Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Air fryer garlic Parmesan chicken wings are the ultimate game-day or anytime snack. The circulating heat crisps the skin beautifully while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Tossed in a buttery garlic glaze and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, they strike the perfect balance between rich and savory.

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these air fryer garlic Parmesan chicken wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Air-fried to perfection with a buttery garlic glaze, then tossed with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, they’re a simple yet indulgent dish you’ll love making again and again. Serve the wings with this homemade ranch dressing, marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or your favorite dip.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Ultra-crispy texture. The baking powder and air fryer combination creates a crisp, crackly skin without any breading or deep frying. The wings stay juicy inside while still achieving that satisfying crunch everyone loves.
• Bold garlic-Parmesan flavor. A warm butter-and-garlic mixture coats the wings right after cooking, allowing the Parmesan to melt slightly and cling to every surface. The result is rich, aromatic, and irresistible.
• Simple ingredients, big payoff. Everything in this recipe is easy to find, and most of it may already be in your kitchen. You don’t need specialty seasonings or extra equipment—just a good air fryer and fresh wings.
• Reliable for entertaining. Because the wings hold their crispness well, they’re a great choice for serving guests. The recipe scales easily, and you can keep batches warm while finishing the rest.
• Customizable heat and seasoning. You can easily adjust the flavors—add chili flakes for heat, swap herbs, or sprinkle extra Parmesan. The base recipe is versatile and forgiving, letting you tailor it to your crowd.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken wings – Use whole wings and cut them into flats and drumettes if needed. Patting them dry is essential for crisping. Fresh wings work best, but thoroughly thawed frozen wings also crisp nicely when well-dried.
• Kosher salt and black pepper – Basic seasoning helps build flavor before the wings go into the air fryer. Use a light hand at first; Parmesan adds additional saltiness later.
• Garlic powder – Helps season the wings evenly and adds a base layer of garlic flavor under the fresh garlic sauce.
• Baking powder – The secret to crisp air fryer wings. It helps dry the skin and promotes browning. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for the cleanest flavor.
• Butter – Provides richness and helps the garlic and Parmesan cling to the wings. Unsalted butter gives you full control over saltiness.
• Fresh garlic – Finely minced garlic blooms quickly in butter, so cook it gently to avoid bitterness.
• Parsley – Adds freshness and color. Fresh parsley is preferred, but dried can be used in smaller amounts.
• Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan melts slightly on contact with the warm wings. Freshly grated cheese has the best texture and flavor.

Steps to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

1. Brush or spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil and preheat the air fryer. Preheating helps jump-start browning and reduces sticking.
2. Pat the wings dry thoroughly, then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder. This coating ensures even crisping on all sides.
3. Arrange the wings in the air fryer so air can circulate freely. Standing some upright along the sides helps maximize space and airflow.
4. Cook the wings, flipping periodically so both sides brown evenly. If the wings appear pale near the end, continue cooking briefly to reach your preferred crispness.
5. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and cook the garlic gently until fragrant. Removing it from the heat promptly prevents the garlic from turning bitter.
6. Toss the hot wings in the garlic-butter mixture, then add Parmesan and parsley. Coat thoroughly so every piece is seasoned. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Dry the wings extremely well before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of crispness.
• Space the wings out in the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even browning.
• Flip the wings regularly for balanced crisping, especially in compact or lower-powered air fryers.
• Watch the garlic closely when making the sauce so it softens without burning.
• Reserve a tablespoon of Parmesan to sprinkle on top just before serving for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spice: For a touch of heat, add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the saucepan with the butter and garlic.
• Lemon: Add freshly grated lemon zest and chopped fresh thyme or oregano for lemon and herb flavor notes.
• Herbs: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend to the saucepan with the butter for zesty Italian flavor.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Wings

• Dips: Pair with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or marinara sauce.
• Sides: Serve with garlic bread, coleslaw, or a simple Caesar salad.
• Main-dish pairing: Enjoy with fries, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

How to Store

• Refrigerate
  Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The coating may soften, but the wings reheat well and retain good flavor.
• Freeze
  Freeze the cooked wings in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer.
• Reheat
  Warm wings in the air fryer at a moderate temperature until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which softens the skin and reduces texture.