These Garlic Parmesan Wings are a flavorful and crispy delight, perfect for game day or any occasion. Coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with roasted garlic and Parmesan, these wings are irresistibly delicious. Made in the air fryer for an extra crispy texture, they can also be baked in the oven for an equally tasty result.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings (about 20 wings)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any oil)
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (to taste)
- 1 head garlic
- ¼ tsp oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, finely grated
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic and mash it.
- Prepare the Wings: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl, season with salt, pepper, and oil. Massage well to coat.
- Cook the Wings:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the wings in the basket without overlapping and cook for 25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Oven Method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the Sauce: Five minutes before the wings are done, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan and mashed roasted garlic. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the hot wings, toss to coat, and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1262 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 76g
- Fat: 103g
- Saturated Fat: 40g
- Cholesterol: 341mg
- Sodium: 1794mg
- Potassium: 616mg
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1656 IU
- Vitamin C: 7mg
- Calcium: 682mg
- Iron: 4mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a rich, cheesy garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re making them for game day, a casual get-together, or just a delicious snack, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Unlike traditional buffalo wings, which rely on hot sauce for flavor, these wings offer a creamy, garlicky, and savory alternative that appeals to all taste buds.
What makes this recipe even better is that it can be made in the air fryer or oven, ensuring a crispy texture without deep frying. The air fryer gives the wings a golden, crunchy exterior in just 25 minutes, while the oven provides an equally satisfying result with a slightly longer cooking time. Either way, these wings are packed with bold flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth sauce that makes them truly irresistible.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Wings
Achieving the perfect crispy texture is key to making these Garlic Parmesan Wings a success. Here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Pat the Wings Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before seasoning the wings, use paper towels to pat them completely dry. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer or oven.
- Use a Wire Rack for Baking: If baking in the oven, place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring even crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: If making these in an air fryer, place the wings in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures that hot air can circulate properly, leading to evenly crispy wings.
- Toss Halfway Through Cooking: Whether air frying or baking, flipping the wings halfway through helps them cook evenly and develop a golden crust on all sides.
- Use High Heat: Cooking the wings at a high temperature (around 400°F for the air fryer and 425°F for the oven) helps render the fat and create that signature crispiness.
What Makes Garlic Parmesan Wings So Flavorful?
The secret to these wings lies in the rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor:
- Roasted Garlic: Unlike raw garlic, which can be sharp and overpowering, roasted garlic has a mellow, caramelized sweetness that enhances the sauce without being too harsh.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan throughout the wings.
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: A high-quality Parmesan cheese provides a nutty, salty depth that pairs beautifully with the crispy wings.
- Sour Cream: Introduces a slight tang and creaminess, balancing out the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright and fresh finishing touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Garlic Parmesan Wings are incredibly versatile and pair well with various sides and dips. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Classic Pairings: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic wing experience.
- Side Dishes: Pair with crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Dips and Sauces: While these wings are flavorful on their own, they also go well with additional dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a light marinara sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly meal, serve these wings alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh avocado salad.
Different Ways to Customize Garlic Parmesan Wings
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make them spicier, creamier, or tangier, here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a mild heat boost.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in additional grated Parmesan or sprinkle some shredded mozzarella over the wings before serving.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Herb-Infused Wings: Add dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning for a more aromatic and herbaceous flavor profile.
- Creamier Version: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce for an extra smooth and creamy finish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because these wings disappear fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Store them in a freezer-safe bag and reheat when needed.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: For best results, reheat the wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Reheating in the Oven: Place wings on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave Option: While not recommended for the crispiest results, you can microwave the wings for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time.
Why These Wings Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Garlic Parmesan Wings are a great choice for a variety of events and gatherings. Here’s why they’re always a crowd-pleaser:
- Game Day Favorite: Whether it’s football, basketball, or any other sporting event, wings are a must-have game day snack.
- Family Dinners: These wings make for a fun and flavorful family meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Party Appetizer: Serve them at parties or potlucks for a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Wings are the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of roasted garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich and creamy coating that takes these wings to the next level.
By making them in the air fryer or oven, you get that perfect golden crunch without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier alternative to traditional wings. Plus, with endless customization options, you can easily tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.