These crispy Old Bay Wings are addictively delicious and yet simple to make. Drenched in brown butter and plenty of seasoning, they will keep you coming back for more!
This recipe for Old Bay Wings is my recreation of some of the best chicken wings I’ve ever had. It was at a restaurant in upstate New York, and I was hooked after the first bite.
I managed to corner the chef and ask him what made them so darn good. He was kind enough to share his secrets: a combination of browned butter and Old Bay seasoning.
I raved about them so much to my husband that he insisted we try it for ourselves. So I immediately got to work. I used my best tricks for making crispy keto chicken wings, and then played with the proportions until I got it just right.
You are going to be so glad I did!
Why you will love these wings
The original recipe, from Northstar restaurant in Ithaca, calls for smoking the wings. And while I do happen to own a smoker, I wanted to make a version that was accessible the average home cook. These Old Bay wings are definitely doable and worth doing at your first opportunity.
While seasoning chicken with Old Bay is nothing new, the addition of the brown butter makes this recipe extra special. And tossing the wings with baking powder allows you to get truly crispy skin in the oven. I use the same method for my Cajun Wings too.
The method is easy and results in succulent chicken that really is finger-licking good.
Reader Reviews
“These were great! So crisp and crunchy! Would have never thought of Old Bay on wings! Would make again for sure!” — Kelly
“I’ve made these three or four times now and I’m making them again tonight. Thanks, again, for providing such a simple and amazing recipe!” — Jessica
“These wings are AWESOME!!! The buttery goodness combined with the Old Bay… WOW! They were so easy to make too! They will be a regular on my weekly rotation!” — Caitlin K.
Ingredients you need
- Chicken wings: I made 3 pounds of wings for this recipe, but you could easily do more or less, depending on what you need. You can use fresh or frozen wings. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely.
- Baking powder: This is the secret to crispy oven-baked wings, and trust me it works!
- Butter: You are going to love the brown butter flavor in these wings! It also helps the seasoning stick to the wings.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay is a unique seasoning blend marketed by McCormick and usually used in seafood and poultry dishes. The main ingredients are celery salt and paprika.
Step-by-step directions
1. Dust the wings: Place half of the wings in a heavy duty ziploc back and sprinkle with half of the baking powder. Shake vigorously to coat, then place the wings on the prepared rack. Repeat with the remaining wings and the remaining baking powder.
2. Bake at low temp: Set a baking rack over a rimmed baking sheet and lightly grease the rack. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack and bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes.
3. Increase the temp: Increase the oven temperature to 425ºF and move the baking sheet to the upper third of oven. Continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until crispy. You can flip them once if you like.
4. Brown the butter: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the butter until it becomes a deep amber, 4 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully so it does not burn.
5. Season the wings: Transfer the wings to a bowl and pour the butter over. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with Old Bay to taste (it can get pretty salty so a light hand is best until you see how they taste).
Tips for success
Make sure you pat the wings VERY dry before adding the baking powder. Otherwise it clumps up and doesn’t dust the wings lightly as it should.
Make sure to get aluminum free baking powder, as the kind with aluminum can leave a metallic taste on your wings. And make sure you are using baking POWDER, and not baking SODA.
Don’t add salt to this recipe, since both baking powder and Old Bay include salt. Also make sure that you go lightly on the Old Bay seasoning and add after you taste.
Air-fryer method: The baking powder trick is one of the best ways to get truly crispy oven-baked wings. However, you can also get really crispy, delicious wings in an air fryer. Simply toss the wings with baking powder, and air fry for 20 to 25 minutes. You can follow the same instructions I use for my Pickle Brined Chicken Wings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store any leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for 3 or 4 days. You can re-heat them in a warm oven, although they will never be quite as crispy as when they are freshly cooked.
Baking powder is slightly alkaline and it raises the pH levels on the chicken’s skin, allowing the proteins to break down more easily. It also reacts with the natural juices in the skin to form carbon dioxide, creating little bubbles that harden and crisp as it bakes.
As long as they aren’t breaded or have some sort of sugary sauce, most wing recipes are low in carbs. This Old Bay Wings recipe is very keto-friendly and has only 2g of carbs per serving!
What to serve with Old Bay Wings
Old Bay Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 1 ½ tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoon butter melted
- 3 to 4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250ºF and place a baking rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Lightly grease the baking rack.
- Pat the wings very dry. Place half of the wings in a heavy duty ziploc back and sprinkle with half of the baking powder. Shake vigorously to coat, then place the wings on the prepared rack. Repeat with the remaining wings and the remaining baking powder.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack and bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425ºF and move the baking sheet to the upper third of oven. Continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until crispy. You can flip them once if you like.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the butter until it becomes a deep amber, 4 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully so it does not burn.
- Transfer the wings to a bowl and pour the butter over. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with Old Bay to taste (it can get pretty salty so a light hand is best until you see how they taste).
Sarah G says
It’s really hard to be grateful during the frustrating moments of child-rearing. Once they are all in bed on a bad day though, I usually realize that I lost my cool and plan to start better the next day. Doesn’t always work out but I couldn’t imagine life without them so I keep trying.
Mike Mac says
I just came here for a recipe and found out my dad was right – “They’re all nuts”.
Good comments, good recipe
pdxgirl says
Ok, listen here you poor thing I have experienced all and more, my girls are now grown and now I’m contending w/an aging animal cat population. Every day it’s something. One cat doesn’t want to use the litter box and prefers to pee on my bathroom floor, I had to remove the brand new rug because he did 3 days in a row, he last did it on my bathroom scale and ruined, it went out with the trash, my other old loves to yak up any where and everywhere. I still question why I do this day in and day out, and their not my kids, but they are my animals and I love. I have many, many stories but I won’t bore anyone with them. My girls have taken black magic marker and colored on the white paneling, have “painted my beautiful antique chair w/red finger nail polish. My furniture, my carpets drapes bedding have all been ruined.
I’m sorry you will get through this, and yes drinking comes in handy it dulls the pain.
Carolyn says
Thank you!
Leah says
Hi! Your male cat may have crystals in his urine or a UTI. My cat did this too. Hope it helps!!
Jenny says
Hi there! Taking a breather to check out my favorite food blog. I’m a mom of 8 children (14 years – 6 months), husband is traveling and we have a stomach virus going through the house…. I don’t think I need to say any more except that you are not alone. Hang in there! Love your blog and recipes. 🙂
Carolyn says
Wow, hang in there!
Sarah G says
Hi there, sorry about the stomach virus! Terrible stuff!
I just wondered if you all eat low-carb and gluten free as a family? We have 8 kids too but I know no other family who eat as we do (lc and gf) .So, just curious.
Get well soon.
Kim | Low Carb Maven says
As I said on Facebook, my husband is crazy about Old Bay Seasoning and would love these. As far as kids, I start every morning with the desire to be positive and perfect but by the end of the day decide that if the number of positive interactions with my kids tipped the scales, it was a good day.
Cathy says
what does the baking powder do in this recipe?
Carolyn says
Crisps the skin. Best way to bake chicken if you want crispy skin!
Erin M. says
We’ve all been there. If a parent says they haven’t their kids are either still very young or they are flat out lying. My two girls are 15 and 8 and will bicker about anything. There are more times than I can count where I just look at them with my Mom look and say “Really?”. I am so thankful that my oldest is now old enough that I can just leave the house when ” I’m done!”.
I’m not a perfect parent and I don’t try to hide this. I believe my girls need to see that I am only human and have a wide range of emotions just like them and anyone else.
Carolyn says
That’s very much how I feel about it too, Erin. I don’t want to be super mom, I just want to be real with them.
Elaine Markley says
Great, easy wing recipe, Carolyn! And I make a batch of brown butter up every week or so.
As for kids, I was a single mom, from the time of my divorce, to three daughters, 10, 6 and 3. You don’t even know what I had to deal with plus a part time job, full time college and the girls! I feel ya! Now the youngest is 38, next oldest is 41 and the oldest is 45. They still fight. I stay out of it! LOL
Carolyn says
Thanks, Elaine!
Tracy says
I so know where you’re coming from. I don’t have kids but I have had many kids of the canine persuasion. My sweet, beyond smart German Shepherd Beca loved to eat dirt. ??? She got into my potted plant and went to town. She then decided maybe that wasn’t such a good thing and proceeded to Expell (trying not to be gross) it in as many spots as she could. On my brand new cream colored carpeting. VERY BLACK DIRT. Still could see the spots when we moved. She’s passed now and of course she was the most perfect dog ever. Your kids will be too. Lol.
Carolyn says
YIKES!
Pam says
All I can say is “what goes round cakes around”. Our daughter has seven it has come back to her in spades. Now as to the recipe these are going on the must make this weekend, thanks and hang in there Mom.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Pam!
Carrie says
I found out last week that my daughter is failing not one, not two, but THREE classes! My husband (who supposedly had the job of monitoring her schoolwork) pretty much dumped the situation on me last week. So I spent my weekend setting work timers for her and assisting her with math problems that I haven’t looked at in 35 years. Total bliss. You are NOT alone!
Carolyn says
Oh man, CArrie!
Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams says
Dang it! Now my mouth is watering!!! I had all kinds of plans to eat a huge salad at lunch….now, I’m gonna have to get wings! Thanks a LOT! (no, really….thank you).
So, what does the baking powder do for the baked wings? I’m a girl who can’t let a week go by without having wings….and I need to know! Thanks – you’re awesome.
Carolyn says
It dries out the skin and allows it to become super crispy.
Linda says
Maybe we need T-shirts when our kids hit 18 that says “We survived their childhood”.
My kids are in their 30s. I’m remembering the “science lab” they set up in the bathroom. The bathroom looked like a Jackson Pollock painting. Luckily, it was in the bathroom, not the bedroom where I would have had to deal with getting paint out of the carpet. And it was water-based paint. They were old enough that they got to clean the mess. 🙂
The recipe looks amazing. And I have another trick to getting that smokey flavor-add some smoked paprika. 🙂
Rob J says
Chicken wings are my jam!! I’ve been almost daily cooking wings using butter + Frank’s hot sauce ( I know I know – it was the cleanest sauce I could find) but this looks miles better – definitely will be giving this a try! 😀
Carolyn says
WE love Frank’s Buffalo Sauce! 🙂
Nancy says
I only had one, a daughter, and raised her as a single mom from age 7-18! Yes, there was lots of yelling, and my tears, and her tears, but there was lots of fun and adventure too. Now she’s married with a 2.5 year old and one coming end of July! And yes, there have been moments in the 2.5 year old’s existence that I have guffawed at because I went through the same thing while raising her!!! Have that drink, honey. Have that bottle!!! Life is short!?
In the recipe, it says “cook butter until it becomes deep amber, 4 to 5..”
What?!? Haaahahaha!! A single mama moment!
Love you! Keep on cookin’ !!! ??❤️
Carolyn says
Oops, 4-5 minutes. Off to correct that…
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Many a day, my parting words to my husband as he left for work: “See you later. If you’re lucky, you’ll still have kids when you return. If not, you’ll know I finally snapped.”
Oh, those wings! As I was reading about the inspiration, I thought if you wanted that smoky flavor, you could put a drop of smoke flavoring in the butter (probably a single drop), or a pinch of smoked paprika would probably also do it and would fit into the Old Bay. Just musing.
Carolyn says
That would be tasty too!
Julie says
The wings look fabulous and I am so excited to make them.
In the mean time I feel your pain regarding kids. Ours are pretty good when you look around and see what other parents are dealing with, yet there are still days when you wonder why you didn’t just stick with raising dogs. So much easier, no college tuition and their love is much more unconditional! But after a pretty tumultuous childhood, which IMO is frankly what you get when you do your job right as a parent and teach your kids to be both curious and independent, our oldest at 21 is a fabulous young man to be around. We are still waiting for our 18 year old to have his epiphany,
So take comfort when you are trying to channel your kids’ curiosity into less destructive outcomes….you are doing something right when it comes to stimulating their ability to use their brain. And the arguing is their way of trying out independence. You want your kids to take control of their lives, and you are their teacher for how to do that within societal guidelines.
Toughest job ever.
Carolyn says
Wise words, Julie. Thank you!
JOAN says
Show me the momma who never yelled at her kids and she’ll be the one with the nanny. Good news: your kids turn out fine if you live long enough!
Carolyn says
Haha, good point, Joan!
Valerie Lane says
thanks for saying that because I yell all the time and my husband tells me that I should just spank with a belt.. i have a problem with this ?
Carolyn says
Yell away. Much better than spanking!
Kim says
Awesome (and all too familiar) story(ies) and can’t wait to make your wings! Holy Cow!
I’m a SAHM – I feel your pain. We just made it through week one of summer break here in GA (barely through). My husband does not travel but works long hours (gone by 7:30 – home at 8:30/9:00). I rarely drink but should b/c I am oh so pleasant by the time he makes it home every night. I only have two kids 6 & 2 (almost 7 & 3). But, they keep me busy but certainly not sane!!!
Thank you for being able to churn out a recipe!!!!
Carolyn says
Phew, you have your hands full too!
Lisa says
I’ve definitely been there and then some! At 2 years my daughter cracked open a dozen eggs on the floor, dumped parmesan cheese on top and a big helping of Ketchup because she was “cooking”. At 6:30 am while I was still asleep. Cute and also not cute. My 4 yr old son got into model car paint and made an enormous abstract painting on the carpet, also in the early a.m. They also had silent food fights until I walked into the room and then it was loud finger pointing. They did honey/Vaseline ‘slip an slide’ on the hallway carpet while I showered. Don’t get me started on their teen years and I was a stay at home mom! I remember several times trying to go on a fun outing but one or both were complaining or arguing over who knows what. Then, just after my son got married at 19, (I did mention, prior to the nuptials that he was not ready for that step), he got himself into major trouble. So, I hate to rain on that false sense of “when they’re grown” parade because it may or may not be a myth. Lol However, they’re now both grown, (early 30’s) still happily married, with kids of their own. They are also experiencing the joys of raising kids much like themselves. It’s hard to keep the smirk off my face at times :•)
Carolyn says
Oh man! I was hoping I would be able to send them on their way at 18 and never have to worry again…. (actually, as a former college advisor, I know this very much NOT to be true!).