25 Minutes Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings Easy Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these crispy, golden air fryer garlic parmesan wings that deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen! These wings are the perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior, coated in a heavenly garlic parmesan sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Here’s a fun fact: the original Buffalo wing was invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, but these garlic parmesan wings have become equally beloved for their rich, savory flavor profile.
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What makes this recipe absolutely special is its incredible simplicity and lightning-fast preparation time. In just 25 minutes, you can have perfectly crispy wings that rival your favorite sports bar, all while saving money and controlling the ingredients.
These family-friendly wings are perfect for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving something deliciously satisfying. Just like our popular honey BBQ wings recipe, these garlic parmesan wings prove that the air fryer is truly a game-changer for wing lovers everywhere. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe that’s about to become your new go-to favorite!
What is Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings?
Ever wondered why these wings have such a fancy name? Well, it’s pretty straightforward – they’re chicken wings cooked in an air fryer and smothered in a rich, garlicky parmesan cheese sauce! The name might sound sophisticated, but don’t let that intimidate you.
These wings got their name from the simple yet luxurious combination of roasted garlic and aged parmesan cheese that creates an irresistible flavor bomb. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these wings are definitely the express route! Ready to create some magic in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings:
The Perfect Crispy Texture
The air fryer creates the most incredible crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. The hot circulating air gives these wings that perfect golden-brown color and satisfying crunch that you’d expect from deep-fried wings, but without all the excess oil and mess.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
Making these wings at home saves you serious money compared to ordering from restaurants or sports bars. A batch of these delicious wings costs a fraction of what you’d pay dining out, plus you can make them exactly how you like them with premium ingredients.
Irresistible Flavor Combination
The garlic parmesan coating is pure magic – combining the sharp, nutty flavor of fresh parmesan cheese with aromatic roasted garlic and herbs. Each bite delivers layers of savory goodness that will keep you coming back for more. These wings pair beautifully with our popular loaded potato skins recipe for the ultimate game day spread.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a wing paradise? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings:
Quick Overview
This recipe delivers perfectly crispy wings with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The air fryer does all the hard work, creating that coveted crispy skin while the garlic parmesan sauce adds restaurant-quality taste.
Key Features:
- Crispy exterior, juicy interior
- Rich, savory garlic parmesan coating
- No messy oil required
- Perfect for entertaining
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the wings start cooking immediately when placed inside.
Step 3: Cook the Wings
Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the garlic parmesan sauce over them, and toss until well coated. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings With:
These versatile wings pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy french fries, or a fresh garden salad. For drinks, try ice-cold beer, sparkling water with lime, or a refreshing iced tea. Consider serving them alongside mozzarella sticks, loaded nachos, or our famous buffalo chicken dip for the ultimate game day feast. The rich, savory flavors also complement lighter options like celery sticks with ranch dressing or a crisp Caesar salad.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings:
Achieving Perfect Crispiness
Always pat wings completely dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. For extra crispiness, let seasoned wings sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking.
Temperature and Timing
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to check that wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Sauce Consistency
Add parmesan cheese to the warm butter mixture off the heat to prevent clumping. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of the wing drippings to thin it out.
Ingredient Substitutions
Fresh parmesan works best, but high-quality pre-grated can work in a pinch. You can substitute dried parsley for fresh, using 1 tablespoon instead of 2. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the coating.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wings for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat wings in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy. For oven reheating, use 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Freezing Tips: Cool wings completely before freezing. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 wings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat them extra dry. Frozen wings may need an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
How do I know when the wings are done?
Wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
While wings are best served immediately, you can cook them up to 2 hours ahead and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these wings in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. The sauce recipe can easily be doubled as well.
How spicy are these wings?
These wings are mild with just a hint of heat from the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste preference.
Chef’s Secret Tips for Wing Success
The Baking Powder Trick: For extra crispy wings, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to your seasoning mix. This helps break down the proteins and creates an even crispier exterior.
Flavor Variations: Try adding Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the initial seasoning for different flavor profiles.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The garlic parmesan sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before tossing with wings.
Wing Size Matters: Separate wings into similar sizes for even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster than larger drumettes.
These air fryer garlic parmesan wings are guaranteed to become a household favorite. The combination of crispy texture, rich flavor, and easy preparation makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, these wings deliver every single time!
