Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important for ensuring the wings get crispy when baked.

Once the wings are dry, place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss the wings again to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

To make the wings extra crispy, sprinkle the cornstarch over the wings and toss them again until they are lightly coated. This will help create a crisp outer layer when baked.

2. Bake the Chicken Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out enough to allow air circulation, which helps them crisp up. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

3. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce

While the wings are baking, prepare the spicy peanut sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, rice vinegar, Sriracha sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Gradually add warm water to the sauce, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy but thin enough to coat the wings easily. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more honey or maple syrup for sweetness, more lime juice for tang, or more Sriracha for heat.

4. Toss the Wings in the Peanut Sauce

Once the wings are fully cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the wings, tossing them gently to coat each wing thoroughly in the sauce.

If you like extra sauce, feel free to reserve some for dipping. Once the wings are coated, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced red chili peppers for an added pop of color and flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter and serve them immediately while they are still warm. You can enjoy them as a main dish or as a tasty appetizer for a gathering. For an extra touch, serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.