1-First, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is crucial to achieve crispiness. This step helps the skin get that perfect texture when baked. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.

2-Next, preheat your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the upper-middle slot. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top, spraying the rack with non-stick spray for easy cleanup. Arrange the wings skin-side up in a single layer on the wire rack to allow for even air circulation.

3-Then, bake the wings on the upper-middle oven rack, turning them every 20 minutes until they are crispy and browned, which takes up to 1 hour depending on wing size. After baking, let the wings stand for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. While the wings cook, prepare the Buffalo sauce by stirring the hot sauce, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves; then cool to room temperature and toss the baked wings in the sauce before serving.

4-For a faster alternative, you can use an air fryer at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method keeps things light and adds to the health benefits by reducing fat. Once done, they pair well with various sauces, making it easy to customize for any meal.