Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

If you’re craving crispy, flavor-packed wings in record time, you’ll fall in love with these Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings! They’re absolutely drenched in garlicky, buttery goodness and finished with a snowfall of savory Parmesan, all with zero deep frying or greasy mess.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to deliver major flavor! Every single item pulls its weight, creating juicy wings with crisp edges and bold, garlicky punch balanced by nutty Parmesan. Here’s what makes these Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings shine.

• Chicken drumettes or wings (3 pounds): Use either; drumettes are meatier, while classic party wings give you a fun mix of flats and drummies. Just be sure to pat them dry before cooking.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These give a savory base layer of flavor that seasons the meat from the inside out during pressure cooking.
• Salt & pepper: The essential flavor boosters—don’t skimp!
• Water (1 cup): Needed for pressure cooking, which keeps your wings juicy instead of dry.
• Fresh garlic cloves (5, minced): Big, bold garlic flavor! Fresh is best, so grab your microplane or garlic press.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for richness and helps the garlic “bloom.”
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the wings crisp up under heat and adds an extra fruity note.
• Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): Grated or shredded works; freshly grated parmesan melts more evenly and clings to the wings better.
• Parsley (optional, 2 tablespoons): For color and freshness—totally optional, but provides a lovely finish.

Variations

These Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are an open canvas—don’t be afraid to mix it up to match your mood, pantry picks, or dietary needs! Here are a few easy swaps and playful twists to make this recipe uniquely yours.

• Low-Carb Upgrade: The recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can skip the final Parmesan toss and just sprinkle with fresh herbs for an even lighter bite.
• Extra Heat: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the melted butter for garlicky wings with a punch.
• Lemon-Pepper Version: Swap out half the garlic and Parmesan for lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper for a tangy, fragrant change.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based butter and a vegan substitute for Parmesan to make these wings dairy-free and irresistibly crisp.

How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Add your chicken wings or drumettes to a roomy mixing bowl. Toss them really well with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—get in there and make sure every piece is evenly coated for the best flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Pressure Cook in the Instant Pot

Pour one cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot and set the trivet inside. Arrange the seasoned wings on the trivet, stacking as needed. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes—this is magic for super-juicy wings! (Remember, it’ll take about 15 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure.)

Step 3: Quick Release & Prep the Oven

Once the pressure cooking is complete, carefully perform a Quick Release (watch out for hot steam!) and open the lid. Meanwhile, move your oven rack to the center and preheat to a sizzling 525°F—you want high heat for a golden finish.

Step 4: Make the Garlic-Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and an extra pinch of salt. Pour this luscious mixture all over the hot wings and toss until evenly coated—this is where the real garlic punch lands!

Step 5: Bake and Broil for Crispiness

Transfer the wings skin-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes to crisp the skin, then immediately broil for an extra 2–3 minutes (don’t open the oven between baking and broiling!) for that addictive crunch.

Step 6: Toss with Parmesan & Parsley

As soon as the wings come out of the oven—while they’re piping hot—toss them in a large bowl with the freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of salt, and parsley if you’re using it. Serve right away and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of parmesan or a flutter of fresh parsley takes these wings from “tasty” to truly restaurant-worthy. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and just a whisper of heat—it looks gorgeous and wakes up the flavors!

Side Dishes

These wings are delicious on their own, but if you want a heartier meal, try pairing them with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or a cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. For a more playful twist, serve with garlic bread, potato wedges, or a bright, tangy salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings piled high on a rustic platter with plenty of napkins, or arrange in mini buckets for a game day feast. For parties, thread wings onto short skewers with roasted veggies in between for a fun, finger-food vibe. Don’t forget those little serving spoons for extra parmesan on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover wings? Simply pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

These Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings actually freeze well! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag—this keeps them from sticking together and makes future snacking extra easy. They’ll hold up for 1–2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-off-the-pan crispiness, reheat your wings in a hot oven or an air fryer at 400°F for 6–8 minutes. The microwave will make them soft; the oven gets the exterior golden and irresistible again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope these Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings make it onto your menu soon! They’re the ultimate feel-good appetizer—quick, easy, and absolutely bursting with savory, garlicky satisfaction. Give them a try the next time you’re craving wings, and get ready for them to disappear from your table in a flash!

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