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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe – it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly. I remember the first time I tried making these in my air fryer; the wings turned out perfectly crispy without the mess of deep-frying, and the garlic parmesan combo was like a flavor party that my whole family couldn’t get enough of. If you want a game day snack, a quick dinner, or just a way to upgrade your wing game, this recipe is your new go-to.

What I find so special about this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is how well it balances ease and flavor. The air fryer does the heavy lifting to create those crispy edges, while the garlic butter and parmesan coating add that rich, cheesy goodness that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated at all. I’m excited to walk you through it because once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these wings over and over!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfectly Crispy Wings: The air fryer’s hot circulating air crisps wings without extra oil or mess.
  • Bold Garlic Parmesan Flavor: Garlic butter and freshly grated parmesan make these wings irresistible.
  • Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe lets you have wings ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable Seasoning: You control the garlic and herb balance to match your flavor mojo.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe come together beautifully to give you juicy wings enveloped in savory, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors. Picking quality chicken wings and fresh parmesan really elevates the dish – nothing beats freshly grated cheese here.

  • Chicken wings: Fresh or thawed wings are key for even cooking and crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Salted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs into every nook of the wing.
  • Garlic and herb seasoning: This saves time and blends perfectly with garlic for a bold flavor profile.
  • Sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors without overpowering them.
  • Minced garlic: Provides fresh, punchy garlic that’s essential for true garlic parmesan wings.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds the melty, nutty, salty finish that wings crave.
  • Fresh chopped parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and a mild herb freshness at the end.
  • Ranch dressing: Perfect as a cool, creamy dip to balance the savory wings.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is! Sometimes I like them a bit spicier by adding cayenne or smoked paprika, but you can easily adjust the garlic and parmesan to your liking. It’s all about making the wings truly yours.

  • Spicy Kick: I’ve tossed the wings in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce before adding parmesan for a subtle heat that everyone enjoyed.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh oregano or thyme can replace the dried herbs—try swapping for a seasonal twist.
  • Butter Alternatives: Clarified butter or even olive oil work well if you want a dairy twist or lighter coating.
  • Cheese Mix: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of pecorino romano with parmesan for a sharper cheese flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Step 1: Dry and Butter-Coat the Wings

First things first, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this tiny step helps your wings crisp up beautifully without steaming. Then, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter and drizzle it evenly over the wings, tossing lightly so every piece gets a thin buttery coat. This little move is magic; it locks in moisture and primes the wings for seasoning.

Step 2: Seasoning Time

Mix your garlic and herb seasoning together with sea salt in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the butter-coated wings. Rub the seasoning gently into both sides of each wing piece — this ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key and the foundation for that delicious garlicky parmesan punch!

Step 3: Air Fry the Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the basket — overcrowding will steam your wings, so cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip the wings and cook another 7-9 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. You’ll notice how crispy and juicy they get without any extra oil!

Step 4: Coat with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

While the wings cook, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and mix in the minced garlic. When your wings finish air frying, toss them gently in the garlic butter mixture until they’re luxuriously coated. Next, sprinkle the grated parmesan all over and pop the wings back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes—just until the cheese toasts lightly and melts in all the right places.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For that final fresh burst, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if you want. Serve these puppies up with a side of ranch dressing for dipping—such a classic combo! You could also drizzle any leftover garlic butter on top for an extra flavor boost. Trust me, your guests (or just you!) will be asking for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

  • Dry Wings Thoroughly: This little extra step ensures crisp skin instead of soggy wings.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches gives each wing room to crisp up perfectly.
  • Fresh Parmesan Matters: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt and flavor quite the same as fresh.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness without drying out.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

A wooden tray lined with brown parchment paper holds about a dozen golden-brown crispy chicken drumsticks and wings, each coated with a rough-textured, speckled seasoning mix with bits of herbs and spices. The chicken is sprinkled with small green herb pieces, adding color contrast. Around the tray on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl filled with finely chopped green herbs, a white bowl containing grated cheese with some cheese scattered nearby, a set of salt and pepper shakers with wooden bases and shiny metal tops, and some fresh parsley leaves. A gray and white striped cloth is placed on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish off my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe with fresh chopped parsley. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of extra parmesan right before serving – it just makes that cheesy flavor shout even louder.

Side Dishes

These wings pair beautifully with simple sides like crisp celery sticks or carrot batons, and of course, ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. I also like serving them alongside a fresh green salad or even some roasted potatoes to turn it into a full meal without fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I’ve arranged these wings on a big platter with lemon wedges and little ramekins filled with different dips like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also stack them in a bread bowl and serve with garlic bread on the side for a fun twist. Presentation makes these wings feel extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure they’re not covered in wet sauce—drying the wings a bit before storing helps maintain their crispness.

Freezing

If I want to save wings for longer, I freeze them after cooling fully in an airtight bag with parchment between layers to avoid sticking. They freeze great and reheat beautifully for quick snacks or meals later.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the crisp skin and warms the garlic parmesan flavor without making the wings soggy like the microwave usually does.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the wings dry before coating them with butter and seasoning. This helps ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer instead of steaming.

  2. Is it necessary to use salted butter?

    Salted butter is recommended here because it adds a bit of seasoning while cooking, but if you prefer unsalted, you can use it and simply adjust the salt in your seasoning mix to taste.

  3. How do I know when the wings are done?

    Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. Wings are safe and juicy when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

  4. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

    You can but it won’t be quite the same. Oven baking at a high temperature (around 425°F) on a wire rack can also yield crispy wings, but the air fryer’s circulating heat really excels at crisping without drying them out.

  5. Can I prepare these wings ahead of time for a party?

    Yes! You can make the wings ahead, toss them in the garlic butter and parmesan just before serving, and reheat in the air fryer to refresh the crispiness right before your guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It hits that perfect sweet spot between easy, quick, and downright delicious. You’ll appreciate how the air fryer simplifies the cooking process and how the garlic parmesan flavor punches way above its weight. Honestly, once you try this recipe, I’m confident these wings will become a favorite for casual nights in and celebrations alike. So, grab your air fryer, some wings, and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to dig in!

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings made with tender chicken wings coated in a garlic butter sauce, seasoned with herbs and parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthy and delicious appetizer or main dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings cut into drumettes and wingettes

Garlic Butter Mixture

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter divided and melted
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

Topping and Garnish

  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley optional garnish
  • Ranch optional side

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Wings: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and pat the chicken wing pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure crispiness.
  2. Coat Wings with Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and drizzle it over the dry chicken wings. Toss lightly to coat all wings evenly.
  3. Season Wings: Mix together the garlic and herb seasoning and sea salt in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken wings. Rub gently on both sides for even seasoning.
  4. Cook Wings in Air Fryer: Arrange wings in an even layer in the air fryer without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 9 minutes until golden and crispy.
  5. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While wings cook, mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic in a medium-sized bowl.
  6. Toss Wings in Garlic Butter: Once wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are golden brown, toss them in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
  7. Add Parmesan and Toast: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the wings, then return them to the air fryer for 3 minutes until the parmesan is lightly toasted.
  8. Serve: Optionally drizzle extra garlic butter over the wings or serve alongside for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with ranch dressing if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure wings are patted dry to achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  • Substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add extra salt if preferred.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
  • Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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