Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings (11 ingredients)

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Quick Overview

These garlic parmesan chicken wings deliver restaurant-quality flavor with an extra crispy skin made right in your air fryer. Fresh chicken wings are seasoned, tossed with avocado oil, and cooked until golden brown before getting coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

Air frying allows you to achieve maximum crispness without deep frying in excessive oil. The hot circulating air locks in moisture while creating a satisfying crunch on the outside.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Estimated calories per serving: 480 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) avocado oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Coating

• 1/2 cup garlic parmesan wing sauce or creamy garlic dressing
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for garnish

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up properly.
2. Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle the avocado oil evenly over the wings.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the bowl.
5. Toss the wings thoroughly by hand until every piece is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
7. Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for airflow.
8. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through at the 10-minute mark, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Transfer the hot chicken wings immediately into a large mixing bowl containing the garlic parmesan sauce.
10. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the hot wings.
11. Toss everything vigorously until the cheese melts slightly and coats each wing evenly.
12. Plate the wings and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes before serving hot.

Pro Tip

Never overcrowd the air fryer basket or stack the wings on top of each other while cooking. Stacking traps steam, which prevents the chicken skin from getting properly crisp and results in a soggy texture. If your air fryer basket is small, cook the wings in two separate batches to maintain high heat circulation.

Serving & Storage

Serve these garlic parmesan wings hot alongside classic dipping sauces like creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. Fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and toasted garlic bread make great side pairings that balance the rich, savory sauce.

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing cooked coated wings is not recommended, as the parmesan sauce texture breaks down upon thawing.

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwave reheating because it makes the chicken skin soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point, which helps achieve maximum crispness at high heat.

How do I know when the wings are done?

The skin will look golden brown and crispy, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I make these in a standard oven?

Yes, bake them on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.