Cheesy Buttered Chicken Wings Recipe: Crispy and Juicy

If you love chicken wings, this recipe is about to become your new favourite. These cheesy buttered chicken wings are baked until golden and crisp, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a generous layer of melted cheese. The result is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside and packed with buttery, cheesy goodness in every bite. They’re perfect for game day snacks, movie nights or any time you want a crowd-pleasing appetiser.

Why You’ll Love These Wings

These wings get their incredible crunch from a simple trick: a light coating of baking powder before baking. It helps dry out the skin so it turns crisp without deep frying. Once they come out of the oven, they’re tossed in melted butter and garlic, then covered in Parmesan and melted cheddar for a gooey, golden finish. They taste like takeaway, but they’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

For the wings:

1 kg (2 lb) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminium-free)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper

For the cheesy butter sauce:

4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
A pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
½ cup (40 g) finely grated Parmesan
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella

For garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley
Extra grated Parmesan

How to Make Them

Prep the wings. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting crispy skin.
Season. In a large bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and black pepper. Add the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Bake. Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 20 minutes, flip them over, then bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and crisp. The wings should reach 74°C (165°F) inside.
Make the butter sauce. While the wings bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic, oregano and chilli flakes, and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.
Toss the wings. Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl, pour over the garlic butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss again.
Melt the cheese. Spread the wings on a clean baking tray, sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top and place under a hot grill (broiler) for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve hot.

Air Fryer Method

You can also make these wings in an air fryer. Season the wings as above and cook them at 200°C (400°F) for 20 to 24 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. Toss with the garlic butter and Parmesan, then return them to the air fryer with the shredded cheese on top for 1 to 2 minutes to melt.

Tips for the Crispiest Wings

Always dry the wings well before seasoning, as moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Use baking powder, not baking soda, which can leave a bitter taste. A wire rack lets hot air circulate around the wings so they crisp on all sides. Add the butter sauce only after baking to keep the skin crunchy, and serve them right away for the best texture.

Easy Flavour Variations

Spicy: Stir 2 tablespoons of hot sauce into the garlic butter.
Ranch cheese: Add 1 teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning to the spice mix.
Lemon pepper: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to the butter sauce.
Honey garlic: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey into the butter for a sweet and savoury twist.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes, until hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the skin soft.