Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings (Air Fryer!) Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings made in the air fryer are a flavorful and easy snack or meal. These wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, and finished with fresh Parmesan and parsley. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs whole chicken wings, flat & drumette pieces split (about 24 total wing parts, tips reserved or discarded)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 5 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. In a small bowl, whisk together baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Sprinkle this mixture over the wings and use your hands to massage the seasoning evenly into each wing. Set aside.
- Step 2: Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add a few extra minutes if you prefer extra crispiness.
- Step 3: While the wings cook, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir until well combined, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Transfer the crispy wings to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the wings and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. Toss everything together until the wings are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, pat the wings very dry and make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if you don’t have it on hand.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor in the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat the wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure they crisp up well in the air fryer.
Is baking powder necessary?
Baking powder helps create a crispy coating by drawing moisture away from the skin, giving you that perfect crunch. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for best flavor.
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings (Air Fryer!) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
Description
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings are a mouthwatering appetizer made effortlessly in the air fryer. The wings are coated with a flavorful dry rub, air fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 1/2 lbs whole chicken wings, flat & drumette pieces split (about 24 total wing parts), tips reserved for later use or discarded
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry. Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground white pepper, and kosher salt. Sprinkle this dry rub over the wings and use your hands to massage the seasoning evenly into all the wings, ensuring they are fully coated. Set aside.
- Air Fry the Wings: Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary depending on your air fryer size. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F. Cook the wings for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. If desired, cook a few minutes longer to reach your preferred crispiness.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: About 5 minutes before the wings are done, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the finely minced garlic and chopped parsley to the melted butter and stir gently until fully combined. Remove from heat once the sauce is well incorporated.
- Toss Wings in Sauce and Parmesan: Transfer the hot, crispy wings to a large stainless-steel or similarly sturdy bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the wings, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together carefully to coat the wings thoroughly with the sauce and cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic parmesan wings hot and enjoy them fresh from the air fryer for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using aluminum-free baking powder is key to avoiding off-flavors and achieving the crispiest skin.
- Patting wings dry before seasoning helps the coating adhere and crisps the skin better.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
- Freshly grated Parmesan will dissolve better and add a creamier texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
- For extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy wings, garlic parmesan wings, air fryer chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, garlic butter sauce, easy appetizer, game day wings
