Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite game-day snack that’s ridiculously easy and always a crowd-pleaser: Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe. These wings come out perfectly crispy without the mess of deep frying, and the combination of garlicky buttery goodness with that sprinkle of parmesan is just irresistible. If you’ve ever struggled to get wings crispy in the oven or craved a faster method, this recipe’s about to become your new best friend.

I love making these wings any time I want something salty, savory, and simple—whether it’s for a casual night in or when friends stop by for a quick bite. The air fryer cuts the cook time way down, and the parmesan cheese toasted right on the wings adds that extra layer of flavor that keeps everyone reaching for more. Honestly, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe, you’ll be hooked like I am!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work together harmoniously to create that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky wings. When shopping, I always recommend picking a good-quality parmesan cheese—it really makes a difference when it melts and toasts on your wings.

• Chicken wings: I like splitting them into drumettes and wingettes to get more crispy edges.
• Salted butter: Using salted butter adds a little extra seasoning, but you can use unsalted and adjust salt accordingly.
• Garlic and herb seasoning: This blend saves time and amps up flavor—don’t skip it!
• Sea salt: Adds a nice finishing saltiness and crunch on the skin.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives that punchy flavor that dried can’t match.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, not pre-shredded, for melting and browning perfectly.
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness when you sprinkle it on before serving.
• Ranch (optional): Because who doesn’t love a cool, creamy dip with their wings?

Variations

I’ve played around with this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe a bunch, and it’s so flexible you can tweak it to your taste. Feel free to add your own spin—games nights, weeknight dinners, or even brunch snacks!

• Spicy kick: I love adding a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture before tossing the wings. It gives a wonderful heat without overpowering the garlic and cheese.
• Herb variation: Swap out the garlic and herb seasoning for a smoked paprika or Italian seasoning mix to suit your mood.
• Low sodium: Use unsalted butter and reduce added salt for a lighter option, then boost flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Non-dairy option: Try using olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a vegan version; I’ve tested it and it’s surprisingly delicious.
• Lemon zest: For a fresh twist, grate some lemon zest over the wings after cooking—it brightens things up beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Wings Like a Pro

First things first: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. I can’t stress this enough—dry wings = crispy wings. Then preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you’re drying them. This gives the air fryer a chance to get hot and ensures your wings start cooking immediately to lock in juiciness. If you skip the drying step, you’ll end up with wings that steam rather than crisp, and that’s just no fun.

Step 2: Coat Wings with Butter and Seasoning

Take 2 tablespoons of melted butter and drizzle it over the dry wings, then toss so each piece is lightly coated. Mixing your garlic and herb seasoning with the sea salt and sprinkling it onto the wings helps infuse that flavor right into the skin. Rub the seasoning gently on both sides—this little step makes the flavors stick when cooking. Trust me, this is my favorite shortcut to wings bursting with taste.

Step 3: Cook the Wings in Batches

Lay the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! I often have to do two or three batches depending on the size of my air fryer. Cook for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 7-9 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the wings are safe and juicy, not dry or chewy. My best tip? Resist the urge to peek too often so the hot air can work its magic evenly.

Step 4: Garlic Butter Toss & Parmesan Toast

While your wings cook, mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic. When wings come out crispy and perfectly cooked, toss them in this garlic butter mixture—this step is key for that rich coating that makes parmesan stick like a dream. Next, sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese and pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to toast the cheese until it’s golden and slightly crispy. This is where the magic of the Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe really shines.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my wings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley just before serving. It adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh note that balances nicely against the richness of the butter and cheese. If you want to get creative, a little lemon zest or extra parmesan on top can be fantastic too.

Side Dishes

These wings pair beautifully with a simple ranch dip—perfect for cutting through the richness—and some crunchy celery sticks. When I want to turn it into a full meal, I add a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad to keep things bright and contrasting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging the wings on a platter lined with parchment paper, surrounding them with bowls of ranch and sliced veggies. You can also serve them with little skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing. Once, I layered them over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes—everyone was surprised and delighted by the combo!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the wings fresh, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep wonderfully for about 3-4 days, making great next-day snacks or additions to salads. Just be sure to cool the wings completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen wings successfully as well—just cool them, pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container, and use them within 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave before reheating. It’s amazing how well the Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe hold up frozen!

Reheating

For best results reheating, I pop the wings back into the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps up the skin again and refreshes that cheesy crust perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy—microwaves make them soggy pretty quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites—easy, indulgent, and just plain satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a quick appetizer that won’t disappoint, these wings hit all the right notes. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and discover just how delicious air fryer wings can be with a simple garlic parmesan twist. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen like they are in mine!

Print