Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Featured in: Quick Comfort Meals

Enjoy crispy and juicy chicken wings infused with a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, prepared in the air fryer for a lighter take on comfort food. This method uses minimal oil and quick cooking, delivering golden, flavorful wings in under 40 minutes. Garlic, butter, and Parmesan create a savory coating, enhanced by fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these wings combine ease and deliciousness.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:21:00 GMT
Golden, crispy air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, a savory appetizer with fresh herbs. Save
Golden, crispy air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, a savory appetizer with fresh herbs. | freshyforks.com

Crispy, juicy chicken wings coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan sauce, made easy in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

I love how quick and simple these wings come together with fantastic flavors that impress every time.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split and tips removed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Garlic-Parmesan Sauce: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Step 3:
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes then flip the wings and cook for another 10 13 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
Step 5:
Transfer cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter over add Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until wings are thoroughly coated.
Step 6:
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Deliciously seasoned air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, served hot and ready to enjoy. Save
Deliciously seasoned air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, served hot and ready to enjoy. | freshyforks.com

This recipe always brings my family together, especially during game nights or casual dinners.

Required Tools

Air fryer, Mixing bowls, Small saucepan, Tongs

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from butter and Parmesan cheese. Contains garlic which may cause sensitivities.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 420 calories, 30 g total fat, 2 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein

Close-up of perfectly cooked air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, tossed in a creamy sauce. Save
Close-up of perfectly cooked air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, tossed in a creamy sauce. | freshyforks.com

Enjoy these flavorful wings as a perfect appetizer or snack any day of the week.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do you get wings crispy in an air fryer?

Pat wings dry to remove moisture, use a light coating of oil, and avoid overcrowding the basket to allow air circulation. Cooking at 400°F helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Can I make the garlic-Parmesan sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before tossing with the cooked wings for maximum flavor.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano cheese works well as a substitute, providing a similar salty and tangy profile.

Is it necessary to flip the wings during cooking?

Flipping ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides, so it’s recommended halfway through cooking.

How can I add a spicy kick to these wings?

Include crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a dash of hot sauce when tossing the wings for extra heat.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Crispy wings tossed in a savory garlic-Parmesan sauce, made easy and healthier using an air fryer.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Time required
35 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details No gluten, Low carb

What You'll Need

Chicken

01 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1/2 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 1/2 tsp paprika
06 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
05 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Step 03

Cook Wings: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 10–13 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 04

Make Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Combine and Toss: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour garlic butter over wings. Add Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 06

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Tools Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains dairy from butter and Parmesan cheese
  • Contains garlic; may cause sensitivity in some individuals

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 420
  • Lipids: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Proteins: 35 grams