Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible: Fried Parmesan Chicken Wings

Welcome to the ultimate wing recipe that’s gonna have your taste buds dancing and your friends and family begging for more. If you’re on the hunt for wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a savory Parmesan cheese blend, you’ve come to the right place. Our Fried Parmesan Chicken Wings are not just a dish—they’re an experience. Picture perfectly fried wings tossed in a cheesy, herb-infused coating that takes your classic wing game to the next level. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a family dinner, or just craving something mouthwatering, these wings are your new go-to. Let’s get those wings sizzling!

Alright, let’s get down to why these Fried Parmesan Chicken Wings are about to become your new favorite recipe. First off, the combination of a perfectly crispy coating with the rich, cheesy goodness of Parmesan cheese is simply unbeatable. We’re talking about wings that are so crunchy, they make a glorious sound when you bite into them. Plus, the Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor that’s both savory and satisfying. Each bite is a balance of crispy, cheesy, and seasoned perfection.

But that’s not all. These wings are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Hosting a party? They’ll be a crowd-pleaser. Cooking for the family? They’re an easy win. And if you’re just enjoying a night in, these wings are the ultimate comfort food. With our expert tips and tricks, you’ll master the art of frying wings and creating a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

To make these Fried Parmesan Chicken Wings, you’ll need the following:

• For the Wings:
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Parmesan Coating:
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of kick)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Fried Parmesan Chicken Wings

1. Prep the Wings:
   • Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures a crispier coating.
2. Prepare the Dredging Station:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
3. Coat the Wings:
   • First, dredge each wing in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
   • Next, dip the floured wing into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Return the wing to the flour mixture and coat it again. Press the flour into the wing to ensure a thick, crispy coating.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
5. Fry the Wings:
   • Carefully add a few wings at a time to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the wings for 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Remove the wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and stay crispy.
6. Prepare the Parmesan Coating:
   • While the wings are frying, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
7. Coat the Fried Wings:
   • Once the wings are all fried and drained, toss them in the Parmesan coating mixture while they’re still warm. Make sure each wing is well-coated with the cheesy, herbaceous goodness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve your Fried Parmesan Chicken Wings immediately, garnished with a little extra parsley if desired. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness: For wings that are even crunchier, repeat the dredging process by coating the wings in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then back in the flour mixture again.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent temperature is crucial. If it’s too hot, the wings will burn; too cold, and they’ll be greasy. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep it in check.
• Use a Wire Rack: Letting the wings drain on a wire rack rather than paper towels helps them stay crispy by allowing air to circulate around them.

Variations

1. Buffalo Parmesan Wings: Toss the wings in a tangy buffalo sauce before adding the Parmesan coating.
2. Lemon Pepper Parmesan: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to the Parmesan mixture for a fresh twist.
3. Herb Parmesan Wings: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
4. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Increase the amount of minced garlic in the Parmesan coating for a more intense garlic flavor.
5. Spicy Parmesan Wings: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
6. Sweet and Spicy Parmesan Wings: Toss the wings in a mixture of honey and sriracha before coating with Parmesan.
7. Ranch Parmesan Wings: Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the flour mixture for a ranch-flavored twist.
8. Cheesy Bacon Parmesan Wings: Mix in crumbled bacon with the Parmesan cheese for added smokiness.
9. Cajun Parmesan Wings: Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for a Southern-style flavor.
10. Buffalo Ranch Parmesan Wings: Toss in ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce for a combo of flavors.
11. Teriyaki Parmesan Wings: Glaze the wings with teriyaki sauce before adding the Parmesan coating.
12. Garlic Parmesan with a Twist: Use roasted garlic for a richer flavor in the Parmesan mixture.
13. Sriracha Parmesan Wings: Mix sriracha sauce into the buttermilk for a spicy kick.
14. Sweet BBQ Parmesan Wings: Glaze with BBQ sauce before tossing in Parmesan.
15. Herbed Lemon Parmesan Wings: Combine fresh lemon zest and mixed herbs in the Parmesan coating.

What to Serve With

1. Celery Sticks: Classic and crisp, great for cooling the palate.
2. Carrot Sticks: A crunchy, refreshing side.
3. Ranch Dressing: Perfect for dipping and cooling off the spicy wings.
4. Blue Cheese Dressing: A bold, tangy option that pairs well with Parmesan wings.
5. Garlic Bread: A comforting and savory side.
6. Coleslaw: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the crispy wings.
7. Potato Wedges: Hearty and filling, great for a complete meal.
8. Onion Rings: Crispy and savory, an indulgent side.
9. Pickle Chips: The tangy crunch complements the wings.
10. Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, a perfect comfort food pairing.
11. Cornbread: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory wings.
12. Stuffed Mushrooms: For an extra appetizer option.
13. Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, with a tangy dressing.
14. Spicy Beans: For a touch of heat and heartiness.
15. Fruit Salad: Adds a sweet and refreshing element to the meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat wings in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Quantity Suggestions for Family Gatherings

For a family gathering, consider making 4-5 pounds of wings. This should comfortably serve 8-10 people, depending on their appetite and whether other dishes are being served.

Advance Preparation Advice

You can prepare the wings a day in advance by dredging and coating them. Store the coated wings in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. This will help save time and make the cooking process smoother when you’re ready to serve.