These Garlic Parmesan Wings are crispy and bursting with flavor! Tossed in a mix of garlic and rich Parmesan, they are perfect for snacking or game day.
Honestly, who can resist wings? I love pairing these with a zesty dipping sauce. You can bet I always save some for later, but they rarely last that long! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are essential for this recipe. You can also use drummettes if you prefer. If you need a lighter option, try skinless wings, but they may not get as crispy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful punch. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, about 1 teaspoon for every clove. I personally love the fresh flavor, but powder works too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re in a hurry, pre-grated can work but isn’t as flavorful. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you want something a bit sharper.
Butter vs. Olive Oil: I prefer using melted butter for a richer taste, but olive oil keeps it a bit lighter and healthier. Both create a nice crisp, just choose based on what you enjoy!
How Can I Make Sure My Wings Are Crispy?
Getting crispy wings is all about the cooking method! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Start by drying the wings with paper towels – moisture is not your friend here.
- A wire rack is essential as it allows hot air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they crisp up evenly.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) to get that golden brown exterior.
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking for an even crisp.
- If you want an extra crunch, finish them under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch closely so they don’t burn!
Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a slight smoky flavor)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to cook. So, in just under an hour, you can enjoy these delicious wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top—this allows the hot air to circulate and helps the wings crisp up nicely.
2. Prepare the Wings:
Grab your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is key for getting crispy wings. In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it, along with either olive oil or melted butter until they are evenly coated. This ensures all that flavor is evenly distributed!
3. Bake for Crispiness:
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Now, pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through. You’re looking for that golden brown color and a nice crispy texture.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
While the wings are baking, let’s whip up the garlic Parmesan sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder (if you want more garlic flavor), and half of the fresh parsley. This sauce is what makes the wings extra delicious!
5. Toss Wings in Sauce:
Once the wings are perfectly cooked, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over them and toss well to make sure every wing is coated in that tasty goodness.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining parsley over the wings. Give them a gentle toss again, or sprinkle the cheese and parsley on top for a beautiful garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your garlic Parmesan wings to a serving platter. Serve them immediately, and if you’re feeling fancy, add some lemon wedges on the side and your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, garlicky, cheesy wings as a fantastic snack or appetizer! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh wings for optimal crispiness, you can use frozen wings as well! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make the Wings Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before baking. Alternatively, toss the wings in a hot sauce of your choice after coating them with the garlic Parmesan sauce for an extra kick!
What Should I Do with Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help them regain some of that crispy texture!
Can I Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the wings, as the flavors will deepen over time.
