Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make your Crispy Baked Chicken Wings:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, which will allow air to circulate around the wings for optimal crispiness.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until the wings are evenly coated. This is where the magic starts! The baking powder is key for that crispy skin.
3. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they’re not touching each other—this helps them get crispy all around.
4. Spray the tops of the wings lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over them. This step ensures that they brown beautifully in the oven.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings on high for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
7. If you’re using hot sauce, toss the wings in a bowl with the sauce right after they come out of the oven to coat them evenly.

As a mom, I appreciate the simplicity of this recipe and the fact that it requires minimal hands-on time. You can prep, bake, and then enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home while you get everything else ready for dinner!