Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed; 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika (optional); 4 tbsp butter, melted; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp olive oil

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If you’re craving something irresistibly crunchy, buttery, and full of bold flavor, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe. These wings are baked (or air-fried) to golden perfection, then lavishly coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese that melts beautifully into every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or your next game-day treat, this dish combines the best of crispy texture and rich, savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round white dish filled with several pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken wings, each piece covered with a crispy texture and small bits of garlic and herbs sprinkled on top. The chicken wings have a shiny glaze that highlights their cooked surface, with some green parsley leaves scattered around for color contrast. The dish set on a white marbled background creates a clean look, focusing on the warm and appetizing colors of the chicken wings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a small selection of straightforward and fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this mouthwatering dish. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the baking powder creating that irresistible crunch or the fresh parsley adding a bright finish to balance the richness.

2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed: The star of the dish, these provide perfect bite-sized portions for crispy and juicy wings.
1 tbsp baking powder: A secret weapon to enhance crispiness without baking soda’s tanginess.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the wings.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
½ tsp paprika (optional): Introduces a gentle smokiness and vibrant color.
4 tbsp butter, melted: Infuses the wings with rich, buttery goodness critical to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce that punchy, aromatic flavor that defines this recipe.
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish): Adds a salty, nutty layer of taste, perfectly complementing the garlic.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note and pretty green color.
1 tbsp olive oil: Balances the sauce with a silky texture and mild fruity flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to ensure even crisping. Thoroughly pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this step is crucial to getting them nice and crispy. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. This seasoning mix sets the foundation for those perfectly seasoned wings.

Step 2: Bake or Air Fry for Crispy Perfection

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack to maximize airflow around each piece. Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden color and crisp texture. If you prefer air frying, just set your air fryer to 400 °F and cook the wings for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to prevent sticking. The result? Crispy wings with a beautiful golden crust that you’ll want to savor immediately.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 to 60 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned—this step is key to mellowing the raw garlic sharpness into something rich and buttery. Remove the pan from heat and stir in olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped parsley. This sauce will become the luscious coating that makes these wings absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 4: Toss and Coat the Wings

Once your wings are hot and crispy, immediately toss them in the warm garlic Parmesan sauce until they’re thoroughly coated. This way, every bite is packed with that irresistible buttery garlic and cheesy flavor. Plate them up and get ready to impress your family or friends with these show-stopping wings.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

A pile of cooked chicken wings with crispy brown skin is stacked on a dark surface with a sprinkle of green herbs and white salt on top, next to a small white bowl of creamy white sauce. The texture of the wings looks crunchy and slightly oily. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add bursts of fresh flavor, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and a little more chopped parsley over the wings just before serving. The Parmesan adds an extra salty punch while the parsley livens up the dish with its bright green color and subtle freshness.

Side Dishes

These wings pair beautifully with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, bringing a cool contrast to their rich flavor. You can also serve them alongside crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a classic wing-time crunch and freshness. Don’t forget a crisp salad or some baked fries to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small ramekins of assorted dipping sauces and colorful veggies. You can also skewer a few wings for a fun finger-food presentation at parties. Adding edible flowers or thin lemon wedges can bring unexpected brightness and a gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the wings have cooled down completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these wings to enjoy later. Arrange the baked wings on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. This is perfect for prepping game-day snacks in advance.

Reheating

To reheat and bring back their crispness, spread the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375 °F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and less flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use fresh Parmesan or pre-grated cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe because it melts better and has a more vibrant flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can prevent smooth melting and affect taste.

Is baking powder the same as baking soda?

No, baking powder and baking soda are different. Baking powder contains acid and base, while baking soda is pure base. For crispy wings, baking powder is preferred because it helps dry out the skin without leaving an off taste.

Can I make these wings spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning or the garlic Parmesan sauce to give your wings a spicy kick that complements the rich garlic and cheese perfectly.

Are these wings gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since there are no breadcrumbs or flour in the coating. However, always double-check your Parmesan and spices to be sure they have no hidden gluten additives.

Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Yes, ghee is a great substitute for butter in this recipe. It adds a slightly nuttier flavor and is also beneficial for those with dairy sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together, whether at a casual hangout or a big game day celebration. The combination of crispy, tender wings with a rich, garlicky, cheesy coating is simply unbeatable. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with these wings just like I did. Once you do, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for any occasion!

Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need