How to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
These golden chicken wings come out incredibly crispy without deep frying, coated in a savory garlic parmesan butter sauce. They are perfect for game day snacking or a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Why this recipe works
This Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the wings. Toss until every wing is evenly coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure none are overlapping. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through at the 12 minute mark to ensure even crisping.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until combined.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Transfer the hot crispy wings into a large bowl and pour the garlic parmesan sauce over them. Toss well to coat every wing in the sauce and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken wings → chicken drumettes only for easier eating
- parmesan cheese → pecorino romano for a sharper saltier flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of patting the wings dry, which prevents them from getting truly crispy
- Overlapping the wings in the basket which causes steaming instead of crisping
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 32g protein, 4g carbs, 30g fat, 0g fiber.
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