Garlic Parmesan Crispy Wings

Crispy chicken wings with a golden, buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce are a staple for everything from game day to family gatherings. These wings promise crunchy satisfaction with every bite while delivering big bold flavor that always disappears quicker than expected from the platter.

When I made these for the first time my house was full of laughter and the sweet smell of roasted garlic My friends never believed I baked them because they tasted so rich and indulgent

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: Choose meaty wings and separate them at the joint and remove the tips for even cooking Look for plump wings with pale skin and no odor
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning A robust extra virgin variety adds the best flavor
• Kosher salt: Enhances the chicken flavor and balances the cheese Go for flaky kosher salt and avoid table salt if possible
• Black pepper: Brings a mild heat and earthiness Use freshly cracked for the best fragrance
• Smoked paprika: Lends an extra layer of savory warmth Use a Spanish smoked paprika for the most authentic depth or leave it out if you prefer classic Parmesan wings
• Garlic powder: Adds concentrated flavor and assists the fresh garlic in the sauce Look for a fine textured powder without caking agents
• Unsalted butter: Provides that classic glossy sheen and a rich base for the sauce Always use unsalted to control seasoning
• Fresh garlic: Four cloves finely minced will make the aroma irresistible Choose firm heavy garlic heads with tight skins for freshness
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and coats the wings evenly Look for a wedge and grate it yourself for bold flavor and no added fillers
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the final dish with a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous taste Pick vibrant flat leaf parsley for the most flavor
• Lemon juice: Adds just a bit of zing to cut through the richness Fresh squeezed has the best aroma
• Salt and pepper to taste: Keeps the flavor balanced after tossing the wings

Instructions

Preparation and Oven Set Up:

Preheat your oven to a hot 425 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum crispiness Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top so the heat circulates around every wing

Prep and Season the Wings:

Pat your chicken wings bone dry with paper towels Removing all the moisture is what gives the skin that crunch Toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil kosher salt black pepper smoked paprika and garlic powder until every piece is glossy and the seasoning is evenly distributed

Arrange and Bake:

Lay the seasoned wings out in a single layer on the wire rack Allow plenty of space so the wings roast rather than steam Bake for 35 to 40 minutes flipping them once halfway through Cooking until the wings are deeply golden and the skin snaps when touched

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

While the wings bake melt unsalted butter over medium low heat in a small saucepan Add finely minced garlic and cook just until fragrant swirling constantly so it does not brown This step infuses the butter with aromatics in under two minutes

Toss and Finish:

As soon as the wings come out of the oven transfer them into a large bowl Pour the shimmering garlic butter all over top Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shower with chopped parsley Toss everything swiftly so the cheese clings to the hot wings and creates a savory crust

Final Seasoning and Serve:

Taste and finish with additional salt pepper and a splash of lemon juice if you want extra brightness Serve the wings hot on a platter sprinkled with a little more Parmesan and parsley for show

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The real magic for me is always in the fresh garlic My kitchen fills up with that comforting aroma pulling everyone from their corners No matter how many wings I make they vanish in moments and we always think we should have doubled the batch

Storage Tips

These wings stay crisp for hours at room temperature and reheat well in a hot oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage freeze the coated and cooled wings on a tray then transfer to a freezer container They reheat beautifully straight from the freezer

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick If you want dairy free wings use plant based butter and a dairy free hard cheese blend For more heat blend a little cayenne or red pepper flakes into the marinade

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wings as a hearty appetizer with ranch or blue cheese for dipping Classic celery sticks add crunch For a casual meal I pair the wings with a simple romaine salad and roasted potatoes If you want extra flair sprinkle some lemon zest over the platter or serve with warm crusty bread

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Garlic Parmesan wings are an American classic at sports parties but they also fit right in with summer cookouts or backyard gatherings The combo of cheese and garlic is universally appealing and you can adjust the spice level for your family They are fun to prep with kids who love helping sprinkle on the cheese

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These wings disappear straight from the baking pan and taste just as decadent as their fried cousins Try swapping in your favorite herbs or cheese for a special twist next time you bake a batch.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How can I achieve extra crispy wings?

Let wings air dry in the fridge for an hour before baking and bake on a wire rack for maximum crispiness.

→ Can these wings be made gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free certified Parmesan and double-check seasoning blends to ensure no added gluten.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with garlic Parmesan wings?

Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic choices, or try a light lemon aioli for a tangy twist.

→ Is there an air fryer option?

Yes, cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes in the air fryer, shaking the basket halfway through.

→ Can the sauce be adjusted for more flavor?

Increase garlic or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing, and try smoked paprika for subtle heat.

→ How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store chilled wings in an airtight container; reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed and crisp.