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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings: Easy 15-Min Recipe

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken wings - featured image

These crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken wings are quick, easy, and unbelievably crunchy without deep frying. Tossed in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce, they’re perfect for game day or a weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1ยฝ teaspoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
  • ยผ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese (from a wedge, plus more for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels, pressing firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until no clumps remain.
  4. Add the dried wings to the bowl and toss thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until every wing is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each wing. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook at 400ยฐF for 12 minutes. Open the basket and flip each wing using tongs.
  7. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the wings reach an internal temperature of 175ยฐF-180ยฐF and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. While the wings cook, make the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the hot sauce and grated Parmesan until mostly melted.
  9. Transfer the cooked wings to a clean large bowl. Pour the sauce over them and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  10. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Pat the wings very dry for maximum crispiness. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic taste. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make the sauce at the last minute to prevent the Parmesan from clumping. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, garlic parmesan wings, crispy wings, easy chicken wings, game day appetizer, keto wings