Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
Growing up, my family always ordered wings for special occasions, but I discovered making them at home is so much easier than I thought!
These golden, crispy wings get coated in the most amazing garlic butter and showered with fresh Parmesan cheese. My kids can’t stop reaching for more, and honestly, neither can I when that perfect crunch hits.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different cheese options! Romano or Asiago work beautifully in place of Parmesan, offering slightly different flavor profiles.
For heat lovers, try adding more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. You can also swap the garlic powder in the initial seasoning for fresh minced garlic mixed right into the oil.
Buffalo sauce mixed with the garlic butter creates an amazing hybrid flavor that’s absolutely irresistible for those who enjoy a tangy kick.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
The key to crispy wings is removing every bit of moisture before cooking – I sometimes even let them sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; this causes steaming instead of crisping. Check your wings at the halfway point and shake the basket gently.
If they’re not golden enough after the suggested time, add 2-3 more minutes. Always toss the wings in the garlic butter mixture while they’re piping hot so the cheese melts slightly and adheres perfectly to each wing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover wings keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results when reheating, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Avoid the microwave as it makes the coating soggy. If you want to prep ahead, you can season the raw wings and store them covered in the fridge overnight, then air fry when ready to serve.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Pat wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness!
- In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil and all the dry seasonings until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Cook wings in a single layer (work in batches if needed) for 12 minutes. Flip and cook another 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- While wings cook, mix melted butter with minced garlic in a large bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Add hot wings to the garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Toss until well coated and serve immediately!
