Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional); 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

There’s just something about perfectly crisp, garlicky wings that hits all the right spots—savory, cheesy, and downright irresistible. This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is one of my go-to treats when I want to impress friends or simply indulge in a cozy night in. Trust me, these wings deliver that beautiful balance of bold garlic flavor with a cheesy Parmesan punch that's sure to make you a fan.

A black cast iron pan filled with several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken wings, each wing covered with a light sprinkling of grated cheese and small green herb leaves. The chicken pieces show a crispy texture with some darker, charred spots and a shiny, slightly oily glaze. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me share why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen regular rotation. It’s straightforward, delicious, and delivers wings that are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly coated with garlicky Parmesan goodness. Honestly, it’s foolproof and fun to make!

Simplicity with Gourmet Flair: The ingredient list is short, but the flavor feels special and restaurant-worthy.
Crispiness Without Frying: Baking at high heat plus a touch of baking powder gives wings that satisfying crunch without the mess of frying.
Layered Garlic Goodness: Both garlic powder and fresh garlic in the sauce build a deep, savory flavor profile that garlic lovers will swoon over.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the spices or add heat to make these wings perfectly suited to your taste buds.

A black cast iron pan full of golden brown, crispy chicken wings with a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small green herb leaves on top. The wings show a mix of browned, slightly charred skin and tender white meat. They are stacked close together, filling the pan. Around the pan is a white marbled surface, with some green herb leaves scattered and a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together in a way that’s more than the sum of its parts. Each spice and element plays a role in creating that crave-worthy combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful wings.

Flat lay of golden raw chicken wings, vibrant minced garlic cloves, fresh bright green chopped parsley, a small mound of finely grated Parmesan cheese, whole garlic bulbs, a scattering of smoked paprika powder, a pat of melted butter glistening softly, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley leaves artfully placed, all arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Adds a robust, savory background without overpowering, setting the stage for fresh garlic aroma later.
Onion powder: Enhances depth and rounds out the seasoning blend nicely.
Salt & pepper: Essentials for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the wings.
Baking powder (optional): This is a game changer — it helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Chicken wings: The star ingredient — I recommend fresh wings if you can get them for the best texture.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and contributes to crispiness in the bake.
Butter: Melts into the garlic sauce, adding richness and silkiness to the wing coating.
Fresh garlic: Minced and gently cooked, it brings a punch of bright garlicky flavor in the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Finishes things off with a nutty, sharp, salty crust that you’ll want to savor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe by adding my own spin. Once you master the classic, you can tweak the heat levels, swap herbs, or even try different cheeses. Let your taste buds lead the way!

Spicy Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dry seasoning to give the wings a lively kick that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Herb Twist: Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives for a fresh burst of flavor.
Dietary Modifications: For keto-friendly options, the recipe is already great—just keep the parmesan and skip any added sugars if experimenting.
Air Fryer Adaptation: I’ve successfully cooked these in the air fryer—just reduce time to about 25 minutes at 400°F and watch for crispiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Wings and Spice Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and setting a rack in the middle position. Then whisk together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and if you’re using it, baking powder in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is the secret to that irresistible flavor and crisp skin. Toss your wings in the mix until they’re well coated—this helps the flavors soak in and the baking powder does its magic later.

Step 2: Bake the Wings

Arrange the wings on a baking dish in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 45 minutes. This slow bake at high heat renders the skin crisp and golden. I like to flip the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and that perfect crunch on all sides.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While your wings are baking, melt butter gently in a small pot over low heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped parsley, stirring until you can smell that garlicky fragrance—be careful not to brown the garlic as it can turn bitter. Remove from heat to keep that fresh, bright flavor intact.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce and Finish Baking

When the wings come out of the oven, pour that lush garlic butter sauce all over them and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes—this short bake lets the cheese melt into a gorgeous golden crust that adds a final layer of texture and flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that turned this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe from great to unforgettable—here are my favorite tips to help you get that perfect bite every time.

Use Baking Powder for Crispy Skin: It’s optional, but adding baking powder changes everything for crispiness—don’t skip it!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving your wings space on the baking dish ensures they crisp up rather than steam.
Fresh Garlic vs. Powder: Garlic powder works well in the dry rub, but fresh garlic in the sauce brings that punchy, aromatic flavor that makes these wings so special.
Final Bake is Key: The last 5-minute bake after adding Parmesan seals in the flavor and crisps up the cheese perfectly.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish these wings with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a light dusting of additional Parmesan right before serving amps up that cheesy goodness even more. If you like a little heat, finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes on top work beautifully too!

Side Dishes

When I serve these Garlic Parmesan Wings, I pair them with crisp celery sticks and a cooling ranch dip to balance the rich flavor. Roasted veggies or a simple Caesar salad add a nice contrast. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy polenta make tasty companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging the wings on a platter lined with parchment and garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs, plus small bowls of dipping sauces. It’s a crowd-pleaser and visually inviting. Another fun idea I’ve tried is stacking the wings on a tiered stand to create an impressive, easy-to-grab centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually place any leftover wings in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to four days, which is perfect for quick snacks or adding to salads later. Just bring them back to room temperature before reheating for the best results.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing these wings works well if you’re batch cooking. Just place cooled wings in a shallow container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They freeze nicely for up to six months, making it easy to pull out a tasty snack whenever you want.

Reheating

To keep wings crispy, I recommend reheating in the oven or an air fryer rather than the microwave. About 10 minutes at 350°F in the oven does the trick, or 5 minutes in the air fryer gets skin crispy again without drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these wings without baking powder?

Yes, you can skip the baking powder—your wings will still be delicious. However, baking powder helps achieve that extra crispy skin by drying out the skin and encouraging browning, so it’s worth including if you can.

Is it better to bake or fry these wings?

Baking is simpler and less messy, plus with the right technique—like using baking powder and a hot oven—you get wonderfully crispy wings. Frying makes extremely crispy wings as well but involves more oil and cleanup. The baked version here strikes a great balance of flavor and ease.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before tossing with the wings to bring the flavors back to life. Fresh garlic flavor is best when not overcooked, so warming slowly is key.

How do I keep the wings crispy when reheating?

To keep wings crispy during reheating, avoid microwaving. Instead, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer for 5 minutes. This restores the crispiness without drying out the meat.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re sharing with friends, watching a game, or just treating yourself after a long day, the combination of garlicky butter, crispy skin, and cheesy goodness is irresistibly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—once you get these right, they might just become your favorite weeknight indulgence, too!