If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with flavor and irresistibly crispy, you’ve come to the right place. This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe brings together crunchy wings coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce that I can’t get enough of—perfect for game day or any casual get-together.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these wings countless times, and let me tell you, they never fail to impress whether you’re serving friends or just treating yourself. Plus, it’s super easy to get that perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
- Perfectly Crispy: Baking with a bit of baking powder in the spice mix really amps up the crispiness without any frying.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter sauce combined with freshly grated Parmesan makes for a delightful, savory punch in every bite.
- Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can have these wings on the table in just an hour.
- Great for Sharing: Makes about 6 servings, so there’s plenty to go around at your next party or family dinner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk ingredients before we dive in—this recipe relies on simple, accessible pantry staples and fresh touches that all come together to make magic. Grab some good-quality chicken wings and fresh garlic for optimal flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a deep garlic flavor without overpowering the wings, balancing perfectly with fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Pepper: Gives a hint of spice and heat for balance.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth that rounds out the spice mix.
- Baking Powder (optional): Helps create that golden, crispy skin we all crave on baked wings.
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show—make sure they’re fresh or fully thawed if frozen for best results.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere and aids in crisping while baking.
- Butter: The base for the sauce, melted to blend perfectly with garlic and parsley.
- Garlic (fresh): Adds that aromatic punch to the buttery sauce.
- Parsley: Brings freshness and color to the wings.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that salty, nutty finish that melts over the wings.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your taste buds or occasion. Whether you want to dial up the heat or keep things mild and herbaceous, these wings are the perfect canvas.
- Variation: For a spicy kick, I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss the finished wings in some hot sauce before the last 5-minute bake. It gives that extra zing without overpowering the garlic parmesan flavor.
- Herb Twist: Swap out parsley for fresh basil or thyme in the garlic butter sauce for a fragrant, unique twist that feels like a fresh garden breeze.
- Diet-Friendly: If you prefer to cut down on fat, try using a light olive oil spray on the wings instead of drizzling, and switch butter out for a light margarine or ghee.
- Cheese Swap: Don’t have Parmesan on hand? Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute and adds a slightly sharper, saltier bite.
- Make It Smoky: Boost the smoky paprika flavor by adding a bit of chipotle powder to the spice mix — it creates an amazing smoky depth that pairs well with garlic and cheese.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Position the rack in the middle so the wings cook evenly without burning on the top or bottom. This high heat is key to that crispy outside everyone loves!
Step 2: Mix Your Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and if you’re using it, 1 teaspoon baking powder. The baking powder is the secret behind ultra-crispy wings—it helps draw moisture to the surface and crisps it up beautifully.
Step 3: Coat Your Wings
Place 2 pounds of chicken wings in a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle your spice mix all over the wings. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over, then toss everything together to coat every piece well. This oil helps with browning and flavor development.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish on the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes. For extra crispiness, you can turn the wings halfway through baking—but they usually come out perfectly crisp even if left alone. Your nose will tell you when the garlic and spices have worked their magic!
Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings are in the oven, melt ¼ cup butter in a small pot over low heat. Add 5 cloves minced garlic and ¼ cup chopped parsley, stirring gently until you smell that fragrant garlic aroma—don’t let the garlic brown to keep the sauce fresh and bright. Then remove from heat.
Step 6: Coat and Top Your Wings
Once your wings have baked for 45 minutes, take them out and immediately pour over the warm garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously on top—this will melt beautifully onto the wings.
Step 7: Final Crisp Bake
Return the wings to the oven for a final 5 minutes of baking. This step melts the cheese perfectly and crisps them up while locking in that rich garlic butter flavor. They’ll come out golden brown and irresistible.
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