Are you ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s dive into making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings that are crispy and bursting with flavor! These wings are a game-changer, perfect for parties or casual nights at home. I’ll walk you through easy steps and helpful tips to ensure your wings are a hit every time. Stay with me to learn how to make wing perfection!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon zest creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that elevates the classic wings.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures the wings are perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Customizable Heat: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick or keep it mild—this recipe can be tailored to your spice preference.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings
To start, you need fresh chicken wings. Look for wings that are plump and juicy. They should be cleaned and dry. Patting them dry helps make them crispy.
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Next, gather your seasonings. Olive oil helps the spices stick. Garlic and onion powders add rich flavor. Black pepper, salt, and paprika bring warmth and balance. Mix these together to coat the wings evenly.
Garlic Parmesan Coating Ingredients
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Finally, for the garlic Parmesan coating, you need Parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy crunch. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and flavor. Lemon zest brightens the dish. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This mix makes the wings truly special.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Wings
To start, you need to dry the chicken wings well. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step helps them get crispy in the air fryer. Make sure they are as dry as possible. If they have moisture, they won't crisp up as you want.
Marinating for Flavor
Next, you will marinate the wings. In a big bowl, combine the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix everything well so that all the wings are coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger taste, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 hours.
Air Frying Process
Now, it’s time to air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about five minutes. Place the marinated wings in the basket in a single layer. If you have many wings, cook them in batches. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The wings should turn golden brown and crispy.
Preparing Garlic Parmesan Coating
While the wings cook, prepare the garlic Parmesan coating. In a bowl, mix together grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. This mix adds a fresh and cheesy flavor to your wings.
Tossing and Serving
When the wings are done, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Toss them in the Parmesan mixture until they are well coated. Serve the wings right away for the best crispiness. You can add extra parsley and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Maximum Crispiness
To get the best crispiness for your wings, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry. This helps reduce moisture. Less moisture means more crunch. Preheating your air fryer is also key. Set it to 380°F (193°C) for five minutes. Cook the wings in a single layer. If you stack them, they won’t crisp as well. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
Marination Time Recommendations
Marinating is important for flavor. I suggest marinating the wings for at least 30 minutes. You can also let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the richer the taste. Just don’t go over two hours. The salt can make the meat tough if left too long.
Using Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients can really boost flavor. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. It makes your wings look great too. If you use dried herbs, they still work well. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. Fresh garlic is also a great choice if you have it. It gives a strong, fresh flavor. Consider your taste and what you have on hand when choosing.
Pro Tips
- Dry Wings for Extra Crispiness: Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before marinating. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Let Them Marinate: For the best flavor, let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, refrigerating them for up to 2 hours intensifies the flavors even more.
- Shake for Even Cooking: When air frying, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides of the wings get evenly cooked and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: For maximum crispiness, serve the wings right after tossing them with the Parmesan mixture. This way, they retain their crunch and flavor.

Variations
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This spice kicks up the flavor. The crispy wings will have a nice kick that pairs well with the garlic and cheese. You can also use hot sauce in the marinade for more heat. For a different touch, toss the wings in a spicy sauce after air frying.
Herb-Infused Garlic Parmesan Wings
For a fresh twist, mix in herbs. Use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like oregano or thyme. You can also use fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. Add them to the marinade with the other seasonings. This adds a bright flavor that balances the richness of the Parmesan. The aroma will fill your kitchen as they cook, making your meal feel special.
Different Cheese Options
While Parmesan is classic, you can try other cheeses. Grated Pecorino Romano adds a nice salty touch. For a creamier taste, try using Asiago cheese. Mix different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Just remember to keep the cheese finely grated for better coating. Each cheese brings a new taste, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftover Wings
You can store leftover wings in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool down before storing. This keeps them crispy for your next meal.
Freezing for Later Use
Want to save wings for later? You can freeze them too! Let the wings cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips for Best Texture
Reheat wings for the best taste. Use your air fryer to keep them crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the wings for about 8-10 minutes. Check them halfway to shake the basket. This method works great and keeps the wings delicious!
FAQs
How long to cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
Cook chicken wings in the air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes. This time allows the wings to become golden brown and crispy. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step helps them fry evenly.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. However, you need to cook them longer. Add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat.
What can I serve with garlic parmesan wings?
Garlic parmesan wings pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with:
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Fresh salad
These sides add crunch and coolness to balance the rich flavors of the wings.
In this post, we explored the tasty world of garlic Parmesan chicken wings. We broke down ingredients, from the wings to the perfect coating. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create crisp wings every time. You learned tips for added flavor and great texture, plus fun variations to try. Don't forget about storage options to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making these wings, and have fun experimenting with your own twists! Your kitchen will be the place to be for delicious meal

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 unit zest of lemon
- to taste unit red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key for crispiness.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika until evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor (you can also refrigerate them for up to 2 hours for a stronger taste).
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Wings: Place the marinated wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Coating: While the wings are cooking, mix the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Toss Wings: Once the wings are done, carefully transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the Parmesan mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, garnished with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.






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