Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

If you love tender, flavor-packed wings with a crispy finish but hate babysitting a fryer, these Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are about to make your day! They deliver all the punchy garlic and nutty Parmesan goodness you crave—ready in just over half an hour, and perfect for game day, parties, or anytime cravings hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings is how each simple ingredient brings an important element to the dish. These are pantry and fridge staples that add crunch, succulence, and pop to every wing—don’t skip a single one!

• Chicken drumettes and/or wings: Classic for wings—drumettes are extra meaty while the “flat” wings have more crispy skin. Use whichever your crowd prefers!
• Garlic powder & onion powder: This duo forms a savory, aromatic backbone right from the start.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning, both before and after cooking, to develop all the classic wing flavors.
• Water: Needed for the Instant Pot to pressurize—don’t worry, it won’t water down the flavor.
• Fresh garlic cloves: For that unmistakable garlicky punch that makes these wings shine.
• Butter & olive oil: They melt into a luscious sauce that helps crisp and flavor the wings as they bake.
• Parmesan cheese: The star of the show—tossed on at the end while the wings are piping hot so it melts slightly and gets extra nutty.
• Parsley (optional): Adds bright color and a hint of freshness if you like a pop of green on your platter.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings? You can riff on the flavors or swap out ingredients to match your mood, what’s already in your kitchen, or specific dietary needs—you’ll never get bored!

• Spicy Kick: Toss some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne into the garlic butter for a fiery version that will light up your tastebuds.
• Keto-Friendly: These wings are already low-carb, but use freshly grated Parmesan and skip the optional parsley for the cleanest version.
• Lemon-Parmesan: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture for a vibrant tang that lifts all the rich flavors.
• Dairy-Free: Prefer no cheese? Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and opt for plant-based butter—still super tasty!

How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Wings

Add your wings or drumettes to a large mixing bowl and toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This step ensures every bite is packed with rich, savory flavor right from the start—don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Step 2: Pressure Cook in the Instant Pot

Pour a cup of water into the Instant Pot and set the trivet inside. Arrange your seasoned wings on top of the trivet, seal the lid, and set to high pressure for 6 minutes. While it’s pressurizing (about 15 minutes), preheat your oven to 525°F and move the rack to the middle position. Cooking under pressure locks in juiciness in record time!

Step 3: Quick Release and Toss in Garlic Butter

Once the Instant Pot beeps, perform a quick release (carefully!)—this takes just a couple of minutes. Move the wings to a big bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and a little salt, then pour all that garlicky goodness over the hot, cooked wings and toss to coat.

Step 4: Broil for Crispiness

Lay the sauced wings skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 8 minutes. Let them broil for 2-3 more minutes without opening the door to achieve an irresistible golden crust—they’ll crisp and bubble beautifully!

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve

With the wings hot from the oven, toss them with grated Parmesan, another pinch of salt, and parsley if you’re using it. Serve them sizzling and fragrant—get ready for endless requests for seconds!

How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley add both color and depth to the presentation—don’t be shy about piling it on for a professional, restaurant-style look. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper is also fantastic.

Side Dishes

Classic celery sticks and carrot sticks offer cool, crunchy contrast, while a side of ranch or blue cheese dip complements the garlicky, cheesy flavors beautifully. For heartier fare, think potato wedges or a fresh Caesar salad—it’s hard to go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings look irresistible piled high on a platter for parties, but you can also skewer them for easy serving, or arrange them in little paper cones for easy grab-and-go snacking—perfect for tailgates or movie nights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover wings cool completely before transferring to an airtight container; they’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep any extra Parmesan and parsley in a separate little container to add after reheating.

Freezing

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings freeze very well—just skip the final Parmesan-and-parsley toss. Lay cooled wings on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, place wings on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F until hot and crispy (usually 10-12 minutes); a quick broil at the end revives their crunch. Add a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan before serving for that just-made flavor!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging a serious wings craving, these Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings will absolutely blow you away with their juiciness, flavor, and ease. I hope you’ll give them a try and treat yourself—you deserve wings this good!

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