Understanding How Many Calories Are In Non-Breaded Wings

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single small, skinless, boneless chicken wing can contain as few as 43 calories. The true answer to how many calories are in non-breaded wings, however, depends heavily on the preparation method and whether the skin is included.

Quick Summary

A non-breaded chicken wing's calorie count is affected by cooking method, portion size, and skin. Learn the nutritional differences between baked, air-fried, and deep-fried varieties for informed eating.

Key Points

Calories Fluctuate by Method: The calorie count for non-breaded wings varies significantly depending on whether they are baked, air-fried, or deep-fried.
Skin Adds Calories: Leaving the skin on a non-breaded wing nearly doubles the calorie and fat content compared to a skinless wing.
Sauce Adds Calories: Even for non-breaded wings, sauces can contribute a surprising number of calories, especially sugary or creamy ones.
Baked Wings Are Lowest Calorie: Baking or air-frying is the lowest-calorie preparation method for non-breaded wings, as it renders fat and minimizes added oil.
Portion Control is Key: An individual medium non-breaded wing is around 80-100 calories, so controlling your portion size is crucial for managing total calorie intake.
Boneless vs. Bone-in: Plain boneless wings often have slightly different calorie counts than bone-in wings, and their nutritional value is often influenced by their shape and cooking method.
Dry Rubs vs. Sauces: Using a dry seasoning rub instead of a wet sauce is a great way to add flavor without a significant calorie increase.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Non-Breaded Wings

Unlike their heavily coated counterparts, non-breaded chicken wings start as a simple cut of meat. The chicken wing itself is a source of lean protein, but its full nutritional profile is significantly influenced by the cooking process and whether the skin is left on or removed. An average raw chicken wing, with skin and bone, can weigh around 34 grams, while a small, skinless, boneless wing is about 21 grams. This size difference alone impacts the final calorie count, making portion control a critical factor in a health-conscious diet.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Skin or No Skin: The most significant factor affecting calories in non-breaded wings is the skin. Chicken skin contains a high amount of fat, which adds a considerable number of calories. For example, a skinless wing is about half the calories of a skin-on wing of a similar size.
Cooking Method: The preparation technique is the next major determinant. A deep-fried wing will absorb more cooking oil, leading to a higher fat and calorie content compared to a baked or air-fried wing where the fat often renders off.
Added Ingredients: Even with non-breaded wings, additional ingredients can add calories. This includes dry rubs containing sugar or sauces added after cooking. While many dry seasonings add only a few calories, sticky, sugary sauces can increase the total significantly.

Calorie Count by Preparation Method

Different cooking techniques can dramatically alter the final calorie count of a non-breaded wing. Here is a breakdown of common methods:

Baking: Baking is a popular low-calorie option. When baked on a rack, much of the fat from the skin renders off, resulting in a crispy wing with fewer calories than a fried version. A serving of 10 medium-sized baked, non-breaded wings can contain around 390 calories (based on total weight and nutritional info).
Air-Frying: Similar to baking, air-frying uses minimal oil. The convection heat produces a crispy texture while rendering fat away from the wing. This method is an excellent way to achieve a "fried" texture with a calorie count closer to that of a baked wing.
Deep-Frying: Despite being non-breaded, deep-frying still adds a significant amount of calories due to oil absorption. One large, non-breaded, fried wing has approximately 137 calories, while a medium one has around 102 calories. A 100g serving of fried, no-coating wings is cited at 318 calories.
Grilling: Grilling also allows fat to drip away while cooking, similar to baking. This method typically results in a lower-calorie, flavorful wing, especially when dry rubs are used instead of high-calorie sauces. Five grilled boneless wings with a lemon pepper dry rub might be around 428 calories, including celery and ranch, indicating the wings themselves are much lower.

Nutritional Comparison: Non-Breaded Wings

To better understand the differences, here is a comparison table of non-breaded wings prepared in different ways. Note that these are approximations and can vary based on exact wing size and cooking conditions.


Feature	Baked Non-Breaded (with Skin)	Deep-Fried Non-Breaded (with Skin)	Air-Fried Non-Breaded (with Skin)
Calories per medium wing	~88 calories	~102 calories	~80-90 calories (similar to baked)
Fat Content	Moderate, some renders off	Higher due to absorbed oil	Moderate, similar to baked
Protein	High	High	High
Carbohydrates	Very Low	Very Low	Very Low
Crispiness	Moderate to High	Very High	Very High

How to Enjoy Non-Breaded Wings Mindfully

If you are watching your calorie intake but still love chicken wings, a few simple strategies can help you enjoy them without overindulging. Choosing the right preparation and accompaniments makes a world of difference.

Prioritize Baked or Air-Fried: These methods offer a significant calorie saving compared to deep-frying. They still deliver a satisfying texture and flavor without the added oil.
Mind the Skin: If you're looking for the lowest-calorie option, go skinless. A skinless wing contains about half the calories of a skin-on one.
Opt for Dry Rubs: Instead of sugary sauces, use dry rubs for flavor. Spices like chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika can add delicious flavor without adding significant calories. If you must have sauce, order it on the side and use it sparingly.
Portion Control: The number of wings you eat is just as important as how they are prepared. A typical serving might be 4-5 wings, which keeps the total calorie count in check.
Pair with Veggies: Serve your wings with a side of carrots, celery, or a salad to add fiber and nutrients, which will help you feel full faster.

For more in-depth nutritional information on chicken and its various cuts, Healthline provides further details on chicken nutrition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the initial question of how many calories are in non-breaded wings seems straightforward, the answer is nuanced. Non-breaded wings are not inherently high-calorie; their final nutritional value is determined by the cooking method, whether the skin is included, and the addition of any sauces or rubs. By opting for baking or air-frying over deep-frying and being mindful of portion sizes and sauces, it is possible to enjoy this popular food as part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, non-breaded wings are generally healthier than breaded ones. The breading adds carbohydrates and calories, and breaded wings are almost always deep-fried, which increases fat and calorie content further.

The calorie count for 5 plain, non-breaded wings varies significantly by cooking method. For instance, five plain grilled boneless wings were cited at 220 calories, while five fried wings were 260 calories. The best estimate depends on how they are prepared.

Yes, removing the skin from a wing significantly reduces its calorie and fat content. Chicken skin contains a large amount of fat, and removing it can cut the calories of a single wing by as much as half.

A baked non-breaded wing has fewer calories than a deep-fried one. The baking process allows fat to render off, whereas deep-frying causes the wing to absorb additional fat from the cooking oil.

The number of calories a sauce adds depends on its type. A hot Buffalo sauce might add a moderate amount, while a thick, sugary BBQ sauce could add a significant number of calories. Dry rubs add very few calories.

Not necessarily. While boneless wings are often made from white breast meat, they can still be fried or coated, increasing their calorie count. The main factors affecting calories are the cooking method and whether they are breaded or not.

To reduce the calories of non-breaded wings at home, bake or air-fry them instead of deep-frying. For lower fat, remove the skin before cooking. Use calorie-free dry rubs for flavor instead of high-calorie sauces.

While most dry rubs contain minimal calories, they are not always completely calorie-free. Some pre-made rubs can include small amounts of sugar. However, compared to wet sauces, the caloric impact is generally negligible.

A healthy portion is typically considered 4 to 5 wings, especially when focusing on a mindful diet. Paired with vegetables, this can form a satisfying and balanced meal.