Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings Recipe

Some foods just bring comfort with every bite, and wings are one of them. The Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings recipe brings that same comfort but with a rich, creamy twist that makes them unforgettable.

One rainy weekend, I wanted something warm and a little exciting to brighten the day.

I thought about the creamy, cheesy wings I once had at Mellow Mushroom with their special sauce.The only issue was that my local restaurant is pretty far away, so I decided to try making them at home.

Soon, my kitchen smelled like golden, crispy chicken and zesty garlic sauce, and it turned into the best afternoon treat.

Now you can skip the trip and enjoy this restaurant favorite – Cloud 9 Wings – right from your own kitchen.

What are Cloud 9 Wings

Cloud 9 wings are a signature dish known for their incredible creamy herb sauce and crispy texture.

You get wings that are perfectly seasoned and coated in a rich, garlicky sauce made with mayonnaise, herbs, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

The name “Cloud 9” comes from the heavenly taste that makes you feel like you’re floating on clouds. These wings start with perfectly seasoned chicken that gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.

Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings – Fresh or thawed wings work best. Look for wings that are split into drumettes and flats. You can substitute with whole wings and cut them yourself.
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil – This oil has a high smoke point, perfect for crispy wings. You can substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar – Helps tenderize the meat and adds subtle tang. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning – This classic seafood seasoning adds complex flavor. You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and garlic powder.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Use fine sea salt or table salt for even distribution.

For the Cloud 9 Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce. Use full-fat mayo for best results. Greek yogurt can substitute for a lighter version.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. You can substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley – Adds color and fresh herb flavor. Fresh parsley works too – use 2 tablespoons chopped.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Italian oregano works best. Fresh oregano can substitute – use 1 tablespoon chopped.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adds gentle heat. Adjust to your taste or omit completely.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper tastes best.
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese – This sharp Italian cheese is key to the authentic flavor. Parmesan cheese can substitute.

Kitchen Equipment

1. Air fryer (or oven) – For crispy wings
2. Large mixing bowl – To season and toss wings
3. Small bowl – For mixing sauce
4. Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate portions
5. Tongs – To handle hot wings safely
6. Paper towels – To dry wings
7. Serving platter – For presentation
8. Whisk or fork – To blend sauce

How To Make Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings

Step 1 | Pat the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin.

Any moisture on the wings will create steam and prevent proper crisping. Place the dried wings in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2 | Season the Wings

Add the avocado oil, white vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, and salt to the wings. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into every part of each wing.

Make sure each piece is evenly coated. The vinegar tenderizes the meat while the oil helps the seasoning stick.

Step 3 | Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes. This ensures it’s hot enough to start crisping the wings right away.

Step 4 | Cook the Wings

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them – cook in batches if needed for even air circulation.

Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway at the 15-minute mark. The wings are done when they reach 165°F internally and have golden, crispy skin.

Step 5 | Make the Cloud 9 Sauce

While the wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until smooth. The sauce should be creamy with specks of herbs and cheese.

Step 6 | Toss the Wings in Sauce

When the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the hot wings. Toss with tongs until every wing is fully coated. The heat from the wings helps the sauce cling and enhances the garlic flavor.

Step 7 | Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter. Sprinkle extra grated Pecorino Romano, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes on top for flavor and presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chef’s Special Tips

• Cutting Wings Easily: To separate whole wings, use a sharp chef’s knife. Cut through the joint between the drumette and flat, then separate the flat from the tip. Discard the tip or save it for making stock.
• Let the Sauce Rest: After mixing the sauce ingredients, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the dried herbs to soften and the flavors to blend together.
• Boost Garlic Flavor: For a bolder taste, use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced jarred garlic.
• Adjust the Heat: Taste the sauce before tossing the wings. If you want extra spice, add more red pepper flakes.
• Oven-Friendly Tip: If baking instead of air frying, place the wings on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Cloud 9 Wings

1. Oven Method: Preheat to 425°F, bake wings on wire rack for 45-50 minutes, flipping once. Place rack on baking sheet to catch drippings.
2. Skillet Method: Pan fry in 2 inches of oil at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden. Use candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Cook wings in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain proper oil temperature throughout cooking.
3. Grill Method: Cook over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, turning frequently. Keep wings away from direct flames to prevent burning. Move to cooler part of grill if they brown too quickly before reaching safe internal temperature.
4. Deep Fryer: Fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd fryer basket as this lowers oil temperature. Wings are done when they float to surface and have golden brown color all around.
5. Convection Oven: Reduce temperature to 400°F and cook for 35-40 minutes. Convection fans circulate air for even cooking and crispier skin. Place wings on wire rack over baking sheet for best air circulation around each piece.

What to Serve With This Cloud 9 Wings

These creamy wings pair well with cool and crunchy sides. Crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple green salad cut through the rich sauce.

A side of buttery garlic bread or warm potato wedges also makes a hearty match.

At Mellow Mushroom, these wings are often served as a starter with chilled drinks or next to a fresh pizza.

That creamy sauce balances well with something fresh and crisp on the side. Try them with coleslaw or even roasted corn for a full and satisfying meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: Season the wings and store them covered in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce can also be mixed ahead and kept chilled until ready to use.

How to Store: Place leftover cooked wings in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately if possible to keep the wings from getting soggy.

How to Reheat: Reheat wings in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again. In the oven, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery.

Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings Recipe FAQs

1. Are mellow mushroom wings breaded?

No, the mellow mushroom wings are not breaded. They are cooked without a coating of flour or breadcrumbs, which keeps them lighter and allows the seasoning and sauce to shine.

This also makes them a great option for anyone avoiding breaded or fried foods. The crispy texture comes from baking or air frying rather than breading.

2. Why is it essential to pat the chicken wings completely dry?

Drying the wings before cooking is very important because excess moisture prevents them from crisping. When the surface of the chicken is dry, the oil and seasoning stick better, and the skin turns golden and crunchy. Skipping this step often leads to soft, rubbery wings instead of crispy ones.

3. How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

Wings are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F measured at the thickest part of the meat. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

Properly cooked wings will have meat that easily pulls away from the bone. Visual cues include crispy, golden skin with no pink areas near the bone. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure food safety and perfect doneness.

4. How spicy are Cloud 9 wings?

Cloud 9 wings bring mild heat from red pepper flakes, not overwhelming but enough to notice. You control it by adding less or more flakes. At Mellow Mushroom, they’re balanced for wide appeal – creamy mayo and cheese tame the spice. If sensitive to heat, start low and taste as you go.

5. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the sauce ahead of time. In fact, making the sauce a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Simply store the mixed sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before tossing it with your hot, freshly cooked wings.

6. Does mellow mushroom have boneless wings?

Yes, Mellow Mushroom does serve boneless wings on their menu. They are usually tossed in different sauces, including garlic parmesan, buffalo, or sweet chili.

However, the cloud 9 wings are only available as bone-in wings since the bone helps keep them juicy and flavorful.

Continue to Content

Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings Recipe

Yield: About 5 wings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Make Mellow Mushroom Cloud 9 Wings in 40 mins - crispy, creamy garlic-herb chicken wings with Pecorino Romano, perfect for game night or parties.

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Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cloud 9 Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin. Any moisture on the wings will create steam and prevent proper crisping. Place the dried wings in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the avocado oil, white vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, and salt to the wings. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into every part of each wing. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. The vinegar tenderizes the meat while the oil helps the seasoning stick.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes. This ensures it’s hot enough to start crisping the wings right away.
4. Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them—cook in batches if needed for even air circulation. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway at the 15-minute mark. The wings are done when they reach 165°F internally and have golden, crispy skin.
5. While the wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until smooth. The sauce should be creamy with specks of herbs and cheese.
6. When the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the hot wings. Toss with tongs until every wing is fully coated. The heat from the wings helps the sauce cling and enhances the garlic flavor.
7. Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter. Sprinkle extra grated Pecorino Romano, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes on top for flavor and presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: About 5 wings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 485Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 910mgCarbohydrates: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 33g

This mellow mushroom cloud 9 wings recipe is a simple way to get that incredible flavor any time you want. I tried it multiple times, and each batch tastes amazing with that garlicky kick. It’s a combo that never gets old.

I am so excited for you to experience how amazing these taste. You have to make them soon and see for yourself.