These Garlic Parmesan Wings are a tasty treat! They are crispy on the outside and packed with buttery garlic flavor, topped with cheesy goodness. Perfect for game day or a fun snack!
Honestly, who can resist wings? I love serving them with some crunchy veggies and ranch for dipping. You’re going to want to make extra—they’ll fly off the plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are best for this recipe. You can also use wingettes or drumettes, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using skinless wings, but they may not turn out as crispy.
Baking Powder: This ingredient is key for achieving crispiness. Always go for aluminum-free to avoid any metallic taste. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use corn starch as a substitute, which also helps in getting a nice crunch.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re trying to cut down on dairy, olive oil is a good alternative. It adds flavor while keeping the wings moist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really elevates these wings. You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Roasted garlic is another tasty option for a sweeter taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best choice for this recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for similar flavor.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Wings?
Getting that perfect crunch can be tricky, but it’s all about moisture and heat! Start by patting the wings dry; moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Here’s how to get your wings extra crispy:
- Use a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, making sure all sides of the wings cook evenly.
- Coat wings evenly with baking powder, salt, and pepper. This not only flavors them but helps create a crunchy texture.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F or 220°C) for 40-45 minutes. The high heat crisps up the skin. Don’t forget to flip halfway for even browning!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have crispy wings that everyone will love!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 40-45 minutes for baking, totaling around 1 hour. You’ll spend a little time prepping the wings and mixing the sauce, and then you can relax while they bake to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with foil to catch any drips. Then, place a wire rack on top of the foil. This is super important because it will help the wings get nice and crispy as they bake!
2. Get Your Wings Ready:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry. Removing this excess moisture is key to achieving that crispy skin you want. Then, toss the wings in a large bowl with the baking powder, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Arrange the Wings:
Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they aren’t touching each other. This spacing allows hot air to circulate around each wing, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
4. Bake Away:
Put the wings in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. It’s a good idea to flip the wings halfway through to help them brown evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want them to be golden brown and crispy!
5. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
While the wings bake, melt your butter in a small bowl. Add in the minced garlic and give it a good stir. This mixture will be drizzled over the wings for that rich garlic flavor!
6. Toss the Wings:
Once the wings are out of the oven and looking nice and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour your garlic butter mixture over them and toss everything together until the wings are well coated.
7. Add Cheese and Parsley:
Now it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the wings, tossing gently again to distribute everything evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the wings to a serving plate, and if you’d like, garnish with a little extra Parmesan and parsley on top. Serve them warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
These Garlic Parmesan Wings are not only easy to make but are also guaranteed to be a hit! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but make sure to fully thaw them first. The best way is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed bag in cold water until thawed. Just remember to pat them dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness!
Can I Make These Wings in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings in batches for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through. Just keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the air fryer for reheating!
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to add spices like paprika, cayenne, or your favorite dry rub to the seasoning mix for a flavor twist. You can also mix up the butter sauce by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or by incorporating some hot sauce for a spicy kick!