Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

If you’re a fan of crispy chicken wings packed with buttery garlic flavour and plenty of Parmesan cheese, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are going to be your new favourite! They’re incredibly easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver that delicious restaurant-style flavour right at home.

The air fryer is perfect for cooking chicken wings because the hot circulating air helps crisp up the skin without needing to deep-fry them. Once cooked, the wings are tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce made with melted butter, fresh garlic, grated Parmesan, and a little parsley.

These wings are perfect for game day, parties, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something delicious. They’re savoury, cheesy, buttery, and full of garlic goodness in every bite.

Serve them with ranch dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your favourite dipping sauce. Just be prepared because everyone will want seconds!

Why You Need To Make These Air Fryer Chicken Wings

There are so many reasons to love these garlic Parmesan chicken wings. Here are a few that make this recipe worth trying:

• Incredibly crispy: The air fryer helps the chicken skin become golden and crispy without deep frying.
• Packed with flavour: Fresh garlic, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese create an irresistible combination.
• Easy to prepare: You only need a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
• Less oil required: Unlike traditional deep-fried wings, these cook with very little added oil.
• Perfect for sharing: They’re ideal for parties, game nights, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers.
• Customisable: Add chilli flakes for heat, extra Parmesan for cheesiness, or lemon juice for a fresh finish.
• Great for any occasion: Serve them as an appetiser, snack, or main meal alongside your favourite sides.

The best part is that you can make these delicious wings at home without spending money on takeaway!

Ingredients to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make these flavourful air fryer wings. Most of them are simple pantry staples.

For the Chicken Wings

• 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings: Use fresh or fully thawed chicken wings. Separate the drumettes and flats if they haven’t already been cut.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning coat the wings and encourages browning.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds extra garlic flavour to the chicken before cooking.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the wings a lovely colour and mild smoky flavour.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a little extra savoury flavour.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavour of the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (optional): Use aluminium-free baking powder, not baking soda. A small amount can help dry the skin and improve crispiness.

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, buttery base for the sauce.
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives the wings their delicious aroma and flavour.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, cheesy flavour. Finely grated Parmesan coats the wings especially well.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and colour.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Gives the sauce a lovely herbal flavour.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a little brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like a little heat.

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended because it melts and coats the wings better than some pre-shredded varieties.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

These garlic Parmesan wings are surprisingly easy to make. The secret is drying the chicken properly, cooking it until crispy, and tossing it in the sauce just before serving.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken wings

If using whole wings, separate them into drumettes and flats using a sharp knife. Remove and discard the wing tips if desired.

Pat the wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin become crispy during air frying.

Step 2: Season the wings

Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

If using baking powder, add it now and toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.

Step 4: Arrange the wings in the basket

Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Leave enough space between the pieces for hot air to circulate. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches rather than overcrowding the basket.

Step 5: Air fry the chicken wings

Cook the wings at 380°F (193°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

For extra-crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.

Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the wings and your air fryer model.

Step 6: Check that the chicken is cooked

Check the thickest part of the meat with an instant-read food thermometer, avoiding the bone.

Chicken wings must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. For a more tender texture, some people prefer cooking wings beyond this minimum temperature, but always ensure they are fully cooked.

Step 7: Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce

While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using.

Mix until everything is combined.

Step 8: Toss the wings in the sauce

Once the chicken wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Pour the warm garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings and toss gently until every piece is coated.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while they’re warm, crispy, and covered in that delicious garlic butter sauce!

How Long Should You Air Fry Chicken Wings?

The cooking time depends on the size of your chicken wings, whether they’re fresh or frozen, and the air fryer you’re using.

For fresh or fully thawed chicken wings, a good starting point is:

For this garlic Parmesan recipe, 380°F (193°C) for 20–25 minutes is a good starting point.

Remember these important tips:

• Flip or shake the wings halfway through cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Larger wings may need additional cooking time.
• Use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
• If you want extra-crispy skin, finish at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

If you’re cooking frozen wings, they will generally need longer. Follow your air fryer’s guidance, separate the pieces once they are safe to handle, and check that every wing reaches the recommended internal temperature.

That Oh-So-Good Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Let’s be honest: the garlic Parmesan sauce is what makes these chicken wings so special!

It’s buttery, savoury, cheesy, and full of fresh garlic flavour. The combination of melted butter and Parmesan creates a delicious coating that clings to every crispy wing.

Here’s how to make it even better:

Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a stronger, more delicious flavour than garlic powder alone.

Choose good Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer taste.

Don’t burn the garlic: Cook it gently in melted butter for just 30–60 seconds. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.

Add fresh herbs: Chopped parsley gives the sauce a fresh finish. You can also use a little fresh basil or dried Italian seasoning.

Add lemon juice: A small squeeze of lemon balances the buttery richness and makes the flavour brighter.

Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce.

Want extra cheese? Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the wings after tossing them in the sauce.

One important tip: toss the wings in the sauce just before serving. This helps preserve their crispy texture for as long as possible.

Tips For Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Follow these simple tips to make sure your wings turn out delicious every time.

1. Dry the chicken wings thoroughly

This is one of the most important steps. Pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding the oil and seasonings. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up.

2. Use baking powder for extra crispiness

A small amount of aluminium-free baking powder can help create crispier chicken skin. Make sure you use baking powder, not baking soda, and coat the wings evenly.

3. Don’t overcrowd the basket

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the basket is too full, the wings may steam instead of becoming crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.

4. Turn the wings halfway through

Turning the wings helps them cook and brown more evenly. It also gives you a chance to check how they’re progressing.

5. Make the sauce while the wings cook

Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This saves time and ensures the sauce is ready when the wings come out of the air fryer.

6. Add the sauce at the end

Don’t coat the raw wings in the butter and Parmesan sauce before air frying. The butter and cheese can burn, and the wings won’t develop the same crispy skin. Cook the wings first, then toss them in the sauce.

7. Serve immediately

Garlic Parmesan wings taste best when served fresh. The longer they sit in the sauce, the softer the crispy skin becomes.

8. Adjust the flavour to your liking

Use more garlic for a stronger flavour, extra Parmesan for a cheesier finish, or lemon juice for a little freshness. You can easily make this recipe your own.

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy chicken, buttery garlic, and savoury Parmesan. They’re easy enough for a weeknight snack but delicious enough to serve at your next party or game-day gathering!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Print Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are so easy to make. They’re crispy, buttery, cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor in every bite!

• Author: Brandy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x
• Category: Main Course,
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ pounds chicken wings, drumettes and flats mixed
• 3½ tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoons flat leaf parsley, finely minced
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Kosher Salt, Diamond Crystal brand
• Freshly Cracked Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Avocado Oil Spray (for air fryer basket)

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer at 360°F for 5 minutes.
• Start by patting the chicken wings dry. Extra moisture can inhibit extra crispy skin.
• Season both sides of wings generously with kosher salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• Once preheat is finished, spray air fryer basket with avocado spray and add seasoned wings in a single layer. Cook on “chicken” setting at 360°F for 25 minutes, flipping at the 13 minute mark. After cycle completes, flip wings again and cook for 3 minutes at 400°F. Lastly, flip wings one last time and cook for 2 minutes at 400°F.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, add butter. Once butter melts, add minced garlic. Cook low and slow; watch the mixture carefully so as to not let garlic brown. This step is simply to infuse butter with garlic flavor. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Cut fresh parmesan into small cubes and toss into a mini food processor(opens in new tab). Set aside.
• Once wings are ready, place in a mixing bowl. Top with melted butter and garlic mixture. Mix. Add minced parsley. Mix. Top with freshly ground parmesan. Mix again. enjoy!