Ultimate Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings: Your Go-To Recipe for Flavorful Perfection
Prepare to elevate your culinary game with these irresistibly crispy fried garlic parmesan wings! Each succulent piece of chicken is first fried to a golden-brown perfection, ensuring an incredibly satisfying crunch with every bite. Then, they are generously coated in a luxurious, buttery parmesan sauce, brimming with fragrant garlic. This recipe doesn’t just promise flavor; it delivers an explosion of taste that’s both bold and comforting. Best of all, these crowd-pleasing wings are surprisingly easy to make, making them the perfect choice for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to epic game-day gatherings.
Why These Garlic Parmesan Wings Are a Must-Try
These garlic parmesan wings aren’t just good; they are, quite frankly, finger-licking spectacular. We promise you won’t be able to resist! The magic begins with our perfectly fried chicken wings, achieving that coveted crisp, golden-brown exterior while remaining incredibly juicy on the inside. This initial frying step is crucial for texture, setting the stage for the glorious sauce that follows.
Once beautifully crispy, these wings are tossed generously in a rich, buttery, and undeniably garlicky parmesan concoction. This sauce isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a star in its own right, delivering a powerful punch of savory flavor that clings to every nook and cranny of the crispy skin. The combination of the hot, seasoned butter, the sharp tang of Parmesan cheese, and the aromatic minced garlic creates a symphony of tastes that is both decadent and addictive. It’s a flavor profile that resonates deeply with garlic lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
What truly makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity despite the gourmet results. You’re not just making chicken wings; you’re crafting homemade garlic parmesan wings that rival your favorite restaurant’s offering, all with minimal fuss. Whether you’re hosting a party, settling in for a movie night, or simply craving something intensely satisfying, this recipe delivers every single time. And for the true garlic aficionados, you’ll find it only fitting to serve these wings with extra garlic parmesan wing sauce on the side, perhaps alongside some classic ranch and blue cheese dressing for an ultimate dipping experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Garlic Parmesan Wings
To whip up these amazing wings, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. For precise measurements, a full list of ingredients, and detailed instructions, be sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. We’ve broken down each key component to help you understand their role and offer some helpful substitution suggestions for maximum flexibility in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredient Information & Smart Substitution Tips
CHICKEN WINGS – This recipe calls for four pounds of high-quality chicken wings. For the best results, we recommend using a mix of flats and drumettes, or whatever cut you prefer. Before you begin, it’s absolutely crucial to thaw your chicken wings completely if they were frozen and, most importantly, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step cannot be overstated, as excess moisture prevents the wings from achieving that ultimate crispiness during frying. If you prefer a healthier alternative to deep frying, you can easily swap out the oil and prepare your wings using methods like crispy baked chicken wings or air fryer chicken wings. Just ensure they are cooked until golden and crispy before tossing in the sauce.
GARLIC – Our recipe celebrates garlic by calling for a generous 4 tablespoons of minced garlic, typically the kind you purchase in a bottle or jar for convenience. This quantity ensures a robust, undeniable garlic flavor that permeates every bite. If you opt for fresh garlic cloves, remember that the flavor can be significantly more potent. In that case, you might want to start with a slightly smaller amount (e.g., 2-3 tablespoons, or 6-9 cloves, finely minced) and adjust to your preference. Don’t worry if some garlic falls off during the mixing process; there’s plenty to go around, and the overall flavor will still be outstanding. For an even deeper, sweeter garlic note, consider roasting some garlic beforehand and mashing it into the butter mixture.
UNSALTED BUTTER – A full ½ cup (that’s one stick plus 8 tablespoons) of unsalted butter forms the rich, creamy base of our sauce. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the sodium content of your dish, especially since you’ll be adding garlic salt later. If salted butter is all you have on hand, simply reduce the amount of added garlic salt to prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
PARMESAN CHEESE – We specify ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce, plus extra for garnishing. For the most authentic and flavorful experience, we highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano). Its nutty, salty, and sharp notes melt beautifully into the sauce, creating a superior texture and taste compared to pre-grated varieties, which can sometimes have a drier, less intense flavor. Pecorino Romano could be a strong, salty alternative if you prefer a bolder cheese profile.
SEASONINGS (Onion Powder, Garlic Salt, Black Pepper) – These foundational seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce. Onion powder adds a subtle allium depth, complementing the garlic without overpowering it. Garlic salt, as the name suggests, provides both saltiness and an extra layer of garlic flavor. Black pepper adds a touch of mild spice and aromatic warmth. Feel free to adjust these to your personal taste, and don’t hesitate to experiment with other additions like a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or Italian seasoning for an herbal twist.
VEGETABLE OIL FOR FRYING – Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for deep frying without breaking down or imparting undesirable flavors. Ensure you have enough oil to submerge the wings adequately for even cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Garlic Parmesan Wings
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
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Prepare and Season the Wings: Begin by placing your thoroughly patted-dry chicken wings into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle half of the onion powder over them, followed by garlic salt and black pepper to your preferred taste. Using gloved hands – this is key for even distribution and hygiene – toss the wings vigorously to ensure every piece is perfectly coated with the seasonings. This initial seasoning is vital for building layers of flavor from the inside out.
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Heat the Frying Oil: In a deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven, add enough vegetable oil to come about an inch up the sides. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the skillet and heat the oil to a precise 325°F (160°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy wings without burning them or making them greasy. Too low, and they soak up oil; too high, and they burn before cooking through.
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Fry the Wings to Crispy Perfection: Carefully add the seasoned chicken wings to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Working in batches is important to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much, which would result in soggy wings. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Once cooked, remove them from the oil.
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Start the Buttery Sauce Base: While the wings are cooking, begin preparing your incredible sauce. In a separate skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. As it melts, sprinkle in additional garlic salt to taste – this layer of seasoning ensures the sauce is as flavorful as the wings. Add the remaining onion powder and stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble gently. This process infuses the butter with aromatic flavors.
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Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the hot, bubbly butter and stir thoroughly to combine. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, slowly sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. This gradual addition and constant stirring will help the cheese melt smoothly into the butter, creating a cohesive, velvety sauce. Once the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth, turn off the heat to prevent it from overcooking or separating.
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Drain Excess Oil: As each batch of wings finishes frying, remove them from the hot oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows any excess oil to drain away, helping to maintain their crispiness while you finish frying the remaining batches. Resist the urge to stack them, as this can trap steam and make them soggy.
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Toss with Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Once all your wings are fried and drained, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour the warm garlic cheese mixture over the crispy wings. Using tongs or a sturdy spoon, toss the wings thoroughly until each one is glisteningly coated in the rich, buttery, and cheesy sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with that incredible garlic parmesan flavor.
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Serve and Garnish: For an extra flourish and a burst of flavor, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese just before serving, if desired. Serve these irresistible wings immediately while they are hot and crispy. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Wings
To keep your delicious leftover wings fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For the best reheating results and to restore their crispiness, we recommend using a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer. Simply reheat until they are warmed through and crispy again, typically about 10-15 minutes in the oven or 5-8 minutes in the air fryer, shaking halfway through.
For food safety and optimal tenderness, chicken wings should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature should be registered on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the meat, typically near the bone, being careful not to touch the bone itself.
Absolutely! While deep frying provides an unparalleled crispiness, you can certainly achieve excellent results with an air fryer or by baking. For air fryer wings, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For baked wings, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes, until golden and crispy. Apply the garlic parmesan sauce after they are cooked.
Several factors contribute to ultra-crispy wings: 1) **Patting them dry:** Remove as much moisture as possible before seasoning and cooking. 2) **Proper oil temperature:** Maintain 325-350°F (160-175°C) when frying. Too low, and they’ll absorb oil; too high, and they’ll burn. 3) **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. 4) **Consider a double fry:** Fry once at 325°F (160°C) until cooked through, then increase oil temp to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 2-4 minutes for ultimate crispness.
Sauce separation can occur if the heat is too high or if the cheese is added too quickly. Ensure you melt the butter over medium heat and turn off the heat before slowly sprinkling in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as you add the cheese to help it emulsify smoothly with the butter. Using freshly grated, good quality Parmesan also helps, as pre-grated cheeses sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Wings
While these garlic parmesan wings are undeniably a star on their own, a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. A cool cup of creamy ranch or pungent blue cheese dressing is always a classic and highly recommended choice for dipping, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, garlicky flavor. Craving even MORE garlic goodness? Serve them alongside our homemade garlic parmesan wing sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
For a complete meal, consider pairing these flavorful wings with fresh, crisp celery and carrot sticks – they offer a nice crunch and help cleanse the palate. These wings make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings, but they’re equally satisfying as a main course for a casual dinner. Serve them hot and fresh, straight from the bowl, with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley as an elegant garnish. They also pair wonderfully with classic pub fare like crispy french fries, a light coleslaw, or some roasted corn on the cob. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Spicy Wings
- Classic Fried Chicken Wings
- Perfectly Baked Chicken Legs
- Authentic Korean Fried Chicken
- Easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
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Garlic Parmesan Wings
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken wings
- 1 ½ Tablespoons onion powder divided
- garlic salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick plus 8 Tablespoons
- 4 Tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- vegetable oil for frying
Things You’ll Need
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Large heavy bottomed skillet with deep sides
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Skillet for the sauce mixture
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Mixing bowls
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Vinyl gloves
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Candy thermometer
Before You Begin & Tips
- Always pat your chicken wings thoroughly dry before seasoning and frying. This is key for achieving maximum crispiness.
- For the sauce, while the recipe calls for 4 Tablespoons of bottled minced garlic, if using fresh garlic, you might want to start with a little less (e.g., 2-3 Tablespoons, or 6-9 cloves finely minced) as its flavor is more potent. Taste and adjust to suit your preferences.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the wings; cook in batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
- For food safety, ensure chicken wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
Instructions
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Place wings in a large bowl and sprinkle in half of the onion powder. Sprinkle on garlic salt and pepper to taste. Using gloved hands, toss to coat and distribute seasonings evenly.
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Add enough vegetable oil to a deep-sided skillet (or Dutch oven) to come about an inch up the sides. Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) using a candy thermometer.
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Carefully add wings to the hot oil, ensuring not to crowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Work in batches if necessary.
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While wings are cooking, in another skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in some garlic salt, to taste. Add remaining onion powder and stir until butter is bubbly and fragrant.
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Add minced garlic to the hot butter and stir to combine, cooking for about 30 seconds. Slowly sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and cohesive. Turn off heat immediately.
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Remove cooked wings from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
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Place all cooked, drained wings in a large clean bowl. Add the warm garlic cheese mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all wings are evenly coated in the rich sauce.
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Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese (and optionally fresh parsley) if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Parmesan Wings!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.