Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful wings coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These wings are perfect for game nights, parties, or whenever you’re craving a delicious, savory appetizer. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, they deliver the perfect balance of crunch and cheesy garlic goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden wings with a rich garlic Parmesan coating
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Can be baked, fried, or air-fried for versatility
- Perfect for parties, game day, or a satisfying snack
- No messy sauces—just pure, garlicky, cheesy flavor
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Wings:
- Chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- Baking powder (for extra crispiness if baking)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Directions
Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the wings with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. If baking, toss with baking powder for extra crispiness.
Cooking Methods:
Oven-Baked Wings:
- Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Fried Wings:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Air-Fried Wings:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange wings in a single layer and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
Toss and Serve:
- Toss the crispy wings in the garlic Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (baked) / 10 minutes (fried) / 25 minutes (air-fried)
- Total Time: 50 minutes (baked) / 20 minutes (fried) / 35 minutes (air-fried)
Variations
- Extra Crispy: Add a light dusting of cornstarch to the wings before baking or frying.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the garlic butter.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Herb Infused: Incorporate dried Italian seasoning or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Boost: Use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it softens the crispy coating.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.
How do I get the crispiest baked wings?
Use a wire rack, pat the wings dry, and coat them with baking powder before baking.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?
Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a light marinara sauce complement these wings beautifully.
Can I grill these wings instead?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, then toss in the garlic Parmesan sauce.
How can I make these wings keto-friendly?
These wings are naturally keto-friendly! Just ensure the Parmesan is freshly grated and avoid any added sugars.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken tenders or thighs work well, but reduce the cooking time.
What can I serve with these wings?
They pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, fries, or a side salad.
How do I keep my fried wings crispy after cooking?
Drain them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steaming.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before tossing with wings.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these wings deliver bold garlic flavor with a cheesy, buttery coating. Try different variations, pair them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!
Print
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy baked or fried chicken wings coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce for an irresistible appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil for frying.
- Toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway, or fry until golden brown.
-
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
-
Coat & Serve:
- Toss the crispy wings in the sauce.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Air-fry for a healthier option at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Add extra Parmesan on top for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American