Baking wings in the oven is a great way to get crispy, delicious wings without deep frying. But knowing how long to bake wings at 400 degrees F is key to getting the best results. Overcooking can dry them out and make them tough, while undercooking leaves them soggy. Typically, baking wings at 400 degrees takes between 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the wings and whether or not they have been pre-cooked. With some simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to perfectly bake your wings every time.
Factors That Affect Baking Time
There are a few key factors that impact how long it takes to bake wings at 400 degrees:
Size of Wings
The size of the wings makes a big difference in baking time. Smaller wings like chicken wingettes will bake faster than larger wings like chicken drumsticks. Here are some general guidelines:
– Chicken wingettes: 30-40 minutes
– Chicken wings: 35-45 minutes
– Chicken drumsticks: 45-60 minutes
Larger wings have more meat so they require more time in the oven to fully cook through. Be sure to take the size of your wings into consideration when checking for doneness.
Pre-cooked vs. Raw
Pre-cooked frozen wings take less time to finish cooking than raw wings. Pre-cooked wings only need 10-15 minutes at 400°F to heat through and get crispy. Raw wings require the full cooking time to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Battered vs. Plain
Breading or battering your wings adds some extra time to the baking process. The coating needs time to set and fully cook. Add 5-10 minutes of baking if your wings are coated or battered before going into the oven.
Crowded vs. Spread Out
How crowded the wings are on the baking sheet also impacts cook time. Wings bake more evenly and quickly when spread out in a single layer rather than crowded or piled on top of each other. If the wings are very crowded, add 5-10 minutes of extra baking time and rotate the pans halfway through for even cooking.
Tips for Baking Juicy, Crispy Wings
Achieving perfectly baked wings with a tender interior and crispy skin takes a few simple tips:
Use a Wire Rack
Baking wings elevated on a wire rack allows the hot air to circulate completely around each wing for even cooking. This prevents soggy wings. Be sure to line the sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Pat Wings Dry
For ultra crispy skin, pat the wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking. The less moisture on the exterior, the better the wings will brown.
Season Generously
Proper seasoning is key for flavorful oven-baked wings. Season them liberally with salt, pepper, spices, or dry rubs before baking. Sprinkle the wings with seasoning 2-3 times throughout the baking process for maximum flavor.
Bake at High Heat
The high temperature of 400°F allows the wings to get crispy and browned. Lower temperatures will lead to flabby skin.
Don’t Overcrowd
Arranging the wings in a single layer on the sheets allows for maximum airflow and crisping. Avoid overcrowding.
Flip Wings Midway
Rotate and flip the wings halfway during baking to ensure even browning and cooking. The juices will redistribute as well.
Let Wings Rest
Once baked, transfer wings to a platter and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier wing.
How to Tell When Wings are Done
Checking for doneness using these methods ensures your wings are perfectly cooked:
Temperature
Using an instant read thermometer, wings are done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are cooked through.
Skin
The skin should be deep golden brown and very crispy when the wings are fully baked.
Cut into Wing
When wings are done, a knife should slide in and out of the thickest part cleanly with no resistance. The juices should run clear.
Time
Adhere to the recommended baking times based on the size of your wings and other factors like pre-cooked vs. raw. Set a timer and check frequently toward the end of baking.
How Long to Bake Different Types of Wings
Use these general guidelines for how long to bake wings at 400°F based on their type and size:
| Type of Wings | Baking Time at 400°F |
|---|---|
| Chicken wingettes (pre-cooked) | 10-15 minutes |
| Chicken wingettes (raw) | 30-40 minutes |
| Chicken wings (raw) | 35-45 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks (raw) | 45-60 minutes |
Always verify doneness using a thermometer and adjust bake times as needed. Factors like overcrowding can lengthen the time.
Common Baking Methods
There are a few different methods for baking wings in the oven at 400°F:
Plain
This simple method involves seasoning raw wings, arranging them on a baking sheet, and baking at 400°F for the recommended time based on size. Flip halfway through baking.
Baked then Fried
For extra crispy wings, bake them plain at 400°F until nearly done then quickly fry for 2-3 minutes at the end. This locks in juices while crisping the skin.
Breaded/Battered
Coat raw wings in a breading or wet batter, arrange on sheets, then bake at 400°F. The coating gets ultra crispy in the oven. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Baked and Sauced
Bake plain wings until crispy then toss cooked wings in your favorite sauce. Broiling for 1-2 minutes after saucing helps caramelize the sauce.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about baking wings:
Should I flip wings while baking?
Yes, flipping the wings midway through ensures even browning and cooking. Use tongs to gently flip each wing.
Can I overcook wings in the oven?
Yes, wings can become overcooked and dried out if baked for too long. Adhere to recommended bake times and verify doneness with a thermometer.
Do I need to preheat the oven?
Preheating the oven to 400°F is important to ensure the wings bake at the right temperature. Always preheat for at least 10-15 minutes when baking wings.
Should I coat wings in oil before baking?
Lightly coating the wings in a bit of oil before baking helps promote browning and crisping. Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado or vegetable oil.
What’s the best way to crisp the skin?
Baking elevated on racks, drying wings thoroughly before baking, generously seasoning, and baking at a high temp all promote crispy wing skin.
Conclusion
Baking wings in the oven at 400 degrees F produces crispy, juicy wings when following a few simple guidelines. Understanding how factors like wing size, cooked vs raw, and crowded vs spread affect baking time helps ensure perfect results every time. With the proper technique, baked wings can rival your favorite fried wings for delicious flavor and texture. Refer to the recommendations in this article to determine exactly how long to bake different types of wings to get tasty wings out of the oven.