Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Featured in Ambitious Recipes Worth Your Time.

Skip the frying with these crispy air-fried chicken wings smothered in buttery garlic parmesan. Quick, ready in 25 minutes, and perfect for parties or snacking.
Sarah
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:19:12 GMT
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Air Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings | chefmiarecipes.com

These air fryer chicken wings deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and mess. The crispy exterior paired with a rich garlic-parmesan coating creates wings that rival any sports bar favorite, minus the deep fryer.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh chicken wings: Choose whole wings or pre-cut pieces - fresh yields better results than frozen
  • Corn starch and baking powder: Creates the perfect crispy coating
  • Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the sauce
  • Fresh minced garlic: Provides essential flavor depth
  • Grated parmesan: Shelf-stable variety works best for sauce adhesion
  • Ranch seasoning mix: Adds complex savory notes
  • Cajun seasoning: Provides subtle heat balance
  • Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color
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Garlic Parmesan Air Fried Chicken Wings Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Preparation Method

Thorough drying and proper seasoning create the foundation for perfectly crispy wings. The unique combination of corn starch and baking powder ensures a delicate coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.

Starting with a brief broil helps render fat and create the perfect base for the air frying process. Prepare the garlic-parmesan sauce while the wings cook to ensure optimal coating temperature and coverage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main course with fresh vegetables or incorporate into a larger appetizer spread. These wings pair exceptionally well with light beers or crisp white wines.

Customization Options

Enhance with citrus, additional herbs, or extra spice according to taste preferences. Smoked paprika adds depth, while red pepper flakes increase heat level.

Storage Guidelines

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, using foil to maintain sauce consistency and prevent mess.

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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fried Chicken Wings Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Expert Recommendations

  • Cut wings into sections before cooking
  • Include hot sauce for depth rather than heat
  • Add fresh garlic to finished sauce for extra intensity

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you soak the wings in vinegar and water first?
It’s a way to clean the wings thoroughly, and it might also make the meat a little softer. If you’re short on time, you don’t have to do this.
→ What’s the role of cornstarch and baking powder here?
They work together to give the wings a crispy outer layer without using oil for deep frying.
→ Can I prep these wings ahead of time?
They’re tastiest fresh, but you can warm up leftovers using foil in the air fryer.
→ What can I do if I don’t own an air fryer?
You can bake them in an oven set to 425°F for about 40–45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
→ How can I make these less spicy?
Just cut back or skip the red pepper flakes and hot sauce to keep it mild.

Garlic Butter Wings

Crispy, golden wings cooked effortlessly in the air fryer and tossed in a savory buttery garlic parmesan sauce—a crowd-pleasing treat.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Weekend Projects

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (4 lbs of wings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Wings

01 4 lbs of chicken wings (flats, drumettes, party pack, etc.)
02 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning (or Sazon Goya with Culantro y Achiote)
03 2 tbsp of dry ranch mix
04 1 tsp of baking powder
05 2 tbsp of cornstarch

→ Garlic Parmesan Sauce

06 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
07 6 tbsp of salted butter
08 1 to 2 tsp of your favorite hot sauce
09 ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
10 1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
11 ¼ cup of minced fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Give the wings a good soak in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water for an hour or two (in the fridge). Rinse them well and snip off extra feathers or parts you don’t want.

Step 02

Make sure the wings are super dry for a super crispy texture. Coat them generously on all sides with Cajun seasoning and ranch mix. Add salt or pepper if it feels like the mix needs it.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine the baking powder with cornstarch. Sprinkle this over the chicken wings and toss them to make sure every piece is covered evenly.

Step 04

Start with the broil setting on high in your air fryer for 4 minutes. Then air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking.

Step 05

While the wings are getting crispy, get the garlic parmesan sauce ready. In a big bowl, melt the butter with the garlic in the microwave (don’t let it fully melt, just soften it). Mix in the other ingredients until it comes together as a paste.

Step 06

Toss the fresh-out-of-the-fryer wings immediately in the bowl with the butter sauce. Use a pair of tongs or shake the bowl to evenly coat every piece. Eat right away!

Notes

  1. Skip the cleaning step if you're pressed for time.
  2. The wings being super dry is key to them turning out crispy.
  3. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer. Use foil underneath to make it less messy.

Tools You'll Need

  • An air fryer
  • A large bowl for mixing
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs for tossing wings

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe contains dairy (cheese and butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g