Garlic Parmesan Herb Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

 



These Garlic Parmesan Herb Wings deliver everything you want in a perfect wing — crispy outside, juicy inside, packed with bold, savory flavor, and tossed in a crave-worthy dry rub that clings to every bite. What sets this recipe apart is the three-step technique: marinate for deep flavor, roast for tender juiciness, then air fry for unbeatable crunch. It’s the ultimate method for wings that hit every texture and flavor note.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality wings right into your home kitchen, giving you that deep, layered flavor that usually takes hours in a professional kitchen. By combining the gentle roasting method with a final blast of high heat in the air fryer, you get the perfect balance of moist meat and shatteringly crisp skin—no deep fryer required.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drums
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

For the Garlic Parmesan Herb Dry Rub

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (the powdery kind works best here)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Wings

In a large bowl, combine the wings with minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.

Step 2: Roast for Juiciness

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps with airflow and crisping). Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer.

Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want the wings fully cooked but not yet super crisp.

Step 3: Air Fry for Crisp Perfection

Transfer the wings to your air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 4: Toss in Dry Rub

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients. Add the hot, crispy wings to the bowl and toss vigorously to coat every wing in that cheesy, herby goodness.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Pile the wings onto a platter, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a little fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tip

If you want to skip the air fryer, you can roast the wings for a bit longer (about 40-45 minutes total), flipping once, until they reach the desired crispness. Then toss in the dry rub as usual.

For more crispy, flavor-packed recipes, follow Good Food, Real Life!

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