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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings - Crispy, Savory, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 to 3 pounds chicken wings, split at the joints, tips removed
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the wings: Pat the wings very dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to crispiness.
  2. Season: In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and olive oil until evenly coated.
  3. For oven baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and spray the rack lightly with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer, skin side up. Bake 40–50 minutes, flipping at the 25-minute mark, until deeply golden and crisp.
  4. For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange wings in a single layer (work in batches). Cook 18–22 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
  6. Toss and finish: Transfer hot wings to a clean bowl. Pour the warm garlic-Parmesan butter over them and toss to coat. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan and parsley.
  7. Serve: Enjoy immediately while the wings are crispy. Add ranch or blue cheese on the side if you like.