Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a perfect appetizer or snack. These wings are tossed in a zesty lemon and spice blend, air fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce mixed with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an irresistible taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wings
- 1 pound chicken wings (separated into drumettes and flats)
- 2 Tablespoons oil (olive oil or avocado oil, divided)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (can use smoked paprika)
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted
- ⅛ cup chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
- ⅛ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the wings: In a large bowl, toss the 1 pound of separated chicken wings with 1 Tablespoon of oil and 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice until the wings are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Season the wings: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon paprika over the wings. Toss thoroughly to ensure all wings are evenly seasoned.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your 6 quart air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes to achieve optimal crispiness.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with the remaining 1 Tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook first side: Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes at 400°F.
- Flip and cook second side: Flip the wings over carefully and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Make garlic parmesan sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted salted butter, minced garlic, chopped flat leaf parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful coating sauce.
- Coat wings with sauce: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the cooked wings with the garlic parmesan butter mixture.
- Final crisp: Return the coated wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1 minute at 400°F to set the sauce and enhance crispiness.
- Repeat and serve: Continue the process with any remaining wings if cooking in batches. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Separating the wings into drumettes and flats helps them cook evenly and results in maximum crispiness.
- Using baking powder (not baking soda) is key to achieving crispy skin when air frying.
- The garlic parmesan sauce can be adjusted for more or less garlic or cheese depending on preference.
- If you do not have parsley, you can omit it or substitute with fresh basil or chives.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
