Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Featured in: Dinner Grin

These wings are perfectly crispy and juicy, coated in a rich garlic-Parmesan butter sauce that blends minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier, less oily finish while retaining bold flavors. The process involves seasoning wings with olive oil and spices, air frying until golden, then tossing them in the warm garlic butter mixture. Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra Parmesan or parsley for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:18:00 GMT
Golden brown Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, crispy, savory appetizer ready to enjoy hot. Save
Golden brown Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, crispy, savory appetizer ready to enjoy hot. | grinnosh.com

Crispy, juicy chicken wings coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan sauce, made easy in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

I first served this recipe to my family and everyone loved how crispy and flavorful the wings were with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings split and tips removed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Garlic-Parmesan Sauce: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic finely minced, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Step 3:
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes then flip the wings and cook for another 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4:
Meanwhile melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
Step 5:
Transfer cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter over add Parmesan cheese parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until wings are thoroughly coated.
Step 6:
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Close-up of air fried Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, coated in melted garlic butter. Save
Close-up of air fried Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, coated in melted garlic butter. | grinnosh.com

This dish always brings smiles at family gatherings and is often requested for game day snacks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a classic combo.

Substitutions

Substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan cheese if desired for a sharper flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Platter of delicious Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, perfect for game day snacking. Save
Platter of delicious Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, perfect for game day snacking. | grinnosh.com

Enjoy these wings hot and crispy straight from the air fryer for the perfect flavorful snack or appetizer.

Recipe FAQ

How do I get the wings extra crispy in the air fryer?

Ensure wings are patted dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the basket to allow even air circulation. Cooking in batches helps achieve optimal crispiness.

Can I use frozen wings for this method?

Yes, but thaw wings fully before air frying for best texture and even cooking throughout.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or similar hard cheeses can be used to maintain the savory, sharp flavor profile.

Is it possible to make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely. Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture will elevate the heat level.

What sides pair well with these wings?

Celery sticks and your choice of dipping sauces complement the flavors and add a refreshing crunch alongside the wings.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Crispy chicken wings coated in garlic-Parmesan sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer with savory herbs and spices.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Chicken

01 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1/2 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 1/2 tsp paprika
06 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
05 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Stage 02

Prepare Wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels, then toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Stage 03

Cook Wings: Arrange wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 10 to 13 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Stage 04

Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning. Remove from heat.

Stage 05

Toss Wings in Sauce: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour garlic butter over wings and add Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until fully coated.

Stage 06

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Necessary tools

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese).
  • Contains garlic, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 35 g