Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat wings dry with paper towels and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Arrange on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange wings in a single layer and cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Deep Fryer Method:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat.
Step 3: Coat the Wings & Serve
- Toss the cooked wings in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Serving and Storage Tips
🍗 Best served fresh for the crispiest texture!
🍗 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍗 Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Variants
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings – Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Bacon Garlic Parmesan Wings – Mix in crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Wings – Add fresh lemon zest for a tangy kick.
- Extra Crispy Wings – Toss wings in cornstarch before baking for maximum crunch.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version – Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for a keto-friendly version.
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Boneless chicken tenders or nuggets work great—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let the sauce simmer a little longer, or add ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with wings.
4. Can I grill the wings instead?
Absolutely! Grill at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?
Try ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a lemon-garlic aioli!
Final Thoughts
These Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are rich, cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious. Whether baked, air-fried, or deep-fried, they’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion!