First things first, let’s get that oven hot. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want the oven nice and toasty to get that crispy skin we’re after.Next, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet—this is crucial. The wire rack will allow air to circulate around the wings, so they cook evenly on all sides.

Now, one of the secrets to crispy wings is making sure they’re dry. Take your chicken wings and pat them down with paper towels until they’re as dry as possible. This step is important because moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with the olive oil to coat them evenly. The oil helps the seasoning stick and also assists in crisping up the skin.In a separate small bowl, mix together your dry ingredients:1 tbsp baking powder1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp salt½ tsp black pepper½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the wings and toss them until they’re fully coated. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—this is where all the flavor comes from!

Lay the seasoned wings out on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure the wings aren’t touching each other, so they cook evenly. If you’ve got too many wings for one pan, you might need to work in batches or use two pans.

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the wings for 45-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Flipping is key—it ensures both sides get that beautiful golden-brown color and crispiness.You’ll know the wings are done when they’re crispy and have that perfect golden hue. If you want 'em extra crispy, you can leave them in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

When your wings are done, let them rest for a minute or two. Then transfer them to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley for a little extra pop of color (optional).Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it’s classic ranch, blue cheese, or something a little spicier like a homemade buffalo sauce.And there you have it—crispy baked wings that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds)!