These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce. They're packed with flavor but surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients!
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The air fryer is one of my favorite ways to make chicken wings because you can get that delicious crispy texture without deep-frying them in a pot of oil. These wings are perfect for an easy dinner, game day, parties, or anytime you're craving restaurant-style wings at home.
Garlic Parmesan is one of my favorite flavors, but sometimes I divide the cooked wings in half and toss the second batch with Buffalo sauce. That way, everyone gets a little variety!
Why You'll Love These Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Crispy without deep-frying
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Made with simple ingredients
- Buttery, garlicky, and cheesy
- Easy to make in batches
- Great for game day or an easy dinner
- Naturally low in carbohydrates
Ingredients
You will need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Black pepper, to taste, optional
Ingredients
You will need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Black pepper, to taste, optional
Chicken Wings
You can use whole wings that have been separated into drumettes and flats or purchase wings that have already been divided.
For the crispiest results, use thawed wings and pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese
Finely grated Parmesan coats the wings more evenly than large shreds. Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor, but shelf-stable grated Parmesan can also be used.
Garlic
This recipe uses both garlic powder and fresh minced garlic.
The garlic powder seasons the wings evenly before cooking, while the fresh garlic adds more flavor to the buttery Parmesan sauce.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer
1. Prepare the chicken wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
Removing as much surface moisture as possible helps the skin become crisp instead of steaming in the air fryer.
Place the wings in a large bowl and season them with garlic powder and salt. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Prepare the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, if your model recommends preheating.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil if needed.
Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer, leaving a little space between them so the hot air can circulate.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in two batches.
3. Air fry the wings
Air fry the wings at 400°F for 8 minutes.
Remove the basket and flip each wing.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the wings are golden, crispy, and fully cooked.
Larger wings may need a few extra minutes. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F when checked in the thickest part without touching the bone.
4. Make the garlic Parmesan sauce
While the wings finish cooking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
Add the minced garlic to the warm butter. Heat for another 20-30 seconds in the microwave, or cook briefly over low heat on the stovetop, just until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic burn.
Stir in the grated Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper, if using.
5. Toss and serve
Transfer the hot wings to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley over the top if desired.
Place on a serving plate and enjoy!
4. Make the garlic Parmesan sauce
While the wings finish cooking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
Add the minced garlic to the warm butter. Heat for another 20-30 seconds in the microwave, or cook briefly over low heat on the stovetop, just until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic burn.
Stir in the grated Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper, if using.
5. Toss and serve
Transfer the hot wings to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley over the top if desired.
Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Wings
Pat the wings dry
Moisture is one of the biggest obstacles to crispy chicken skin. Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning them.
Don't overcrowd the basket
The wings should be arranged in a single layer with a little room around them. Overlapping or tightly packing the wings prevents the hot air from circulating properly.
Cook them in batches if necessary.
Flip the wings
Flipping the wings partway through cooking helps both sides brown and crisp evenly.
Add the sauce after cooking
Do not coat the wings in the butter sauce before air frying. The sauce can keep the skin from becoming crisp and may cause the Parmesan or garlic to burn.
Serve them right away
The wings are crispiest immediately after they are tossed with the sauce. They will gradually soften as they sit.
Can You Stack Wings in an Air Fryer?
Technically, you can overlap the wings slightly, but they will not become as evenly crispy.
The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. The more surface area exposed to that air, the crispier the wings will be.
For the best results, arrange the wings in one layer and cook multiple batches.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
These crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings are coated in a buttery sauce made with fresh garlic, grated Parmesan, and parsley. They’re an easy appetizer, game-day snack, or weeknight dinner made without deep-frying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Black pepper, to taste, optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Place the wings in a large bowl and season with garlic powder and salt. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if recommended for your model.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
- Flip the wings and air fry for another 10–15 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
- While the wings finish cooking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
- Add the minced garlic and heat briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper, if using.
- Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture over the hot wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry helps the skin become crispy.
- Do not overcrowd or heavily overlap the wings in the air fryer.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and your air fryer.
- Add the garlic Parmesan sauce only after the wings finish cooking.
- Freshly grated or finely grated Parmesan coats the wings best.
- For spicy garlic Parmesan wings, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly, Kosher Cooking Spray for Baking, High-Heat Cooking and Frying (6 oz, 2 Pack) -
Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese - 24oz by Kraft [Foods]
-
Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer
-
Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter - Unsalted 8.oz (2 pack)
-
Badia Parsley Flakes 2 oz
-
Simply Organic Garlic Powder Certified Organic, 3.64-Ounce Container
![Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese - 24oz by Kraft [Foods]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eIFa1p3EL._SL500_.jpg)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: ⅙ of recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 385Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 760mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 26g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
Pin for later!
If you thought that was easy and delicious, you'll also love my Air Fryer Red Potatoes recipe!
Sunrita says
This recipe will surely change my cheese hating 10 year old! What a fantastic recipe.
Megan Stevens says
So yummy! I pinned for that day I finally get an air fryer. I wish they'd figure out a way to allow bigger batches without layering the food on itself, yes?
tinatsai says
I agree! Technically you can cook these wings overlapping though, it's just that the more that 'touches the air' , the more crispy it is. So if you don't care about the crisp, you can always just go over it in one go!
yang says
Oooo, cheesy and buttery , I can't wait to try this chicken wing recipe!
Donny says
Garlic and cheese is such a genius combo for wings!
kortney says
Yum! I have never thought of adding Parm to chicken wings!
Jean Choi says
I would never think to add parmesan to wings, but this is fantastic. So crispy in the air fryer too!