Crispy, Garlicky, Irresistible — Let’s Make Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings!
Hey! If you’re here, you’re probably craving that perfect mix of crispy chicken wings, savory garlic, and melty Parmesan. And honestly… same. I absolutely love making Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings because they taste like restaurant-quality wings, but without all the deep-frying, oil splatter, or guilt. Every time I make these, I end up snacking on a wing or two before they even hit the serving plate — they’re just that good!
These wings are quick, flavorful, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in the kind of buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce that makes you stop and close your eyes for a moment. Whether you want them for game night, a family dinner, or a weekend treat, this recipe is going to be one you come back to again and again.
Nutritional Benefits
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how much healthier it is compared to traditional fried wings. The air-fryer gives you all the crispiness you love but uses a fraction of the oil. Chicken wings are also naturally rich in protein, and the garlic adds anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidants.
Parmesan cheese offers calcium and flavor without needing huge amounts. And if you want to lighten things up even more, you can use cooking spray instead of melted butter in the sauce — it still tastes amazing.
Adaptable Variations
- Spicy Garlic Parm: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
- Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb — just skip any dipping sauces with sugar.
- Extra Crispy Trick: Add 1–2 teaspoons of baking powder to your seasoning mix. It helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan: Add fresh lemon zest into the sauce for a bright, tangy twist.
- Boneless Version: Use chicken breast chunks and follow the same process — they turn out like crispy garlic-Parm bites!
Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings (flats & drumettes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the wings: Pat the wings very dry with paper towels — this is key for crispiness. Toss them in olive oil.
- Season the wings: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat the wings evenly.
- Cook in the air-fryer: Preheat your air-fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, half of the Parmesan, and parsley.
- Toss everything together: Place the hot wings in a large bowl and pour the garlic-Parmesan sauce over them. Toss until fully coated.
- Finish with more Parm: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top before serving — trust me, don’t skip this step!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is everything. Cook in batches if needed.
- Want even more crisp? Air-fry for an extra 3–4 minutes at the end.
- Mince the garlic finely: Large chunks can burn — finer garlic blends better into the sauce.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air-fryer for 3–5 minutes to revive the crispiness.
- Serve With: Ranch, blue cheese dip, or even garlic yogurt sauce. Or enjoy them just as they are!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen wings? Yes — just thaw them completely and pat very dry before cooking.
- Do I need baking powder? Not required, but it definitely helps make them extra crispy.
- What if I don’t have an air-fryer? You can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Can I make them ahead of time? Yes, cook them ahead and reheat in the air-fryer. They stay crispy!
Call to Action
If you make these Garlic Parmesan Wings, I’d love to see how yours turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest — I always enjoy seeing your kitchen magic. Don’t forget to save this recipe so you can come back to it whenever the wing cravings hit! 🍗✨
