Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy Policy.

Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings are the ultimate party appetizer, game day snack or dinner option! These tender chicken wings are coated in a tasty dry rub, achieving that perfect crunch without the hassle of deep frying. But it gets even better – these wings can be topped with an optional garlic butter and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Get ready to enjoy every delicious bite of these juicy, crispy and downright irresistible wings!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

If you love crispy wings are ready to elevate your wing game with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in the air fryer, you are going to love this recipe! This recipe promises irresistible flavor, crispy skin, and juicy chicken.

You’ll love the richness of garlic and Parmesan cheese with the convenience of air frying, resulting in a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried wings. Perfect for any occasion, these party wings are sure to impress as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or main course.

I include a garlic butter that is drizzled over the top of these wings. If you are looking for a dry rub chicken wing that is super crispy, you can skip the garlic butter or serve it on the side for dunking. I’m a sucker for a good dry rub which is why I always start with one as my base for my chicken wings, including my air fryer lemon pepper dry rub wings and bbq chicken wings. (Both of those recipes are popular for a reason. Air fryer chicken wings are the best. I highly recommend them!)

These chicken wings taste amazing with or without the butter. The garlic butter enhances the flavor of the wings and makes it richer with a stronger garlic flavor. It also softens the chicken wing skin a bit which can be a pro or a con, depending upon preferences. If you love a very buttery garlic wing, you’ll like this addition.

Recipe Ingredients

For this garlic parmesan wings recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• chicken wings: If you have whole wings, you’ll need to separate at joints and discard wing tips. Alternatively you can purchase wingettes with this step done for you.
• parmesan cheese: I used a combination of grated parmesan and shredded parmesan but you can use one or the other.
• garlic powder: I recommend doubling the amount of garlic powder if you decide to not include the garlic butter for this recipe.
• paprika: Adds to the depth of flavor and provides a nice color.
• dried parsley: You can use fresh if preferred. Triple the amount called for if using chopped fresh parsley.
• sea salt (or regular table salt)
• freshly ground pepper (or ground pepper)
• olive oil
• butter (optional)
• fresh garlic (optional)

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings

To make these deliciously crispy chicken wings, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your dry rub by mixing the garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.

Pat your chicken wings dry to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add your seasoning mix and toss to fully coat.

Spray air fryer basket with a cooking spray safe for air fryers such as avocado oil or olive oil spray. If you don’t have a spray, you can lightly brush on some olive oil. Place chicken wings in an even layer in the bottom of the basket, being careful to not over-pack so your wings cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

I can easily place 10 chicken wings in the air fryer I own without overcrowding which is exactly how many chicken wings were in 1 1/2 pounds. If you have a smaller air fryer or are cooking a larger amount, you may have to cook in batches for best results.

Cook for 10 minutes. Turn chicken wings over and cook for additional 6 -10 minutes or until desired crispiness and internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Your parmesan garlic wings should be a wonderful golden brown.

How to Make Garlic Butter

If making the optional garlic butter, you can prepare this while your wings are cooking in the air fryer. Simply melt a half a stick of butter and minced garlic in small saucepan over the stove over medium low heat. Keep warm on low until wings are finished cooking, stirring occasionally.

You can serve your garlic butter in one of two ways:

• Place wings in a large bowl. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce and shredded parmesan for additional parmesan flavor. Toss to coat.
• Serve on the side and instead dip your chicken wings in the garlic butter.

Regardless of whether you opt for garlic butter, serve these garlic parmesan chicken wings immediately with additional grated parmesan as garnish and any favorite dipping sauce or dressing.

How to Bake Garlic Parm Wings

Need instructions for oven-baked wings instead? No problem! Cook your garlic parm wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings)

If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness at the end of cooking. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don’t overcook.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These succulent wings are the real deal and great any night of the week or for special occasions. Here are a few simple ideas for what to serve with these wings, whether you’re preparing a dinner option or presenting them as a party appetizer.

1. Classic Dipping Sauces: Offer an array of classic dipping sauces such as buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard
2. Crispy Potatoes: Serve your air fried chicken wings with a side of crispy red potatoes, steak fries, sweet potato fries, or potato wedges.
3. Fresh Vegetables: Consider pairing your wings with a simple garden salad or a vegetable tray. Your favorite wing dipping sauces can also be used for the veggies. Alternatively a fruit tray with your favorite fruits and fruit dip with marshmallow cream would be a refreshing choice.
4. Cornbread: If you’re looking for a comforting side, cornbread is a fabulous choice. My sweet cornbread recipe is entirely from scratch and makes a large 13″x9″ pan!
5. Coleslaw: Another classic combination is serving air fried chicken wings alongside creamy coleslaw. The refreshing taste and slight tanginess of the coleslaw act as a great contrast to the wings’ flavors.

Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

These air fryer garlic parmesan wings are so crispy and flavorful! Starting with a dry rub and adding an optional garlic butter sauce later, these non-spicy wings are a family favorite. Makes a fabulous party appetizer, game day snack or the ultimate weeknight dinner idea!

Author Emilie at FindingZest.com

• 1 1/2
  pounds
  fresh chicken wings
  approximately 10-14 wingettes
• 2
  teaspoons
  olive oil
• 3
  tablespoon
  grated parmesan cheese
  divided
• 1
  teaspoon
  garlic powder
• 1
  teaspoon
  dried parsley
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  paprika
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  sea salt
  or to taste
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  freshly ground pepper
  or to taste

Optional Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/4
  cup
  butter
  1/2 stick
• 2-3
  gloves garlic
  minced
• 2
  tablespoons
  shredded parmesan cheese
  optional

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a small bowl add 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, sea salt and black pepper. Stir to evenly mix.

3. If you have whole chicken wings, you’ll want to split them at the joint and remove the tips. If you have already split wings (wingettes) you are ready to go.

4. Pat chicken wings with paper towel to remove any moisture and place in large bowl or gallon size ziploc bag.

5. Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings, then sprinkle seasoning mixture. Toss chicken wings to evenly coat. (If using a bag, be sure to seal, then shake).

6. Spray an air fryer safe cooking spray (or lightly brush a little oil) over the bottom of the air fryer basket. (I used olive oil spray.)

7. Add chicken wings in a single layer, not overlapping.

8. Cook for 10 minutes.

9. Meanwhile, if preparing optional garlic butter, melt a half a stick of butter and minced garlic in small saucepan over the stove over medium low heat.

10. Turn over wings and cook for additional 6 -10 minutes or until desired crispiness and internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

11. Can eat as is or alternatively,  place wings in a large bowl. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce (if desired) and shredded parmesan. Toss to coat. Alternatively you can serve garlic butter on the side or skip the garlic butter step entirely.

12. Serve immediately with additional grated parmesan as garnish and any favorite dipping sauces or dressing such as ranch or blue cheese.

These wings taste amazing with just the dry rub. The garlic butter will soften the chicken wings and add a lot of richness which can be good or bad depending upon preferences. (I find these wings delicious both ways) If you like very crispy wings, I recommend serving the garlic butter on the side or skipping it altogether.

How to Bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in the Oven:

Cook your wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings) If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness at the end of cooking. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don’t overcook.

 

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. The calculation for this recipe includes the optional garlic butter sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Looking for more ways to cook chicken in the air fryer? Here are a few more tasty options:

I would love to see you on Pinterest! Follow me for more recipes you won’t want to miss!!