Pin It These chicken wings are air fried to a golden crisp and coated in a rich, buttery garlic-parmesan sauce. The wings are first seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then cooked until perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Meanwhile, a fragrant sauce of melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and optional red pepper flakes is prepared. Once cooked, wings are tossed in the sauce and garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley for a flavorful finish. Ideal for a quick appetizer or main course.
Preparation is easy and takes only a few minutes, while the air fryer does the work of creating a perfectly crunchy texture without excess oil. This dish is naturally gluten-free, packed with savory garlic and cheesy notes, and can be customized with herbs or spice levels to suit any taste.
The smell of garlic butter hitting hot chicken wings has become a Friday night tradition at our house. It started when we bought our air fryer on impulse and suddenly wings became a weeknight possibility instead of just game day food. My husband started requesting them weekly, and now the ritual of preheating that little machine while mincing garlic feels like the start of something good.
Last summer our neighbor smelled these cooking through an open window and actually knocked on the door to ask what we were making. We ended up air frying three batches that night and eating wings on the back porch until sunset. Now whenever he sees the air fryer come out, he jokingly asks if hes invited for dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings: Split into drumettes and flats with tips removed for even cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes that golden crispy skin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and building flavor
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground gives you the best aroma
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This seasons the meat while the fresh garlic goes into the sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and helps achieve that beautiful color
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation of your sauce let it melt slowly
- 4 cloves garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non negotiable here for that punchy flavor
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan: Use freshly grated for the best melting texture
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Brightens up all that rich buttery goodness
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a nice kick that cuts through the fat
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 400°F and let it run empty for 3 minutes while you prep the wings
- Season the wings:
- Pat them completely dry with paper towels then toss with oil and all the spices until coated
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay them in a single layer with space between each wing for proper air circulation
- Air fry the wings:
- Cook for 24 to 26 minutes shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping
- Make the garlic butter:
- Melt butter over medium low heat add garlic for 1 to 2 minutes then stir in Parmesan and parsley
- Toss and serve:
- Place hot wings in a bowl pour that butter sauce over and toss until every piece is coated
Pin It These wings have become my go to for unexpected guests because they look impressive but come together so fast. Theres something satisfying about watching people lick the garlic butter off their fingers and reach for another wing without saying a word.
Getting The Crispiest Skin
The secret to truly crispy air fried wings is patience during the drying step. I take an extra few minutes to really pat each wing dry with paper towels before tossing with oil. Removing that surface moisture lets the skin render and crisp up beautifully instead of steaming in its own juices.
Sauce Variations
Sometimes I swap the red pepper flakes for a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice for a sweet tangy version. The honey caramelizes slightly in the hot butter and creates this gorgeous sticky coating that everyone fights over.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can season the wings up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated in a sealed container. This actually helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat. Let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before air frying for the most even cooking.
- Double the garlic butter sauce and keep it warm in a small saucepan
- Serve with celery sticks and your favorite ranch dressing
- Have extra napkins ready because this gets messy
Pin It These wings have a way of bringing people together around the kitchen island and staying there long after the last wing is gone.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the wings get crispy in the air fryer?
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Pat the wings dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture. Arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking promotes even crispiness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
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Yes, increase or omit the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat. You can also add paprika or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh parsley in the sauce?
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Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, but you may substitute with chives, basil, or dried herbs if preferred.
- → What is the best way to melt the garlic-parmesan butter sauce?
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Melt butter over medium-low heat to avoid browning, then gently cook minced garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat before stirring in Parmesan and herbs to preserve their flavors.
- → Can this method be used for other cuts of chicken?
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Yes, similar seasoning and air frying techniques work well for drumettes or boneless wings. Adjust cooking times based on size and thickness.
