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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 24 reviews

If you’re anything like me, wings are that ultimate comfort food you crave whenever you want something finger-licking good but fuss-free. This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe hits all the right notes—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with that perfect garlicky, cheesy punch that keeps you reaching for more. Plus, making it in the air fryer means less oil mess and faster cleanup, making it a total win for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

I’ve found this recipe works beautifully whether I’m hosting friends for game night or just sneaking bites while binge-watching my favorite shows. The combination of savory garlic, buttery parmesan, and herbs creates such a comforting flavor that everyone instantly loves. If you’ve been hunting for an easy, crave-worthy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe, trust me, this one’s worth bookmarking!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Minimal Fuss, Maximum Flavor: The garlic butter and parmesan combo is a flavor bomb that doesn’t need a complicated marinade.
  • Perfectly Crispy Wings: Air frying locks in juiciness while giving you that crave-worthy crunch without deep frying.
  • Quick & Easy Cooking: You get restaurant-style wings in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings or spontaneous cravings.
  • Customizable Twist: Adding fresh parsley or extra garlic butter lets you tailor the final bite to your liking, every single time.
The image shows several pieces of crispy fried chicken wings arranged closely together on a black grill surface. Each wing has a golden brown, crunchy coating with small, coarse bread crumbs and visible black pepper specks. The texture looks rough and crunchy with an even cooking color that changes from light golden to deeper brown where it is crispier. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled evenly on top of the wings for color contrast. The background is dark and blurred, making the chicken the clear focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe calls for simple ingredients that combine beautifully to create those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend fresh garlic and real parmesan to get the best authentic taste that elevates the wings.

  • Chicken wings: Using a mix of drumettes and wingettes ensures perfect bite-sized pieces that cook evenly in the air fryer.
  • Salted butter: Provides richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs all over the wings for that luscious coating.
  • Garlic and herb seasoning: Infuses each bite with herbal depth and savory garlic flavor without extra chopping.
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
  • Minced garlic: Adds a fresh punch of garlicky goodness straight into the melted butter for tossing.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty richness and a slightly toasted finish that’s pure magic.
  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and refreshing brightness to balance the richness.
  • Ranch (optional): The classic cooling dip that pairs perfectly with garlic parmesan wings’ boldness.
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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 giving this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe little tweaks depending on what I’m in the mood for or the occasion. Don’t hesitate to add more garlic if you’re a serious garlic fan like me, or swap the herbs to whatever you have on hand—basil or oregano work great.

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix for a mild fiery punch that wakes the flavors up.
  • Herb Swap: Tried rosemary once, and it added a fragrant earthiness that surprised me in the best way.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep this wing-friendly for dairy-free diets.
  • Extra Crispy: Tossing wings in a tiny sprinkle of baking powder before air frying helped me get even crispier skin without drying them out.

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

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Wings Thoroughly

First things first: pat those wings completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so rubbing them dry helps you get that golden skin. I like to do this step first while preheating my air fryer to 400°F, so the machine is ready to go when I am.

Step 2: Butter and Season the Wings

Melt about 2 tablespoons of salted butter and drizzle it over your wings. Toss gently to coat all pieces without breaking the skin. Then sprinkle and massage on the garlic and herb seasoning along with sea salt. This layering lets the flavors seep in while the wings fry.

Step 3: Air Fry in Batches for Best Results

Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket — no overcrowding, or they won’t crisp well. Cook for 8-10 minutes on one side, flip, and cook another 7-9 minutes on the other. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need 2-3 batches. Patience here pays off with perfectly cooked wings every time.

Step 4: Garlic Butter Toss

While the wings cook, I melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and stir in minced garlic. Once wings are golden and have hit 165°F internally, toss them in this garlicky goodness until fully coated — this step seals in those irresistible bite-sized pockets of flavor.

Step 5: Parmesan Toasting Finale

Sprinkle the grated parmesan evenly over the wings, then pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to toast the cheese lightly. This step adds a subtle nutty crust and extra crunch that’s undeniably addictive. Serve them hot, garnished with chopped parsley if you like.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

  • Dry Wings Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—dry wings mean crispy wings. Don’t skip this or the skin won’t crisp properly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches takes a bit longer but ensures even air circulation so each wing crisps up perfectly.
  • Use Fresh Minced Garlic: Adding it to melted butter right before tossing infuses so much fresh flavor versus garlic powder alone.
  • Watch Parmesan Toasting Time: Keep an eye on the wings when returning to the fryer with parmesan—2-3 minutes is perfect to avoid burning.

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 love topping these wings with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a sprinkle more parmesan on top just before serving adds an extra cheesy surprise. A few red pepper flakes on the side also work in case you crave a little heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go classic with crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks with creamy ranch on the side. Garlic parmesan wings pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or even some roasted potatoes if you want something heartier. On game nights, I like to add a little coleslaw for its refreshing crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I recently served these wings on a big wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounded by little ramekins of ranch, blue cheese, and extra garlic butter. It looked inviting and made it super easy for everyone to dig in. You could also skewer the wings with fresh herbs for a fun finger food presentation at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When packed well, they stay juicy but you’ll want to re-crisp them before eating. Leaving out the parsley garnish until serving keeps everything fresher too.

Freezing

If I want to save wings longer, I freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They keep well for a couple of months, making them perfect for quick snacks or surprises later on. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, I reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. It’s way better than microwaving, which tends to make wings soggy. A quick sprinkle of extra parmesan or fresh parsley after reheating finishes it off beautifully.

FAQs

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

    Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight and pat dry thoroughly before air frying to get crispy skin. Frozen wings tend to release moisture while cooking, so drying them well is key to crispiness.

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

    The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, wings should be golden brown and crispy. Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on the first batch to adjust time as needed.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it altogether. The garlic and herbs will still pack plenty of flavor, just with a slightly different texture.

  4. What’s the best dipping sauce for these wings?

    I’m a big fan of ranch dressing as a cooling dip that balances the richness and garlic. Blue cheese is another classic pairing. Sometimes I mix a bit of honey into plain Greek yogurt for a sweet contrast too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe has become my go-to for when I want a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. It’s one of those recipes I find myself making over and over because it just hits the spot every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy and delicious homemade wings can be—your kitchen game is about to level up!

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, perfect for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings cut into drumettes and wingettes
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Topping 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 and pat the chicken wing pieces dry with a paper towel.
  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 garlic and herb seasoning with sea salt, then sprinkle and rub it evenly onto both sides of each wing piece.
  4. Air Fry Wings: Place wings in an even layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 9 minutes more until wings are crispy and reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While wings cook, mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic in a bowl.
  6. Toss Wings in Garlic Butter: Once cooked, toss the wings in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
  7. Add Parmesan and Air Fry: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the wings, then return them to the air fryer for 3 minutes or until the parmesan is lightly toasted.
  8. Serve: Optionally drizzle extra garlic butter over wings, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with ranch dressing on the side.

Notes

  • Patting the wings dry before cooking helps achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve with ranch for added freshness and creaminess if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (5-6 wings)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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