Air-Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

The crispiest, crunchiest, crowd-pleasing air-fried wings that taste just like deep-fried wings with a lot less oil! These are coated in a buttery sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. This post contains affiliate links. All views expressed are that of our own.

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Who else CRAVES Juicy + Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings? I know I do and after much trial and error, I have figured out how to make them super crispy in the air fryer. In fact, these would be an amazing game day appetizer or meal! I love how they taste deep-fried but are really made in the air fryer. The Better Breader XL (affiliate link) helped me achieve the PERFECT crunchy, seasoned coating. You can use this kitchen tool for wet or dry batter and can find it on Amazon (affiliate link).

I don’t know about you, but I love my air fryer! I currently have been using the Cuisinart Toaster Oven Air Fryer model which you can learn more about in our YouTube review video. It is a spacious model that really can cook a full batch of wings effortlessly. Between this kitchen must-have and the Cook’s Choice Better Breader, I can make a batch of crispy chicken wings in no time!

Best Air Fryer Chicken Batter

We love using Butcher Box Chicken Wings which contain the flats and drummettes of chicken wings. They cook up perfectly and are fresh and properly cleaned. Find the best dry batter for wings that tastes yummy.

• All-purpose flour: This pantry staple gives the wings their coating.
• Garlic powder: Adds a nice kick of flavor to the dry batter.
• Paprika: A sprinkle of sweet paprika gives the wings a lovely golden hue and a hint of smoky flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness.
• Cumin: This warm spice brings a bit of exotic flair, making the wings taste extra special.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds a fresh, touch of flavor.
• Olive Oil cooking spray: A light mist of olive oil helps the spices stick and creates that irresistible crispy skin in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings with the Better Breader XL

1. Pour the dry batter mix into the bottom of the Better Breader XL. No need for extra bowls, it’s that simple!
2. Pat your wings dry with paper towels. Then, pop them into the Better Breader XL tray and shake, shake, shake! All the wings get evenly coated in delicious spices with no mess on your hands.
3. Preheat your air fryer: Follow your air fryer’s instructions for preheating, usually around 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange your wings in a single layer to ensure even air circulation and maximum crispness. Overcrowding leads to soggy wings, and nobody wants that!
5. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. Aim for around 10-12 minutes per side for smaller wings and 14-16 minutes for larger ones.
6. Halfway through cooking, flip your wings to ensure even browning and crispness on both sides. Note that you might need to remove the tray to spray the other side of the wings.
7. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, but usually golden-brown crispy skin is a good indicator.
8. Transfer the cooked wings to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes before tossing them in the buttery garlic parmesan sauce.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Wings Coating

Watch how to make these wings via our Instagram chicken wings video.

• Butter – Salted butter adds a perfect pop of flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – We used premade grated parmesan cheese, but you could grate your own.
• Parsley – Fresh parsely really added a nice pop of flavor.
• Garlic powder – Added a yummy taste. You can use freshly minced garlic for an extra POP!
• Pepper – Red pepper flakes added nice heat and color to the wings.

1. Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave.
2. Transfer the melted butter to a bowl and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley.
3. Add the garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, and mix well to combine.
4. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more garlic, tweak the heat, or personalize it with other herbs and spices.
5. Brush this magical mixture onto your air fried wings and enjoy immediately.

Recipe FAQS

What kind of wings should I use?

You can use any type of chicken wings you like! Bone-in wings offer more meaty goodness, while boneless and skinless wings are easier to eat. Drumsticks and flats are also great options for air frying.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Most air fryers recommend preheating to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the wings cook evenly and get that crispy skin we all love.

How long do I cook the wings?

Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your wings. Start with 10-12 minutes per side for smaller wings and 14-16 minutes per side for larger ones. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.

How do I reheat leftover wings?

To keep the wings crispy, air fry them again for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re thawed completely before air frying. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

How to reheat Air-Fried wings

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Place the leftover wings in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

More Chicken Wing Recipes to Try Today

• Oven-Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
• Honey Sriracha Wings
• Dr. Pepper Chicken Wings