Your mouth will water for these crispy garlic parmesan wings! They’re tossed in a rich garlic sauce and sprinkled with cheesy goodness, making them a perfect snack for any occasion.
Making these wings is an absolute blast, and they disappear fast at my parties. Just bake, coat, and enjoy. I guess wings really do fly away when they’re this tasty! 🐔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings are great, but you can also use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor, but you can use pre-grated cheese in a pinch. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control seasoning. For a dairy-free version, olive oil or a plant-based butter can work as substitutes. It might slightly change the taste but still deliver delicious wings.
Flour: This ingredient is optional but enhances crispiness. If you prefer gluten-free, cornstarch or almond flour are excellent substitutes.
How Do You Get the Wings Extra Crispy?
Crispy wings are all about moisture control and cooking technique. Start by drying the wings thoroughly; this is essential. The less moisture, the crispier they’ll be after cooking.
- For baking, preheat your oven very well (425°F). Using a wire rack lets hot air circulate around the wings, making them cook evenly.
- If frying, don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for better crispiness. Keep the oil hot to avoid soggy wings.
- Let cooked wings rest for a few minutes before coating them in sauce. This helps maintain that crispy texture!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then approximately 40-45 minutes to cook. Make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy these tasty wings once they’re ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wings:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is really important because it helps them get crispy when cooked. A little moisture can lead to soggy wings, and we want them perfectly crispy!
2. Season and Coat:
In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, paprika, and flour (if you’re using it). The flour is optional, but it will help create a crispier crust when the wings are cooked. Mix well to ensure each wing is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Wings:
Now, you have a few methods to cook these lovely wings!
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they’re golden and crisp.
- Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, remembering to shake the basket halfway through cooking time for even crispiness.
- Pan-fry method: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the wings in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes per side).
4. Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
While your wings are cooking, let’s get that delicious sauce ready. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—just don’t let it brown! Remove it from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
5. Coat the Wings:
Once your wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings and toss them well to ensure each wing gets coated evenly in that tasty sauce.
6. Serve:
Time to enjoy! Arrange the coated wings on a serving platter. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a crack of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or some crunchy veggies on the side.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Wings! Perfect for game day, parties, or just a delicious snack whenever you crave it!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for the best results. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they get crispy.
Can I Make These Wings in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the wings and prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheating in the oven will help retain their crispiness.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Alternatively, nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free substitute for a cheesy taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring they regain their crispiness.
