Get ready to elevate your wing game to legendary status with these Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings! Forget sticky, messy sauces; these wings are all about crispy skin, tender meat, and an explosion of savory, zesty, and garlicky flavors. Coated in a buttery Parmesan sauce infused with bright lemon and pungent garlic, these wings are incredibly addictive and perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or a fun weeknight treat. They’re so good, they might just become your new go-to wing recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of chicken wings, and while classic buffalo holds a special place, sometimes I crave something different that still delivers big on flavor. This recipe for Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings hits all the right notes for me. What I love most is the incredible crispiness you achieve on the wings, whether baked in the oven or air-fried. That crunchy exterior perfectly contrasts with the tender, juicy meat inside.

The flavor profile is simply divine: the bright zest of lemon pepper, the savory depth of garlic, and the salty, umami kick of Parmesan, all carried by rich melted butter. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly approachable flavor combination that appeals to almost everyone. Plus, the ease of preparation makes them a fantastic choice when you want maximum impact with minimal fuss. They disappear almost as quickly as they’re made!

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Ingredients:

• 12 chicken wings (drumettes or flats, or a mix, your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken Wings: Ensure wings are separated into drumettes and flats if bought whole. Patting them very dry is crucial for crispiness.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Use your favorite brand. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for lemon and pepper intensity.
• Garlic Powder: Granulated garlic powder works best for coating the wings evenly. Fresh minced garlic is reserved for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a superior flavor to pre-grated.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt content.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds freshness and color. Fresh chives or even a tiny bit of fresh oregano could also be used.
• Optional Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the wing seasoning or the sauce.

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Instructions:

Getting these incredibly flavorful and crispy wings ready is surprisingly simple.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Preheat Oven/Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your air fryer for cooking (usually preheat to 400°F/200°C).
2. Pat Dry: This is a crucial step for crispy wings! Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Season: In a large bowl, season the dry wings generously with salt, black pepper, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat the wings evenly.
4. Drizzle Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned wings and toss again to ensure all wings are lightly coated with oil.This helps with browning and crisping.

Step 2: Cook the Wings

Choose your preferred method for cooking crispy wings:

• Oven Method: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet (for maximum crispness). Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even cooking. Continue baking until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Air Fryer Method: If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. While the wings are cooking, prepare the delicious sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butterover medium heat.
2. Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and an additional pinch of garlic powder (if you want extra garlic flavor in the sauce). Stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 4: Toss the Wings in the Sauce

1. Once the wings are perfectly crispy and golden, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the warm garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them completely and evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the coated wings with freshly chopped parsley and an additional pinch of lemon pepper seasoning, if desired, for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.
2. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings hot, perhaps with a side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce, or fresh celery and carrot sticks. Enjoy!

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Pro Tip:

If you like extra crunch and a slightly more caramelized, golden cheese coating, finish the wings with a quick broil for 2-3 minutes after tossing them in the sauce. Keep a very close eye on them, as they can burn quickly under the broiler!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings are fantastic as a standalone snack or appetizer, but also pair well with other dishes.

• Dipping Sauces: Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are excellent companions. A simple garlic aioli or even a light marinara sauce would also work.
• Vegetable Sides: Fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks provide a cool, crisp counterpoint. A side salad would also be nice.
• Game Day Spread: These wings are perfect for a game day or party spread. Consider serving them alongside This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes for a truly epic snack table.
• Casual Meal: Pair with a simple side of fries or a small pasta salad for a more complete casual meal.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Wings are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be managed.

• Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To regain crispness, reheat wings in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving will make them soft.
• Sauce Separation: The Parmesan sauce may separate slightly upon cooling. Reheating often brings it back together, or you can whip up a fresh batch of sauce for reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, savory, and easy preparation of these wings, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another fantastic cheesy chicken creation, check out Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re looking for an addictive cheesy bite, you can’t go wrong with Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
• For a different take on a crowd-pleasing cheesy dish, my These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

These Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings are a testament to how simple seasonings and a quick sauce can transform humble chicken wings into an extraordinary culinary experience. They’re crispy, bursting with savory and zesty flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re a must-try for any wing enthusiast!

What’s your secret for perfectly crispy wings? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.