Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

These easy, ultra-crispy air fryer garlic parmesan wings are hard to beat. Tender inside, garlicky and buttery with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan and perfectly seasoned skin — they make a fantastic appetizer, game-day snack, or weeknight dinner.

If you love wings, also consider trying Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings, Honey Ginger Wings, or Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Wings for more flavor ideas.

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

I may be late to the air fryer trend, but these garlic parmesan wings quickly became a favorite. The combination of crisp skin, melted butter infused with fresh garlic, chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan creates layers of flavor and texture. They pair well with a side salad, veggie sticks, or simply on their own as a shareable plate.

I tested this recipe using a Cosori Air Fryer Max XL (5.8 qt) and found the results consistent and reliably crispy. Use the cooking times below as a guide and adjust slightly for your particular air fryer model and capacity.

Why You Need To Make These Air Fryer Chicken Wings

• Exceptional flavor – savory, garlicky butter and freshly grated Parmesan create a delicious coating.
• Consistently crispy – the air fryer gives the wings a crunchy exterior without deep frying.
• Better than takeout – this recipe recreates that popular garlic parmesan wing experience at home with fresher ingredients.

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer (5.8 quart size recommended)
• Mixing bowl
• Mini food processor or grater for fresh Parmesan
• Tongs

Ingredients to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings

• Chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• Salted butter
• Fresh garlic, finely minced
• Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• Parmigiano Reggiano (freshly grated)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Avocado oil spray (for the air fryer basket)

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

This method is straightforward and produces reliably crispy wings. Work in a few simple steps and finish by tossing the hot wings in the garlic-butter-Parmesan mixture for maximum flavor.

• Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this helps the skin crisp up.
• Season both sides of the wings with kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper and garlic powder.
• Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil and arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space for airflow.
• Follow the three-step cooking process below for best texture.
• When the wings are done, toss them in the melted garlic butter, fold in chopped parsley, then finish with freshly grated Parmesan while still warm.

How Long Should You Air Fry Chicken Wings?

Using a 5.8-quart air fryer that fits about 1½ pounds of wings in one layer, the total cook time is roughly 30 minutes using this three-step approach:

• Cook at 360°F for 25 minutes, flipping at the 13-minute mark.
• Flip wings and cook at 400°F for 3 minutes.
• If you prefer extra crunch, cook an additional 2 minutes at 400°F after flipping once more.

That Oh-So-Good Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is simple but depends on fresh ingredients. Use freshly minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture — avoid jarred garlic and bottled grated cheese. Lightly infuse melted butter with garlic on low heat, then toss with the cooked wings and finish with parsley and Parmesan.

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic and cook gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the butter. Do not brown the garlic.
• Grate or pulse fresh Parmesan into small crumbles and finely chop parsley.
• Place hot wings in a mixing bowl, pour the garlic-butter over them and toss to coat.
• Add chopped parsley, toss again, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

Tips For Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

• Choose wings that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
• Opt for slightly larger wings when possible; very small wings can overcook and dry out.
• Add freshly grated Parmesan after tossing the wings with butter and parsley so the cheese stays light and doesn’t clump.
• Use wedge-style Parmesan and grate it yourself for superior flavor and texture.
• Serve the wings immediately after tossing for the best crunch and flavor — they’re at their peak while still warm.

Looking for More Good Eats?

If you enjoyed these wings, try some other favorites such as Red Wine Short Ribs, Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops, or Garlic and Mushroom Skillet Chicken for easy, flavor-packed meals.

Finger-Licking-Good Chicken Wings

We hope you love these wings as much as we do. Leave a comment and share your results on Instagram or Pinterest — we love seeing your kitchen wins. Enjoy!