A wing that isn’t crispy isn’t really a wing. These air fryer garlic parm wings deliver incredible crunch and big flavor—perfect for game day or any casual get-together.
When you need crowd-pleasing options, serve these with other appetizers like Italian stuffed baked clams or Italian sausage bread for a hearty spread.
If you enjoy small bites, try baked Italian stuffed portobello mushrooms, chicken parm sliders, or pepperoni bread for more tasty options.
When I Use an Air Fryer
I avoid deep-frying at home because it creates a big mess and lingering odors. Modern air fryers mimic that deep-fried crisp without the hassle or heating the oven for an hour. For me, the air fryer’s primary role is to recreate deep-fried texture—especially for wings. If a wing isn’t grilled, it belongs in the air fryer. You’ll get unbeatable crisp from this method, and the garlic-parm butter coating is a fantastic finishing flavor. Other small bites, like air fryer zucchini fritters, also shine in this appliance.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
For the sauce: Use fresh garlic, not powder. Garlic powder is useful for seasoning, but minced fresh garlic gives the butter sauce bright, textured flavor.
For the wings: If your wings are not already trimmed, use kitchen shears to remove excess skin and any loose bits. Trimming helps ensure the wings crisp evenly in the air fryer.
How To Cook Wings in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400℉. If yours doesn’t have a preheat setting, run it for 5 minutes at the target temperature.
Step 1: This is the most important step—remove the wings from packaging and pat them very dry with paper towels. Dry skin is essential for crispiness; moisture causes steaming instead of browning.
Step 2: Put the wings in a bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Step 3: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 18 minutes. Flip them at the 10-minute mark to promote even browning.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The garlic-parmesan sauce is quick and simple—ready in minutes and best when served warm.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat.
- When the butter begins to bubble slightly, add minced garlic and chopped parsley. Keep the heat low and let the garlic infuse the butter until fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat to avoid browning the butter.
- Place cooked wings in a large bowl, pour the garlic-parsley butter over them, and toss to coat. Add grated Parmesan and toss again until the wings are evenly covered.
These wings are great for a cocktail party or game-day spread. Serve hot and pair with dips or other appetizers for a varied platter.
Pro-tips
- Dry the wings: Pat them very dry before seasoning. This step is critical for crisp texture.
- Season first, then oil: Toss wings with dry seasonings before adding a small amount of olive oil. The seasoning adheres better and the oil promotes browning.
- Keep sauce heat low: Simmer butter gently when infusing with garlic. High heat will burn the butter and alter the flavor—low and slow yields the best result.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Preheat the oven to 400℉ and bake for 35–40 minutes on a baking sheet, flipping once halfway through for even crisping.
The technique—dry the wings thoroughly before cooking. Baking powder can help, but if the skin is damp you’ll get steam instead of crisp. Pat dry and you’ll get great results.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375℉ for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. This helps restore crispness better than a microwave.
Video
More Small Bite Recipes
- Baked Italian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- EASY Ricotta Bruschetta
- Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers
- Crispy Fish Sliders
Please leave a comment and star rating in the recipe card below if you try this. I love hearing feedback—tag us on Instagram @vindelgiudice.
Air Fryer Garlic Parm Wings
Vincent DelGiudice
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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1 air fryer
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1 small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400℉. Pat wings dry with paper towels. Place wings in a bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Arrange in the air fryer and cook for 18 minutes, flipping once at about 10 minutes.
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While the wings cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley and let the butter gently bubble until the garlic is fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl, pour the garlic-parsley butter over them, and toss to coat. Sprinkle Parmesan over the wings and toss again until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Drying the wings thoroughly is the key to maximum crispiness.
- Season before adding olive oil so the seasoning adheres well.
- Keep the butter sauce on low heat to avoid burning and maintain a rich garlic flavor.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g