Golden, crispy wings coated in a decadent garlic-Parmesan butter sauce with bright lemon and peppery aroma—these wings are comfort food elevated for everyday indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are effortlessly delicious: just a simple seasoning, oven or air-fry crisping, and a rich, aromatic sauce that clings perfectly. They require minimal prep, deliver maximum flavor, and are ideal for gatherings, game day, or a satisfying weeknight feast.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 chicken wings (drumettes or flats)
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C), or set your air fryer to the same temperature.
Pat wings dry to remove moisture, then toss with salt, pepper, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil.
Arrange wings in a single layer: on a lined baking sheet (flip halfway, bake 25–30 min), or in air fryer basket (shake halfway, cook 20–25 min)—until golden and crispy. Air-fryer methods take about 20–25 minutes thevanillatulip.com+13whisperofyum.com+13reddit.com+13oliveandmango.com+1iwashyoudry.com+1lydioutloud.com.
Prepare sauce: melt butter over medium heat, whisk in Parmesan, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth.
Toss wings in the warm sauce, ensuring even coating.
Garnish with parsley and an extra sprinkle of lemon pepper. Serve immediately with optional dipping sauce or fresh veggies.

Servings and timing

Yield: around 12 wings, serving 2–4 people.
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: 20–30 minutes (oven or air fryer)
Total time: ~30–40 minutes

storage/reheating

Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days realsimple.com+2thevanillatulip.com+2stateofdinner.com+2.
To reheat and restore crispness:

Oven: Preheat to 350–375 °F, toss wings on a sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake 10–15 min—flipping halfway ddpoultry.ca+4stateofdinner.com+4reddit.com+4.
Air fryer: Reheat at 375–400 °F for 5–10 min until heated through and crispy kimabbagehart.com+2bhg.com+2reddit.com+2.
Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess oliveandmango.com+15thespruceeats.com+15atomicwings.com+15.

Variations

Extra crispiness: For air fryer, cook at 360 °F for 20 min, then blast at 400 °F for 5–7 min facebook.com.
Herby twist: Swap parsley with basil, chives, or oregano realsimple.com+4wholeandheavenlyoven.com+4oliveandmango.com+4.
Spicy kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or smoked paprika to seasoning.
Sauce options: Use honey-garlic sauce for sweet-savory wings atomicwings.com+3wholeandheavenlyoven.com+3stateofdinner.com+3.
Extra cheesy: Sprinkle more fresh Parmesan right before serving.

FAQs

How can I make the wings crispier?

Pat dry before cooking, and for air frying, use the “360 then 400 °F” method for extra crispness wholeandheavenlyoven.com.

Oven vs air fryer—what’s best?

Both cook evenly; air fryer is faster (~20–25 min), oven takes 25–30 min at 400 °F .

Can the sauce be made ahead?

Yes—make the sauce in advance, reheat gently before tossing with wings.

Can I grill these wings instead?

Yes—grill over medium heat until charred and cooked through (~7–10 min per side) then coat with sauce reddit.com.

Is Parmesan necessary?

It adds rich flavor and depth, but you can reduce or omit it for a lighter variation.

What internal temperature should the wings reach?

Ensure the thickest part reaches at least 165 °F per USDA guidelines thespruceeats.com+2realsimple.com+2realsimple.com+2.

Can I freeze cooked wings?

Yes—freeze cooled wings in airtight packaging for up to 2–6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating ddpoultry.ca+8eatingwell.com+8stateofdinner.com+8.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes—just increase cooking time and separate frozen pieces in the air fryer or oven.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or extra garlic-Parmesan sauce are all excellent choices.

Are these wings kid-friendly?

Definitely—no spicy heat by default. Adjust seasoning to suit younger palates.

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings are easy to prep, rich in flavor, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. Whether baked or air-fried, they deliver that perfect balance of crispiness and buttery sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day—dip in your favorite sauce, grab a napkin, and enjoy every last juicy bite.