Garlic Parmesan Wings

Set out a plate of crispy garlic Parmesan wings at your next game night or potluck and you won’t believe how fast they disappear! These wings are loaded with flavor thanks to a two-step seasoning process that coats them in a simple spice blend then enrobes them in a garlic-Parmesan butter sauce. The recipe makes two dozen wings from scratch that are ready to eat in just an hour.

Just as important as the flavor is that crispy, crackly texture on the surface of the wings. With tenderizing baking soda and a quick pass under the broiler, our garlic Parmesan wings recipe achieves this ideal texture.

Tips for Crispy Wings

Adding baking powder to the spice coating is one way to get a crispy surface on oven-baked wings. The baking powder tenderizes the skin and removes excess moisture so that the wings crisp up quickly. Leave plenty of space between the wings on the baking sheet; this allows moisture and steam to evaporate, so the wings will brown all over. Finally, for maximum crispiness, use butter. After baking, the wings are basted with a butter sauce and broiled to give them a crackling exterior.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Wings

• Chicken wings: You’ll need about 2-1/2 pounds or 12 whole chicken wings. We like to buy whole wings and break them down ourselves into smaller drums and flats, but you can buy them separated if you prefer.
• Baking powder: A mixture of baking powder and spices coats the wings before baking. Baking powder helps the wings develop a crispy surface.
• Spices: The first layer of flavor on the wings is a simple blend of salt, pepper and garlic powder. You can also use a store-bought blend of these spices.
• Butter: Before the final cooking step, coat the baked wings in the flavorful garlic Parmesan wing sauce. You’ll need to melt 1/2 cup (one stick) of butter, which serves as the base for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt smoothly and have the best flavor, but you can also use pre-grated Parmesan to save time.
• Minced garlic: Freshly chopped garlic adds lots of flavor to the butter sauce. Don’t bother with jarred garlic; there are so many ways to easily mince fresh garlic, and the flavor is so much better.
• Fresh parsley: The last ingredient in the buttery basting sauce is fresh parsley. Here’s a tip: Use a fork to quickly remove parsley leaves from the stems.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the spices

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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two large (15x10x1-inch) baking sheets with foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray. Toss together the baking powder, garlic powder, pepper and salt in a large bowl, and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the wings

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Use a sharp knife to cut through the two joints of each chicken wing, separating the drums from the flats and the flats from the wing tips. Discard the wing tips.

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Place the wing pieces in the bowl with the spice blend. Toss the wings in the spices until they’re coated on all sides. Shake off any excess coating, then place the wings on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each piece.

Editor’s Tip: To save time, look for packages of wings that are already separated into drums and flats.

Step 3: Bake the wings

Let the chicken wings rest on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then slide the pans into the oven and bake the wings for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning them once.

If the pans are on different oven racks, switch the pans around halfway through baking. When the meat is pierced and the juices run clear, the wings are done.

Step 4: Toss the wings in butter sauce

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While the wings bake, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley and minced garlic in a small bowl. After the wings are finished baking, toss them in the butter sauce to coat them completely.

Step 5: Broil the wings

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Preheat your broiler. Grease a rack set inside a broiler pan, then arrange the butter-basted wings on the rack. Place the pan under the broiler about 3 to 4 inches from the heat. Broil the wings for two to three minutes until the skin is very crisp. (Watch the wings carefully; don’t let them burn.) Serve the wings while they’re hot.

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Recipe Variations

• Try a spicy Buffalo version: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the butter mixture just before broiling the wings.
• Make boneless garlic Parmesan wings: Reduce the heat to 375°. Cut boneless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips, then coat them in the spice mixture. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. Toss them in the butter sauce, and broil them as directed.
• Add a drizzle of honey: Give the savory wings a touch of sticky sweetness by drizzling them with the best honey you can find after they’ve been broiled. For spicy sweetness, use hot honey.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Wings

Once the garlic Parmesan chicken wings have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Store the wings in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can be gently reheated in a foil-covered pan in a warm oven, or in an air fryer using the reheat setting. Heat the wings just until they’re warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll dry out.

Garlic Parmesan Wings Tips

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Can you make garlic Parmesan wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make garlic Parmesan wings in an air fryer. Once the wings are coated in the spice mixture, arrange them on a rack in an air-fryer basket. (Leave space between the wings and cook them in batches if necessary.) Set the air fryer to 400° and fry them for about 25 minutes, turning them once or twice. After baking, coat the wings in the butter sauce, and return them to the air-fryer basket.

Use the broil setting on your air fryer to cook them until crispy. If your air fryer doesn’t have this setting, use the regular air-fryer setting, which should still help the wings get crispier. You can also finish the wings under the broiler in your oven.

How many wings should you make per person?

Plan on anywhere from 6 to 10 chicken wings (a mix of drums and flats) per person. This recipe makes about 24 chicken wings, and therefore serves two to four people.

What can you serve with garlic Parmesan wings?

While these garlic Parmesan wings taste great on their own, they can always be paired with a great wing dipping sauce! Try them with sriracha, jalapeno ranch, blue cheese dressing or zesty fry sauce. Fresh celery and carrot sticks are always a good match for chicken wings. To turn your wings into a meal, serve them with coleslaw, steak fries, mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes or a green salad.