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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 honestly one of my all-time favorites for a reason. The wings come out perfectly crispy thanks to the air fryer, with that buttery garlic and sharp parmesan flavor coating every bite. Whether you’re throwing a casual game day party or just craving something easy and delicious after work, these wings hit the spot every time.

I’ve made this recipe countless times and what really stands out is how effortlessly you can get that restaurant-quality crisp without the mess of frying in oil. Plus, the garlic parmesan combo is a classic flavor punch that’s super crowd-pleasing. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find plenty of excuses to whip these up again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Crisp from the Air Fryer: You get that crunchy skin without extra oil or hassle.
  • Rich Garlic Parmesan Flavor: The butter and cheese mixture creates a luscious coating that clings to every wing.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: No fancy sauces needed—just straightforward pantry staples you probably already have.
  • Easy to Customize: You can tweak seasoning levels or swap garnishes to fit your mood or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and texture. Plus, shopping is a breeze since it’s all basics—perfect for whipping up last-minute wings without a run to the store.

  • Chicken wings: Using drumettes and wingettes ensures even cooking and that irresistible crispy skin.
  • Salted butter: Butter adds richness and helps the seasoning stick while infusing those garlic notes.
  • Garlic and herb seasoning: This boosts the wings with fragrant, savory herb flavors.
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the garlic and parmesan.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings the star of this dish to life with sharp, aromatic punch.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and browns beautifully in the air fryer.
  • Fresh chopped parsley: Optional, but I love it for a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal brightness.
  • Ranch dressing: A classic dip for wings that balances richness with creaminess.
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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—you can easily amp up the garlic for more kick or add extra parmesan for a cheesier finish. Feel free to play with herbs or even toss the wings in a little chili powder for a gentle heat if you like. The best part? It’s all about making it yours.

  • More Garlic: Once, I doubled the garlic just because I was craving a really bold flavor, and my family was obsessed with the extra punch.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne to the butter mixture is my go-to when I want a little heat without overwhelming the parmesan taste.
  • Herb Variations: If you’re out of garlic and herb seasoning, try Italian seasoning or even fresh rosemary and thyme for a different twist.
  • Dairy-Free: Swap butter with olive oil and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

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

Step 1: Prep the Wings

First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, pat the chicken wings nice and dry using paper towels—this step is crucial for that crispy skin we all want. Once dry, drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the wings and toss gently to coat each piece.

Step 2: Season and Cook

Mix together the garlic and herb seasoning with sea salt in a small bowl, then sprinkle it all over the wings. I like to rub the seasoning gently onto both sides of each piece to lock in flavor. Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket — don’t overcrowd them or you won’t get that perfect crisp. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flip, then cook another 7-9 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Garlic Butter Coating

While the wings are cooking, combine the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter with the minced garlic in a medium bowl. When your wings are done and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, toss them right into that garlicky butter until they’re thoroughly coated. This step is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Parmesan Toast Finish

Next, sprinkle your grated parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered wings, then pop them back into the air fryer for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye out—the cheese should become lightly toasted and golden. This brief step adds a glorious nutty layer and helps that parmesan cling beautifully.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Once out, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy and maybe a little extra parmesan. I always serve these with a side of ranch for dipping—it’s classic and complements the garlic parmesan perfectly. You can drizzle any extra garlic butter over the top or serve it alongside for dipping, too.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

  • Pat Wings Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so drying your wings well before air frying makes all the difference.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Give wings room to breathe; cooking in batches ensures even crisping.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really elevates the flavor compared to powders or pre-minced jars.
  • Watch the Parmesan: Don’t leave the wings too long in the air fryer after adding cheese or it can burn quickly—2 to 3 minutes is perfect.

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 swear by fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top. It adds the nicest little fresh herb bite and brightens up the plate visually. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll toss on a bit of extra grated parmesan right before serving. The ranch is non-negotiable in my house—it’s the perfect cooling dip alongside that buttery garlicky punch.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with some crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks to balance out the richness. Homemade fries or sweet potato wedges are also fantastic if you want something heartier. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing lift, especially if you’re serving these wings for a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a fun party, I arranged the wings on a large wooden board with little ramekins of ranch, blue cheese, and extra garlic butter for dipping. Adding colorful veggie sticks around gave it a vibrant, inviting look. For game day, serving them in individual paper cones lined with parchment paper makes eating less messy and adds a casual cool factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When stored right, the flavors stay vibrant and the wings reheat nicely.

Freezing

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe freezes well too. After cooling, I flash freeze them on a baking sheet to keep wings separate, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To keep that crispiness when reheating, I recommend popping leftover wings back into the air fryer at 360°F for about 5-7 minutes. It revives that crispy skin and warms through without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the wings soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen wings for this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe?

    Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the wings first and pat them dry before cooking. Cooking from frozen will result in less crispy skin and uneven cooking, so it’s best to start with thawed wings for optimal results.

  2. Can I make these wings spicy?

    Absolutely! I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix or the garlic butter sauce for a gentle heat. You could also toss the finished wings in buffalo sauce before adding the parmesan for a spicy twist.

  3. What temperature and time do I cook the wings in the air fryer?

    Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings for 8-10 minutes per side (flip halfway through), then an additional 2-3 minutes after tossing with parmesan to melt and toast the cheese nicely.

  4. Can I make this recipe without Parmesan cheese?

    While parmesan is a key characteristic of this recipe, if you’re avoiding cheese, you can either skip it altogether or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative. Just be aware that the texture will be a bit different.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe has a special spot in my recipe rotation because it’s a perfect mix of easy, flavorful, and reliable every single time. I love recommending it to friends because it’s foolproof and guaranteed to please a crowd or just a cozy night in. Go ahead, try it out—you might just find your new go-to wing recipe that you crave as much as I do!

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • 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 cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. A perfect snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare in your air fryer.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings cut into drumettes and wingettes

Butter and Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter divided and melted
  • 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Toppings and Garnish

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and dry wings: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken wing pieces dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure crispiness.
  2. Butter wings: Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and drizzle over the dry wings. Toss gently to coat the wings evenly with the butter.
  3. Season wings: In a small bowl, mix garlic and herb seasoning with sea salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the butter-coated wings, rubbing it in gently on both sides.
  4. Cook wings: Arrange the wings in a single even layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding (you may need to cook in 2 or 3 batches). Air fry for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip wings and continue cooking for another 7-9 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached.
  5. Prepare garlic butter sauce: While the wings cook, mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter with the minced garlic in a medium bowl.
  6. Toss wings in garlic butter: Once wings are cooked, immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture until fully coated.
  7. Add parmesan and finish cooking: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the tossed wings, return them to the air fryer, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the parmesan is lightly toasted.
  8. Serve and garnish: Optionally drizzle any leftover garlic butter over wings. Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired, with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure wings are dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
  • You can substitute regular salted butter with unsalted and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
  • Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder if needed, but fresh gives the best flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 wings)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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