Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Name: Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Meals

I absolutely love making Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings at home. The crispy texture combined with the rich garlic and cheesy goodness is a flavor explosion that always satisfies. They're perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy night in. Each bite reminds me of my favorite pub wings, but I can enjoy them fresh out of the fryer. The method I use ensures they're crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, making every wing a delight.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-01-17T16:26:27.810Z

When I first attempted to make these Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, I was amazed at how easy and rewarding they were. The secret lies in the double-frying process that gets the wings incredibly crispy. I marinated the wings in buttermilk overnight, which not only tenderizes the meat but adds a wonderful flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic and parmesan.

I've found that using freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder elevates the dish, delivering a more robust flavor profile. Tossing the wings in butter, garlic, and parmesan right after frying creates a sauce that clings perfectly, making each bite incredibly delicious. Trust me, these wings will be a hit!

        Why You'll Love These Wings
        Crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior
Rich garlic flavor complemented by savory parmesan
Perfectly seasoned for a crowd-pleasing appetizer
Easily customizable with different sauces or dry rubs

      

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken wings in buttermilk is a crucial step that not only enhances flavor but also significantly improves tenderness. The acids in the buttermilk break down the chicken's proteins, resulting in juicy wings that won’t dry out during frying. For optimal results, aim to marinate them overnight. If time is short, however, a minimum of 4 hours will still yield a noticeable difference compared to non-marinated wings.

When marinating, make sure the wings are fully submerged in the buttermilk. If needed, you can add a pinch of salt or your favorite spices to the marinade for an extra kick. The longer the wings sit in the buttermilk, the more flavorful they will become, so don’t rush this step—it's worth the wait!

Frying Techniques for Crispiness

Achieving that perfect crispy texture on the outside of the wings requires maintaining the right frying temperature. Using a deep fryer or a heavy-bottom pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the wings develop a golden, crunchy crust while locking in juices. If the oil is too hot, the exterior will brown too quickly without cooking the interior properly.

Cook the wings in small batches, about 5-6 at a time, to avoid lowering the oil's temperature too much. Frying for approximately 6 minutes will yield perfectly cooked wings, but keep an eye on them. When they reach a golden brown color and float to the top, they're ready to be removed. Always drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil for maximum crunch!

Enhancing with Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce adds a rich flavor layer that complements the crispy wings beautifully. When sautéing the minced garlic, be careful not to brown it; you want to achieve a fragrant aroma without bitterness. Typically, sautéing for about a minute will do the trick. Once you add the parmesan cheese, stir until it melts and becomes glossy to ensure it coats the wings well.

If you're looking to switch things up, consider adding a touch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat. Alternatively, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can provide a unique twist that harmonizes with the garlic and parmesan. Experimenting with these variations can elevate the dish while keeping the original essence intact.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings!

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.

Marinate the Wings

In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.

Prepare the Coating

In another bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove wings from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off.

Coat the Wings

Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, then place on a baking sheet. Repeat until all wings are coated.

Fry the Wings

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry wings in batches for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese.

Toss the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the fried wings with the garlic butter sauce until evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the wings before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method will help retain their crispy texture better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

For long-term storage, consider freezing the fried wings. After frying, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven, which may take a little longer but will give you that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste.

Customizing Your Wings

These wings are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize based on your preferences. If you want to experiment beyond garlic and parmesan, consider various dry rubs or sauces like buffalo, teriyaki, or a honey garlic glaze. Simply toss the fried wings in your chosen sauce after they come out of the fryer for a new flavor experience.

To make them spicier, you can add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or your favorite hot sauce to the garlic butter. Substituting the parmesan for another cheese, such as cheddar or a spicy queso, can also lead to exciting new flavor profiles.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for a larger crowd is easily done—just multiply the ingredients accordingly. However, be mindful of the fryer’s capacity; frying in batches will ensure evenly cooked wings. If you're making a large batch, keeping them warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while frying the remaining wings will help maintain their crispiness until service.

In terms of ingredients, swapping out traditional chicken wings for drumsticks or a combination can reduce cooking time slightly since drumsticks tend to take a bit longer to cook through. Just ensure to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these wings instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, although they may not be as crispy.

→ How can I store leftover wings?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

→ Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinading and frying.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?

Ranch dressing, blue cheese, or a spicy buffalo sauce are great options!