Chicken wings are an all-time favorite, whether it’s for game day, a weekend snack, or a party appetizer. Traditional chicken wings, however, are often loaded with sugary sauces and breading. With this Keto Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe, you can enjoy the crispy, spicy, and flavorful wings without the carbs! These wings are oven-baked and tossed in a rich keto-friendly buffalo sauce, making them a delicious and guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats separated)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder (this helps make them crispy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Keto Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or any keto-friendly hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled blue cheese or feta
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet to help the wings get even crispier.
2. Dry and Season the Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to help them get crispy in the oven. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, ensuring a crispy finish without any flour or breadcrumbs.
3. Bake the Wings:
Place the seasoned wings on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack) in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the Keto Buffalo Sauce:
While the wings are baking, make the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Set aside until the wings are done baking.
5. Toss the Wings in Buffalo Sauce:
Once the wings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve:
Transfer the sauced wings to a serving plate and garnish with crumbled blue cheese or feta and fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with keto-friendly dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Cooking Tips
- Extra Crispy Wings: For even crispier wings, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- Air Fryer Option: If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like extra spicy wings, increase the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce. Alternatively, for milder wings, reduce the hot sauce and add a little more butter to balance the heat.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
This recipe is naturally keto-friendly and low-carb. The use of baking powder instead of flour or breading keeps the carb count low while ensuring the wings turn out perfectly crispy. The buffalo sauce is made with keto-friendly ingredients, including butter and hot sauce, making it ideal for anyone following a low-carb diet.
- Carb Count: Each serving of these keto buffalo chicken wings contains approximately 2-3 grams of net carbs, depending on the size of the wings and the sauce used.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Pepper Wings: If you’re not in the mood for buffalo sauce, toss the crispy baked wings in a mixture of melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty alternative.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: For a cheesy twist, coat the wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Broil for an extra 1-2 minutes to make them golden and crispy.
- BBQ Keto Wings: If you prefer barbecue flavors, use a keto-friendly BBQ sauce in place of the buffalo sauce. You can even make your own low-carb BBQ sauce with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and sugar-free sweeteners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the wings ahead by baking them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the wings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then toss them in the buffalo sauce.
2. How do I store leftover wings?
Store leftover wings in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and warm, or use the air fryer for a quick reheat.
3. Can I freeze cooked buffalo wings?
Yes, you can freeze cooked wings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and crispy.
4. What sides go well with buffalo wings?
These keto buffalo wings pair well with keto-friendly sides like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or cauliflower. For a heartier meal, serve them with a side of low-carb coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts.
5. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they get crispy in the oven.
These Keto Buffalo Chicken Wings are the ultimate snack or appetizer for any occasion, offering all the bold flavors you love without the carbs. With crispy skin, a rich buffalo sauce, and optional blue cheese crumbles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both keto dieters and wing lovers alike. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, planning a family meal, or just treating yourself, these wings are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy them with your favorite keto-friendly sides and sauces, and you’ll have a delicious, guilt-free meal everyone will love
