Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

These wings feature a crispy exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside, all elevated by a fragrant garlic-Parmesan butter sauce. Using an air fryer reduces oil while achieving a golden, crispy finish. The wings are seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper before air frying, then coated in a rich garlic butter mixed with Parmesan and parsley. Optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. This easy method ensures a flavorful snack or appetizer in under 40 minutes.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:56:00 GMT
Golden-brown air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, a savory appetizer perfect for game day. Save
Golden-brown air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, a savory appetizer perfect for game day. | olivedune.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 made these wings to impress friends and was amazed at how crispy they turned out without deep frying.

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.
Save
| olivedune.com

This recipe quickly became a family favorite during weekend gatherings and game days.

Required Tools

Air fryer, Mixing bowls, Small saucepan, Tongs

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter Parmesan cheese) and garlic. No nuts or gluten-containing ingredients used but always check product labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 30 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 35 g

Crispy garlic-Parmesan chicken wings fresh from the air fryer, promising a delicious, savory meal. Save
Crispy garlic-Parmesan chicken wings fresh from the air fryer, promising a delicious, savory meal. | olivedune.com

Serve these wings hot fresh from the air fryer for the best crispy and flavorful bite every time.

Cooking Questions & Answers

How do I make the wings crispy in the air fryer?

Ensure wings are patted dry and lightly coated with oil before seasoning. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air circulation for optimal crispness.

Can I use fresh Parmesan cheese for the coating?

Yes, freshly grated Parmesan will melt and adhere better, giving a rich, savory flavor and slightly crunchy texture.

Is it necessary to flip the wings during cooking?

Flipping halfway ensures even browning and crisping on both sides of the wings.

Can I adjust the spice level of the wings?

Yes, adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will increase the heat to your preference.

What can I serve with these wings?

Celery sticks, fresh parsley garnish, and your favorite dipping sauces complement the flavors well.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan?

Absolutely, Pecorino Romano offers a saltier, sharper flavor that pairs nicely with garlic butter.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Juicy wings with garlic-Parmesan coating, crisped to perfection using an air fryer method.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Duration
35 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info Wheat-Free, Low-Carb Option

What You Need

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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook chicken wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes. Flip the wings and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 13 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 04

Prepare garlic butter sauce: Melt the 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.

Step 05

Combine wings with sauce: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter over, then add Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss thoroughly to coat.

Step 06

Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Essential Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from butter and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains garlic which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 420
  • Lipids: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 35 g