Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings cut into drumettes and wingettes; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, divided and melted; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning; 2 teaspoons sea salt; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish); Ranch (optional side)

If you love crispy, flavorful chicken wings but want to skip the deep fryer, then this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. I love how the air fryer gives the wings that perfect crisp without the mess and heavy oil. Tossing them in buttery garlic and finishing with Parmesan brings together simple ingredients for an irresistible snack or meal.

This recipe shines whether you’re hosting a casual game night, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just crave that savory combo of garlic and cheese on wings. I’ve found that making this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe can easily become a ritual – the smell itself will have everyone gathering around the kitchen, eager to dig in. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them all the time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is all in keeping it simple and wholesome. Each ingredient plays its part—from the saltiness of the butter to the zing of garlic, and the savory, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese. Plus, a couple of easy-to-find seasonings round it all out so your wings taste like they came from your favorite wing spot.

Chicken wings: Make sure to buy fresh wings cut into drumettes and wingettes for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
Salted butter: Using salted butter adds just the right amount of seasoning and richness to the wings and sauce.
Garlic and herb seasoning: This blend gives the wings an herby, aromatic kick without extra work.
Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this! I prefer sea salt for its texture and flavor punch.
Minced garlic: Fresh is best here; the garlic butter coating really seals in the flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts perfectly to create a crispy, cheesy coating that’s pure yum.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful pop and light herbiness at the very end.
Ranch dressing (optional): Classic wing dip, but feel free to serve with blue cheese or no dip at all.

Variations

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to your tastes. I like to switch it up sometimes based on mood or occasion—play around with added spice or herbs to make it your own!

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings: I toss in a dash of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce to the butter-garlic mix for a fiery twist that still lets the Parmesan shine.
Lemon Parmesan Wings: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice mixed into the garlic butter gives the wings a bright, zesty lift—great for summer BBQ vibes.
Herb Variations: Sometimes I add fresh rosemary or thyme to the coating for an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with garlic and Parmesan.
Low Sodium Option: Use unsalted butter and less salt if you’re watching sodium; you can boost flavor with extra garlic or herbs instead.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Wings for Crispy Perfection

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F—that high heat is key to getting that crispy skin. While it warms up, pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so the drier the wings, the better they’ll fry up.

Step 2: Butter and Season the Wings

Melt 2 tablespoons of your butter and drizzle it over the dry chicken wings. Toss them gently to get an even coating. Then, mix your garlic and herb seasoning together with the sea salt and sprinkle it all over the wings, rubbing it in so every nook and cranny is covered. This seasoning blend will create a wonderful flavor base as they cook.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Place your wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 7-9 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they’ve reached an internal temp of 165°F. This ensures safety while keeping the meat juicy.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

While your wings cook, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and mix in the minced garlic. This fragrant garlic butter will be the sauce that wraps around your wings, making them rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Toss Wings in Garlic Butter and Parmesan

Once your wings are crispy and cooked through, toss them in the garlic butter mixture so each wing is perfectly coated. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the wings and pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This final step toasts the cheese just right, giving you that irresistible golden crust.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

A close-up of several pieces of golden brown crispy chicken wings with a crunchy coating mixed with small green herb bits, placed on parchment paper on a wooden tray. One chicken wing is held up by a woman's hand with pink nail polish, showing the textured, slightly shiny surface of the crispy skin and herbs. In the blurred background, there are two shakers with wooden tops, all set on a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the wings before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh note that balances the rich garlic and cheese beautifully. If you have extra Parmesan, feel free to dust a little more on top for cheese lovers!

Side Dishes

Ranch dressing is a classic pairing I love for dipping, but blue cheese works great too if that’s your thing. For sides, I usually go with crispy carrot and celery sticks to keep it fresh and crunchy or a simple Caesar salad to round things out without overpowering the wings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a game day or a party, I like throwing these wings on a large wooden board with small bowls of different dips—ranch, spicy mayo, and even honey mustard. Adding lemon wedges on the side is a nice touch too. It makes for a colorful, shareable appetizer that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep well for 3-4 days. I’ve found that they stay tasty and don’t dry out as long as you reheat them correctly. Just keep the cheese on—that’s where a lot of the magic is.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe, let them cool completely first. Then, pack them tightly in freezer bags or containers. I label the date and freeze for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge—it keeps the texture intact much better than quick defrosting.

Reheating

To get your wings crispy again, I recommend reheating in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave. I put them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, which refreshes the crust and warms the cheesy coating beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking, so they crisp up nicely instead of steaming inside the air fryer. Pat them dry thoroughly once thawed to remove any excess moisture.
How do I make sure my wings are extra crispy?

Drying the wings well before cooking and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket are key tips. Cook in batches if needed to allow hot air to circulate freely, which crisps the skin perfectly.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

You can, but the cooking time and method will differ. Baking in a hot oven (425°F) on a wire rack helps mimic the crispiness. You’ll want to watch closely and flip halfway through to get that golden finish.
Is this Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These wings are fantastic for meal prep. Just store properly and reheat as mentioned. They maintain flavor and texture well, making them a delicious grab-and-go protein for lunches or quick dinners.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic for a milder flavor?

Definitely. If you’re not a huge garlic fan, reduce the minced garlic in the butter mixture or use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air Fryer Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits the perfect balance of crispy, garlicky, and cheesy without any fuss. I love how quick it comes together and how everyone seems to love these wings—whether it’s a casual night or a crowd-pleasing party dish. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe just as much as I do, so give it a try and make it your own little culinary tradition.