I have to confess—crispy chicken wings are my absolute weakness. There’s something magical about biting into that crunchy coating, followed by juicy, tender meat inside. For years, I thought achieving that perfect crispiness meant deep frying (and dealing with all that oil mess). But then my air fryer came into the picture, and everything changed. Now I can have restaurant-quality wings without all the extra grease, and they’re ready in just 30 minutes.
What makes these wings extra irresistible is the garlic parmesan twist. Imagine buttery garlic clinging to perfectly golden skin, finished with a generous dusting of nutty Parmesan. They’re a flavor explosion—rich, savory, and just a little addictive. Whether you’re making them for a game night, a casual dinner, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, these wings are guaranteed to become your new favorite snack.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: Fresh, meaty wings are the star of this recipe. They crisp beautifully in the air fryer while staying juicy inside. I like to use whole wings and separate them into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the seasoning stick and promotes that beautiful golden color without needing excessive oil. It also adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
Garlic powder: This is the key to getting that bold garlic flavor evenly distributed over the wings. It blends seamlessly with the oil and Parmesan, so every bite packs a punch.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. I recommend freshly cracked black pepper for a more aromatic bite.
Butter: Melted butter is the base for the garlic-parmesan coating. It’s what gives these wings their luxurious, rich finish and helps the Parmesan cling perfectly.
Fresh garlic: Because nothing compares to the taste and aroma of fresh minced garlic. It toasts beautifully when mixed with butter, giving the wings an irresistible depth.
Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that makes these wings so special. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor—it melts slightly into the butter and forms a savory coating.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of freshness and color that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
Step 1: Prepare the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is the secret to achieving extra crispiness in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the wings
Place the wings in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until each wing is coated evenly.
Step 3: Air fry to perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5: Coat the wings
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour over the garlic butter, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, and toss until every wing is coated in that glorious mixture.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Arrange the wings on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Dry the wings well before seasoning—this is the key to getting that crispy skin in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary so air can circulate properly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest flavor and best texture.
- Adjust the garlic to taste—if you’re a garlic lover, add an extra clove to the butter.
- Serve immediately—air fryer wings are at their absolute best when fresh and hot.
- Add spice if you like heat—a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter works wonders.
FAQs
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, pop them back into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Cooking time may need a slight adjustment.
What can I serve with garlic parmesan wings?
They pair beautifully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.