Using parchment paper when cooking chicken wings can help make cleanup easier and prevent the wings from sticking to the pan or baking sheet. Parchment paper is a great non-stick option for baking wings in the oven. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using parchment paper with wings.
Can You Bake Wings on Parchment Paper?
Yes, you can bake wings on parchment paper. The non-stick surface will prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the pan as they cook. Parchment paper is safe to use at high temperatures, so it will not burn or melt in the oven. Here are some tips for baking wings on parchment paper:
- Make sure the parchment paper lies flat – wrinkles may cause the wings to sit unevenly which can lead to inconsistent cooking
- Use enough oil or cooking spray to lightly coat the parchment paper and wings – this will further prevent sticking
- Space the wings out in a single layer – overcrowding can steam the wings and make them soggy
- Try not to overlap the wings too much – some overlap is ok but too much may lead to uneven cooking
Baking wings on a parchment lined baking sheet in the oven allows the fat to drip away from the wings, resulting in crispier skin. The parchment paper will catch any mess from the dripping fat, making cleanup much easier. The wings can be easily removed from the parchment paper after cooking.
Can You Air Fry Wings on Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper can also be used when air frying wings. The non-stick surface will again prevent sticking. Here are some tips for air frying wings on parchment paper:
- Cut the parchment to fit the air fryer basket – excess paper hanging over the edges can burn
- Spray or brush oil on the parchment and wings to promote browning
- Air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding – overcrowded wings will steam instead of crisp
- Check wings halfway through cook time and rearrange if needed
The circulating hot air of the air fryer will help the wings cook up crispy. The parchment paper catches any drips for an easy cleanup. Just be careful of any excess paper touching the heating element.
Can You Grill Wings on Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is not recommended for grilling wings directly on a grill grate. The paper can burn over the direct high heat of the grill. However, you can use parchment paper when grilling wings indirectly.
To grill wings indirectly using parchment paper:
- Prepare and light grill for indirect cooking, with no heat directly under food
- Place a disposable aluminum pan on the grill grate away from any direct heat
- Line the aluminum pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal
- Place wings in pan in a single layer, brush with oil if desired
- Cover grill and cook wings indirectly using indirect grill heat
The parchment paper prevents sticking as the wings cook in the pan from the surrounding grill heat. You get tasty grilled wings with indirect heat and an easy pan cleanup thanks to the parchment paper.
What Type of Parchment Paper is Best for Wings?
The best type of parchment paper to use with wings is a paper specifically designed for baking. Look for papers labeled as “non-stick baking parchment”. Here are some things to look for:
- Silicone-coated – Provides excellent non-stick properties
- Unbleached – Won’t impart other flavors
- FDA-approved – Ensures safety
- Heat-resistant to 450°F or higher – Won’t burn at normal cooking temps
Avoid using waxed paper, freezer paper, or other non-heat resistant papers. Stick to papers made for baking like Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper for the best results.
Should the Parchment Paper Be Greased?
While parchment paper has non-stick properties on its own, it can still be helpful to lightly grease or oil the parchment paper before adding the chicken wings. This provides an extra layer of protection against sticking.
You can use cooking spray, olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter to lightly coat the parchment paper on the side the wings will be placed. Avoid using too much grease or the wings may end up soggy.
Greasing is not strictly necessary when using good quality parchment paper. But it can be good insurance against sticking, especially when baking bone-in wings which have small bare spots that may stick.
Does the Parchment Paper Go on Top of the Pan?
Parchment paper should be placed directly on top of the baking pan or air fryer basket. Allow excess paper to hang over the edges of the pan to make removing the cooked wings easier.
Avoid putting the parchment paper underneath a baking pan, as this can impede heat transfer. Always place it directly on the surface the wings will be cooked on.
You can reuse parchment paper a few times with wings unless heavily soiled. Replace parchment that looks worn or is difficult to remove after cooking.
Can You Reuse Parchment Paper for Wings?
Parchment paper can be reused when cooking multiple batches of wings as long as it’s not heavily soiled. Look for the following signs that it may be time to replace the parchment paper:
- Tears, holes, or deterioration
- Discoloration or residue baked on
- Wings sticking
- Difficult to remove paper from pan
- Absorbed grease
A lightly toasted parchment paper from one use can be reused up to a few times. But replace it at the first sign of any issues. It’s cheap insurance to prevent ruined wings.
How to Clean Parchment Paper After Cooking Wings
Used parchment paper with wing drippings can be cleaned and reused if desired. Here’s how:
- First, allow any oil on the parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Once cooled, scrape off any solids into the trash.
- For light cleaning, wipe down the parchment with a paper towel.
- For heavier cleaning, wash gently with soap and warm water.
- Allow to fully dry before reusing.
Wash gently to avoid tearing the parchment paper. Don’t scrub aggressively. Let it air dry to prevent any funky smells developing.
If the parchment has any tears, grease stains, or is too worn looking, it’s best to just toss it and use a fresh sheet.
Storing Leftover Parchment Paper
Once cooled and cleaned, leftover parchment paper can be rolled up and stored for reuse. Place it in either a parchment paper dispenser, sheet pan, or seal in plastic wrap. Store in a cool, dry place.
Make sure parchment is completely cooled and dry before storing. Any moisture could lead to mold growth. Properly stored, cleaned parchment paper will keep for several months.
Discard parchment that becomes dried out, brittle, or excessively worn. Using older parchment can lead to tearing during cooking. It’s ideal to use parchment paper within 6 months.
Troubleshooting Problems
Using parchment paper with wings is mostly trouble-free, but here are some fixes for potential issues that may pop up:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wings sticking to parchment | Use cooking spray or oil parchment before cooking. Avoid overcrowding wings. |
| Burnt or blistered parchment | Use higher temperature rated parchment. Do not exceed parchment temp rating. |
| Parchment falling off pan | Make slits in parchment to fit pan better. Crimp edges over pan. |
| Parchment getting soggy | Let fat drip off and cool before cleaning. Do not stack hot parchment. |
FAQs
Can you use foil instead of parchment paper for wings?
Foil can be used as an alternative to parchment paper, but it has a few downsides. Foil is more prone to tearing, wings can stick to it more easily, and the reflective surface may cause overly browned wings. Parchment paper is the better choice for easiest cooking and cleanup.
Do you put parchment paper on the top or bottom of the pan?
Parchment paper should go on top of the baking pan or air fryer basket – directly under the chicken wings. Having it underneath may lead to poor heat transfer.
Is it ok to reuse parchment paper?
Parchment paper can be reused a few times if it is not heavily soiled or deteriorated. Let it fully cool, clean, and dry before reusing. Discard at the first sign of excessive wear and tear.
Can you use wax paper instead of parchment paper for wings?
No, wax paper should not be used with wings. It has a lower maximum heat tolerance than parchment paper and the wax can melt, damaging the wings. Stick to baking-specific parchment paper.
Is parchment paper compostable?
Most parchment paper is not compostable and should go in the regular trash. Some options labeled as unbleached or organic may be compostable – check the packaging. In general, parchment paper contains silicone and should not be composted.
Conclusion
Parchment paper is a handy cooking tool that makes baking, air frying, or grilling chicken wings much easier. The nonstick surface prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup. Be sure to use high heat parchment paper specifically made for cooking. Lightly grease the parchment for best results. Allow to fully cool before reusing and discard at the first sign of damage. With the proper use of parchment paper, you can enjoy perfectly cooked wings every time with no hassle!