Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings

This garlic parmesan chicken wing recipe transforms ordinary wings into a restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal effort. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, and the garlic butter parmesan coating adds a rich, savory finish that will have everyone reaching for more.

I discovered this recipe during football season last year when I wanted something indulgent but didn't want to deal with deep frying. These wings have since become our Sunday tradition my husband actually starts hovering around the kitchen when he smells the garlic butter melting.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings and flats: 1½ pounds fresh is best but frozen works if thoroughly thawed and dried
• Old Bay seasoning: 1 teaspoon brings that perfect blend of paprika celery salt and other spices
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon provides that baseline garlic flavor that permeates the meat
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon adds depth without overwhelming the garlic star of the show
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon contributes subtle smokiness and beautiful color
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup freshly grated offers better flavor and texture than pre grated
• Baking powder: 1½ teaspoons the secret ingredient that ensures extra crispy skin
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons use good quality as it creates the foundation of your sauce
• Fresh minced garlic: 1½ teaspoons look for firm bulbs with tight skin for the freshest flavor
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons adds brightness and color to the finished dish
• Kosher salt and black pepper: to taste always season at the end to perfect the flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Wings:

Pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels this is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl then season with Old Bay garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika and the baking powder which helps draw moisture out of the skin. The drier the skin before cooking the crispier your wings will be.

Create the Coating:

Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned wings and use your hands to toss until each piece is evenly coated. Make sure every wing gets love here as the oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes that golden brown exterior we're looking for.

Preheat Air Fryer:

Heat your air fryer to 390°F for a full 5 minutes. This preheating step is often overlooked but makes a huge difference in achieving that initial sear that locks in juices and begins the crisping process immediately.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket making sure they're not touching. Depending on your air fryer size you might need to cook in batches. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should register 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

While the wings cook combine the melted butter with minced garlic in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit so the garlic infuses into the butter creating a more pronounced flavor. The warmth of the melted butter helps bloom the garlic's aromatic compounds.

Finish with Parmesan:

Toss the hot crispy wings in the garlic butter ensuring each piece is well coated. Then immediately add the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley tossing again until every wing is covered in that cheesy herby goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste remembering that Parmesan already adds saltiness.

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The baking powder in this recipe is my secret weapon for crispy wings. I discovered this trick from my grandmother who always added a pinch to her fried chicken. The science behind it is fascinating it changes the pH level of the chicken skin allowing it to brown and crisp more effectively. Just make sure you're using baking powder not baking soda which would make your wings taste metallic.

Make Ahead Options

These wings can be prepped in advance to make entertaining easier. Season the wings up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. The longer marinating time actually improves flavor development. Just bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes before air frying. The garlic butter can also be made ahead and gently reheated just before tossing with the wings.

Sauce Variations

While the garlic parmesan combination is divine there are several ways to customize this recipe. For a spicy garlic parmesan add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. For a lemon garlic variation add the zest of one lemon to the butter mixture and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking. You can also create an herbed version by adding ½ teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme to the initial seasoning blend.

Serving Suggestions

These wings pair beautifully with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a complete meal serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the wings. If serving as party food consider providing wet wipes or finger bowls with lemon water since these delicious wings will definitely get hands messy. For a low carb meal celery and cucumber sticks make perfect accompaniments.

The Perfect Timing

The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your wings. Smaller wings might be done in 20 minutes while larger ones could take up to 30. The key is to cook until the skin is visibly crispy and golden. For extra crispiness you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking this creates that perfect restaurant style finish without drying out the meat.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Why use baking powder on chicken wings?

Baking powder helps dry out the skin of the wings and changes their pH level, which promotes browning and creates that coveted crispy exterior. It's a secret ingredient that makes air-fried wings taste like they've been deep-fried.

→ Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the wings up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. For best results, air fry them just before serving. If you have leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ What can I serve with garlic parmesan wings?

These wings pair wonderfully with celery and carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, a simple green salad, or sweet potato fries. For a complete meal, serve alongside a refreshing coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

→ How do I know when the wings are done cooking?

Wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden brown and crispy. If you don't have a meat thermometer, check that the juices run clear when the thickest part is pierced.

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but for best results, thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. If using frozen wings directly, increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes and check for doneness. Thawed wings will produce a crispier exterior.

→ What's the best way to store leftover wings?

Store cooled leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.