
Old Bay Chicken Wings bring out that perfect mix of crispy skin and zesty Chesapeake flavor with nothing more than a handful of staple ingredients. I make these whenever I want a reliable crowd-pleaser that disappears before halftime at any family game night. No complicated steps and absolutely nothing fancy—just pure, craveable spicy goodness in every bite.
At our first cookout in a new house these wings caused a scramble at the table. Friends still text for the recipe whenever game day rolls around.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings flats and drumettes: choose plump evenly sized wings with the skin on and always pat dry for the crunchiest texture
- Old Bay seasoning: the signature Chesapeake blend gives these wings their unique flavor so pick up a fresh can for the brightest taste
- Vegetable oil: helps spices stick and crisps up the skin go for neutral options like canola or sunflower
- Extra Old Bay: scattered on at the end to make the flavor pop and wake up your taste buds
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings:
- Pat every wing thoroughly dry using paper towels making sure to soak up as much surface moisture as possible because this makes all the difference in how crisp they turn out
- Season and Marinate:
- Drop your wings into a large sealable bag or roomy container with a tight lid then shake in enough Old Bay seasoning to coat every surface and pour in the oil Seal and shake like crazy or tumble by hand so the mix reaches every nook and cranny Let it rest in the fridge from one up to three hours—the longer the stronger the flavor
- Cook the Wings:
- Preheat your chosen cooking method Whether roasting in an oven grilling deep frying or using an air fryer the key is to get it good and hot For oven roasting arrange wings skin side up on a rack over foil at four hundred twenty five degrees and bake forty to forty five minutes flipping halfway to brown all sides Grill over medium high heat turning often until smoky and cooked through In a deep fryer go for three hundred seventy five degrees until crisp right through
- Finish and Serve:
- While wings are still hot transfer to a large bowl Toss in a little extra Old Bay and gently roll to coat evenly Serve right away for maximum crunch and flavor burst

Watching the golden wings bubble in the oven always brings me back to my dad’s birthday parties. Old Bay’s aroma fills the house and the whole family is always drawn to the kitchen before they even hit the table.
Storage Tips
Let wings cool completely before moving them to a storage container Lay them out so the skin stays crisp Refrigerate up to three days and reheat in the oven at three hundred seventy five degrees or use an air fryer for that original crunch Avoid microwaving which can make the skin soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
No Old Bay in the cupboard Just mix paprika celery salt garlic powder a sprinkle of cayenne and black pepper for similar results Drumsticks or boneless thighs are a good sub—just adjust cooking times as needed Any neutral oil works but olive or avocado oil are fine choices too
Serving Suggestions
Pile up wings with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dip and crisp celery sticks Great for party platters beside fresh slaw or straight out of the pan for late night snacks Perfect for outdoor cookouts or game day spreads—they hold up well anywhere

With just a few minutes of prep and the timeless kick of Old Bay you will have wings on the table that everyone will remember long after the game ends.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → How do I get the crispiest chicken wings?
Pat wings thoroughly dry before seasoning and bake them on a wire rack or use a convection oven for maximum crispiness.
- → Can I use a grill or fryer instead of baking?
Yes, grilling or frying also cooks wings beautifully. Grilling adds smoky char, while frying creates extra crunch.
- → How long should the wings marinate?
Marinate for 1 to 3 hours to let the seasoning soak in fully. Overnight marination develops even deeper flavor.
- → What pairs well with Old Bay wings?
Serve hot wings with ranch, blue cheese, or creamy garlic sauce and crunchy celery for a balanced spread.
- → Can I make these less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning to tone down the heat while still enjoying savory, herbal notes.