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

Scale

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