Crispy Buffalo Wings

Method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Position oven racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven and preheat to 250°F (120°C / Gas ½). Line an 18 x 13-inch (46 x 33 cm) rimmed baking sheet with foil and set an oven-safe wire rack inside.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Pat the wings very dry with paper towels, paying particular attention to folds in the skin. In a large bowl, mix the baking powder and salt, then add the wings and toss thoroughly until evenly coated with a thin, powdery layer.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Arrange the wings on the wire rack, skin-side up where possible, leaving a little space between each piece. Bake on the lower oven rack for 30 minutes; the skin should begin to look dry, but the wings will still be pale and not yet cooked through.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Leave the wings in the oven, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C / Gas 7), and move the baking sheet to the upper rack. Bake for 40–50 minutes from the temperature increase, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the skin is deeply golden and crisp. Check several of the largest pieces with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest meat without touching bone; they must reach at least 165°F (74°C), though 175–185°F (79–85°C) gives more tender wing meat.

5. 5

   Step 5

   While the wings bake, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mash some of the cheese into the mixture with a fork, leaving a few small chunks, then cover and refrigerate until serving.

6. 6

   Step 6

   During the final 5 minutes of baking, warm the hot sauce and butter in a small saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes, whisking until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil, which can cause the butter to separate; remove from the heat once combined.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Transfer the cooked wings to a clean large bowl and pour over the warm Buffalo sauce. Toss for about 20–30 seconds, just until every wing is coated, and serve immediately rather than letting them sit in the sauce.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Divide the wings among four plates and spoon the blue cheese dip into small serving bowls. Serve with the celery sticks alongside; the wings will be crispest straight after tossing.