and ½ cup sour cream.
Go Blue For the BEST blue cheese dressing, in a blender combine ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese, 2 Tbsp. mayo, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. black pepper. Blend until smooth, then stir in an additional 2 to 3 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese. Cover and chill until serving time, or up to 1 week.
Extra-Crispy Honey Hot Wings
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1½ tsp. kosher salt
- 1½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 to 3 lb. chicken wings, whole or drums and flats
- ¼ cup butter
- 1/3 cup cayenne pepper sauce, such as Franks, or other hot sauce
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. honey
- Desired dipping sauce (see above)
Instructions
- Line a large rimmed baking pan with foil; add a wire rack to pan and spray lightly with cooking spray. For rub, combine baking powder, 1 tsp. of the kosher salt, 1 tsp, of the garlic powder, the paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Place wings in a bowl and pat dry. Sprinkle wings with rub while tossing to coat evenly. Arrange on rack on prepared baking sheet, leaving little space between each wing. Chill uncovered, 1 to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake 40 minutes, turning once halfway through. Increase heat to 400°F. Bake 30 to 40 minutes more or until crispy and golden.
- Meanwhile, for sauce, combine butter, cayenne pepper sauce, honey, and the remaining ½ tsp. each kosher salt and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Transfer hot wings to a large bowl and drizzle with sauce; toss to coat. Arrange wings on at the serving platter. If desired, drizzle with remaining sauce in bowl. Serve with desired dipping sauce.
