Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

Crispy, golden, and full of rich garlic flavor, these Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack. Whether baked in the oven or made in the air fryer, they’re simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

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Ingredients

For the wings:

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, drumettes and flats separated, tips removed
• 2 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the garlic butter sauce:

• ½ stick (57 g) unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Oven Method

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Wings:
   Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to getting crispy wings.
3. Season the Wings:
   In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Bake the Wings:
   Arrange wings on the prepared sheet pan, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   Melt the butter and mix with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir until well combined.
6. Toss and Serve:
   Place baked wings in a large bowl and toss with the garlic butter sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Air Fryer Method

1. Prepare Wings:
   Pat wings dry. Toss wings with 1 Tbsp baking powder and the rest of the seasonings.
2. Air Fry:
   Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry wings for 20 minutes, shaking or flipping once or twice, until cooked through and crispy.
3. Toss with Sauce:
   Remove wings from the air fryer and toss immediately with the garlic butter sauce. Serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and flavorful: Perfectly crisp wings coated in a buttery garlic sauce.
• Easy and versatile: Oven or air fryer method works for any kitchen setup.
• Quick: Ready in under 45 minutes.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for parties, game days, or casual dinners.

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Tips

• Dry wings thoroughly: The key to crispy skin is removing as much moisture as possible.
• Even spacing: Don’t crowd wings on the pan; this ensures they crisp evenly.
• Adjust garlic: Add more or less garlic to suit your taste.
• Rest briefly: Let wings sit 5 minutes after tossing in sauce for flavors to meld.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy garlic wings: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
• Herb twist: Swap parsley for cilantro or thyme.
• Cheesy garlic wings: Sprinkle Parmesan on wings right after tossing in sauce.
• Gluten-free: Baking powder must be aluminum-free and gluten-free; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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FAQs

Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! Bake or air fry wings, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem — the oven method gives equally crispy, delicious wings.

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before baking or air frying for best results.

How do I make the wings extra crispy?
Use baking powder, dry the wings well, and don’t overcrowd them on the pan or air fryer basket.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Wings with:

• Celery and carrot sticks
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
• Side of fries or roasted potatoes
• A cold beer or soda for a classic game-day experience

These wings are perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you crave that rich garlic flavor with a satisfying crunch. 🍗