Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe : Oven or Air Fryer
There’s something magical about Garlic Parmesan Wings. Maybe it’s the way the crispy skin locks in the juicy tenderness inside. Or perhaps it’s the rich, buttery garlic sauce coating each bite, perfectly balanced with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Whatever it is, these wings are downright addictive.
I still remember the first time I had them at a local sports bar. The spicy wings were tempting, but one bite of those garlicky, cheesy wings, and I was hooked! The best part? You don’t need to fry them to get that perfect crisp. Whether it’s game night, a family gathering, or just a craving for something indulgent, this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is here to impress.
Get ready for golden, crispy, and flavorful wings that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview :What Makes These Wings Special?
These Garlic Parmesan Wings are the perfect combination of crunch and flavor. Unlike traditional fried wings, this version is oven-baked (or air-fried) to achieve that crispy exterior without all the excess oil. They’re coated in a savory garlic butter sauce and finished with freshly grated Parmesan for the ultimate cheesy kick.
- Crispy without frying – Baked or air-fried to golden perfection.
- Rich garlic butter sauce – Made with real butter and fresh garlic.
- Perfect for any occasion – Game nights, parties, or just because!
- Customizable – Add a spicy kick, more cheese, or a squeeze of lemon!
If you love bold, cheesy flavors with a touch of garlicky goodness, this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients Needed for Garlic Parmesan Wings
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious wings:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Wings
Follow these simple steps to achieve crispy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Wings at home:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Season the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss them with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Bake or Air Fry:
- Oven Method: Arrange the wings on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning them over at the halfway mark, until they achieve a crispy, golden perfection.
- Air Fryer Method: Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Take off the heat and mix in half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley on top.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Wings
Want to take your Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe to the next level? Here are some expert tips:
- Get Extra Crispy Wings: Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning. The less moisture, the crispier they’ll get.
- Baking Powder Trick: Don’t skip the baking powder! It helps create a crispy, golden crust without frying.
- Air Fryer Advantage: If you’re short on time, air frying gives the crispiest wings in less than half an hour!
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor—garlic powder won’t give the same rich taste.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter sauce.
- Don’t Overload the Baking Sheet: Wings should have space between them to ensure they crisp up evenly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have restaurant-quality wings right at home!
Why Garlic Parmesan Wings are a Must-Have Dish
There’s a reason Garlic Parmesan Wings are a fan-favorite—they hit all the right notes!
- No Frying Needed: Get that crave-worthy crispiness without deep frying.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The buttery garlic sauce, combined with salty Parmesan, creates an irresistible bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for game day, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner, these wings are always a hit.
- Easy to Customize: Want more cheese? Add it. Prefer a hint of spice? Toss in some chili flakes. The possibilities are endless!
- Pairs with Everything: From celery sticks and blue cheese dip to a cold beer, these wings complement any side.
Variations and Customizations for Garlic Parmesan Wings
Looking to switch things up? Try these fun Garlic Parmesan Wings variations:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter sauce for a fiery twist.
- Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings: Mix a tablespoon of honey into the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Extra Cheesy Wings: Use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a richer, saltier cheese flavor.
- Keto & Low-Carb Option: Skip the baking powder and coat the wings with a mix of Parmesan and almond flour before baking.
- Buffalo Parmesan Wings: Toss the wings in a light layer of buffalo sauce before adding the garlic Parmesan coating for the ultimate flavor fusion.
- Oven vs. Air Fryer: Prefer a lighter version? Bake them. Want them extra crispy? Use the air fryer.
These customizations make this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe perfect for every taste!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Parmesan Wings
Curious about the nutrition in these Garlic Parmesan Wings? Here’s what you need to know per serving (approximately 4–5 wings):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: ~450mg
Health Benefits:
- High in Protein: Helps keep you full and supports muscle growth.
- Low in Carbs: Perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
- Healthy Fats: The butter and Parmesan provide satisfying fats for energy.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, use unsalted butter and reduce added salt. Want to lighten it up? Swap some butter for olive oil.
Serving Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Wings
Make your Garlic Parmesan Wings the star of any meal with these serving ideas:
- Classic Pairings: Serve with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Game Day Platter: Add them to a spread with buffalo wings, BBQ wings, and crispy fries.
- Salad Topping: Slice leftover wings and toss them over a Caesar or spinach salad for a protein boost.
- Garlic Parmesan Wing Wrap: Stuff the wings into a warm tortilla with lettuce and a drizzle of ranch for an easy wrap.
- Pasta Night: Pair them with a bowl of creamy fettuccine Alfredo or a garlic butter pasta.
Fun Facts About Garlic Parmesan Wings
Did you know these Garlic Parmesan Wings have an interesting backstory? Here are some fun facts to impress your fellow wing lovers:
- Not Your Typical Wing Sauce: Unlike traditional buffalo wings, which are drenched in spicy hot sauce, Garlic Parmesan Wings are coated in a rich, buttery, and cheesy mixture—proof that wings don’t need heat to be delicious!
- A Pizza Shop Creation? Some say this recipe originated as a spin-off from garlic knots in pizza shops. The garlic butter and Parmesan combo was so irresistible, they started tossing wings in it too!
- A Favorite Among Keto Fans: With nearly zero carbs, this is one of the most popular wing flavors for low-carb eaters. It’s a guilt-free indulgence!
- Crispy vs. Saucy Debate: Some people love a dry, extra-crispy version, while others prefer a saucier, buttery finish. Which side are you on?
Next time you make these wings, you’ll have some fun trivia to share at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
If you need a reason to try these Garlic Parmesan Wings, here are several:
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—the perfect wing combination!
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients and no deep-frying required.
- A crowd-pleaser that works for game nights, parties, or casual dinners.
- Customizable—spicy, sweet, extra crispy? You decide!
- Keto-friendly and low-carb, so you can enjoy guilt-free.
Once you taste these wings, they’ll quickly become your go-to wing recipe!
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Wings
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes! Just thaw them first and pat them dry before seasoning for the best crispiness.
Q: Can I make them in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: How do I reheat them without losing crispiness?
A: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-grated works in a pinch!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe : Oven or Air Fryer
Ingredients
For theWings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Season the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss them with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Bake or Air Fry: Oven Method: Arrange the wings on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning them over at the halfway mark, until they achieve a crispy, golden perfection. Air Fryer Method: Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a small saucepan overmedium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.Take off the heat and mix in half of the Parmesan cheese
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley on top.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
Why Stop at Just One Batch?
At this point, you’re probably wondering why you didn’t make a double batch. These Garlic Parmesan Wings disappear faster than you can say “crispy, cheesy perfection!” Whether you’re savoring them solo or impressing guests, one thing is certain—once you start, there’s no stopping.
So go ahead, make another round. After all, when wings are this good, moderation is overrated!
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