Copycat Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wild Wings Recipe: Crispy, Buttery Perfection

There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly crispy chicken wing coated in rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. The way the golden crust shatters, giving way to tender, juicy meat, while the creamy, buttery sauce clings to every nook—it’s pure indulgence.

I first fell in love with Buffalo Wild Wings’ Garlic Parmesan wings during a game night with friends. The combination of savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and that irresistible crunch had me hooked. But after one too many takeout orders, I decided to crack the code at home. After several trials (and a few near-disasters), I finally nailed this copycat Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wild Wings recipe—and now, you can too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality wings at home—no need to wait for delivery!

• Crispy, golden perfection whether you air-fry, bake, or deep-fry.

• Creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce that coats every bite luxuriously.

• Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in—always a crowd-pleaser.

• Easy to customize—adjust the garlic or parmesan to your taste.

The Picky Eater Who Couldn’t Resist

My nephew, a self-proclaimed “plain chicken tenders only” kind of kid, surprised everyone when he devoured three of these wings in one sitting. His verdict? “These taste like fancy pizza wings!” Now, they’re his go-to request for sleepovers. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.

What Makes It Special

• Chicken wings – Crisped to golden perfection, holding up to the rich sauce.

• Real butter & garlic – The base of the sauce, creating that deep, savory flavor.

• Freshly grated parmesan – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, umami kick.

• A touch of creaminess – Mayonnaise or heavy cream balances the sharpness.

Making It Happen

Step 1: Season & Cook the Wings

Start by patting your wings dry—this is the secret to ultra-crispy skin. Toss them with salt and pepper, then choose your cooking method:

• Air Fryer: Preheat for 5 minutes, then cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Oven: Bake at 425°F for 40 minutes (flip halfway) for deep golden crispiness.

• Deep Fryer: Fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Step 2: The Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings cook, melt butter in a saucepan with minced garlic (fresh is best!) until fragrant. Stir in grated parmesan, a splash of cream or mayo, and a pinch of salt. The sauce should be velvety and rich—taste and adjust as needed.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

Once the wings are crispy, toss them gently in the sauce (or drizzle generously). Serve with extra sauce for dipping and watch them disappear!

You Must Know These Tips

✔ Pat the wings dry—moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking tray—space ensures even cooking.
✔ Use freshly grated parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Toss wings while hot—the sauce clings better when they’re fresh out of the fryer/oven.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with: Celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and crispy fries.

• Drink pairing: Ice-cold beer, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.

Make It Different

• Spicy twist: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the parmesan mix.

• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.

• Extra cheesy: Sprinkle more parmesan on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes to revive crispiness (microwaving makes them soggy).

Crispy Wing Success Tips

• Baking powder trick: For extra crunch, toss wings with 1 tsp baking powder before cooking.

• Double fry for deep-frying: Fry once at 325°F to cook, then again at 375°F for crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes! Thaw completely and pat VERY dry before cooking.

Q: What’s the best store-bought garlic parmesan sauce?
A: Buffalo Wild Wings sells their own—or try Marzetti’s.

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Cook the wings, then reheat and sauce just before serving.

Q: Why are my wings soggy?
A: Likely from overcrowding or not drying them well enough before cooking.

Q: Can I use boneless wings?
A: Yes, but adjust cooking time (they cook faster).

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20-40 mins (depending on method)
Total Time: 30-50 mins
Category: Appetizer / Main
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split flats and drumettes)

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• ½ cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce (or homemade—see notes)

Instructions

1. Season wings with salt and pepper.

2. Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F, cook 20 mins (flip halfway).

3. Oven: Bake at 425°F for 40 mins (flip halfway).

4. Deep Fryer: Fry at 375°F for 5-6 mins per side.

5. Toss hot wings in sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Homemade sauce option: Melt ¼ cup butter, add 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup grated parmesan, 2 tbsp mayo/cream, and salt to taste.

• Reheat in air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer / baking tray / deep fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Saucepan (if making homemade sauce)

Allergy Info

Contains dairy, gluten (check sauce brand).

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~320 | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 2g | Protein: 28g