Save to Pinterest These chicken wings are cooked to a perfect crisp in the air fryer, then coated in a flavorful garlic and Parmesan butter sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley creates a rich and savory coating that enhances the tender and juicy wings. The air fryer allows a quicker, less greasy cooking process while delivering satisfying crunch and flavor. Garnish with extra cheese and herbs for added appeal. Ideal for a savory appetizer or main dish.
My air fryer sits on the counter practically shouting when I pull it out for these wings. The first time I made them, my husband wandered into the kitchen asking what smelled like a restaurant kitchen at midnight. Now they're his requested birthday dinner every year.
Last Super Bowl Sunday, I made three batches because our friends kept asking for just one more wing. The house smelled incredible, and people stood around the air fryer watching them get golden and crispy like it was the most exciting television of the night.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings split and tips removed: Starting with fresh not frozen wings makes a huge difference in how evenly they cook and get that crispy skin we all want
- Olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning in the air fryer
- Kosher salt: The coarse flakes stick better than table salt and create a nice seasoned exterior
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives you those little spicy bites that make wings interesting
- Garlic powder: This foundational garlic flavor permeates the meat while they cook
- Paprika: Adds a subtle earthiness and helps achieve that beautiful golden color
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level perfectly in the final sauce
- Fresh garlic cloves: Nothing beats the aroma of fresh garlic sizzling in butter it is the heart of this recipe
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into the sauce beautifully while pre grated tends to be grainy
- Fresh parsley: This adds bright freshness and makes everything look restaurant worthy
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for those who like a little heat
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 400°F for 3 minutes so the wings start cooking immediately and get that crucial crispy skin from the first minute
- Season the wings:
- Pat those wings completely dry with paper towels then toss them with olive oil and all the seasonings until every inch is coated
- Arrange for success:
- Lay the wings in a single layer with space between them crowding the basket will steam them instead of crisping them
- Cook to crispy perfection:
- Air fry for 24 to 26 minutes shaking the basket halfway through so every side gets golden and evenly crispy
- Make the magic sauce:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned then remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan parsley and red pepper flakes
- Bring it all together:
- Toss the hot wings in a large bowl with that garlic Parmesan butter until every wing is generously coated
- Finish like a pro:
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and parsley scattered on top for that restaurant presentation
Save to Pinterest My daughter who claims to not like garlic ate six wings in one sitting then asked why I never make these for dinner. Now they are in our regular rotation and she requests them whenever friends come over.
Make Them Extra Crispy
I learned by accident that letting the seasoned wings sit uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour before air frying concentrates the flavor and dries the skin even more. The difference in texture is remarkable.
Serving Suggestions
These wings need some cooling companions on the plate. Celery sticks and carrot rounds with a bowl of blue cheese dressing are classic but a crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Game Day Strategy
When feeding a crowd I set up a wing station with the sauce in one bowl and plain crispy wings in another. This way guests can choose their adventure and everyone gets exactly what they want without any complaints about too much garlic or not enough cheese.
- Make double the sauce and keep it warm in a small slow cooker on the side
- Line your serving bowl with foil for easy cleanup after the game
- Set out wet wipes and plenty of napkins because these are gloriously messy
Save to Pinterest These wings have become our Friday night tradition. Sometimes the simplest recipes cooked with care become the ones we remember most fondly.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the wings get crispy in the air fryer?
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Pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the basket to allow even air circulation.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
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Yes, add more crushed red pepper flakes to increase heat or omit them for a milder flavor.
- → Is Parmesan cheese necessary for the sauce?
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Parmesan adds depth and richness, but you can substitute with finely grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano if preferred.
- → What is the best way to serve these wings?
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Serve immediately after coating with the garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- → Can these wings be prepared ahead of time?
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They are best enjoyed freshly cooked, but you can air fry wings in advance and toss in sauce just before serving.
