Prepare the Wings:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up well.
Toss the wings in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake or Fry the Wings:
To Bake:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Place the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
To Fry:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to transfer the wings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
Toss the Wings in Sauce:
Once the wings are done cooking, place them in a large bowl.
Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Serve:
Transfer the wings to a serving platter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.