If you’re craving restaurant-style wings with a buttery, cheesy twist, these garlic parmesan wings are for you.
Air-fried to golden crispiness and tossed in a rich, savory parmesan garlic butter sauce, they’re an irresistible upgrade from your usual buffalo wing routine.
This is my favorite wing recipe for movie nights, game days, or when I want a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels indulgent without being fried in oil.
And let’s be real—the buttery garlic aroma filling the kitchen is pure magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra crispy wings – Thanks to baking powder and the air fryer, no oil needed!
Savory garlic-parmesan coating – Bold, buttery, and loaded with flavor.
Easy weeknight appetizer – Ready in 30 minutes and fuss-free.
Perfect for parties – Make a big batch and serve with your favorite dips.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights
Chicken wings – Use fresh or fully thawed wings for best texture.
Dry rub mix – Garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, baking powder, and black pepper give the wings amazing depth of flavor and help them crisp.
Baking powder – Secret weapon for extra crispy skin—don’t skip it!
Parmesan cheese – Use grated parmesan for a salty, nutty finish.
Butter + garlic – Melted butter mixed with minced garlic makes the wings luxuriously rich and aromatic.
Parsley – Fresh or dried parsley adds color and balances the richness.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Dry the wings well – Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin. Pat them dry before seasoning.
Use baking powder, not baking soda – It raises pH and helps crisp the skin.
Air fry in a single layer – For even cooking and browning.
Don’t skip the flip – Turning the wings halfway ensures perfect texture.
Add sauce while hot – Toss immediately after air frying to help the wings absorb all that buttery goodness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a small bowl, combine the dry seasonings.
Sprinkle over the wings and toss or shake to evenly coat.
Step 3: Load the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
Arrange the wings in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Cook the wings at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Optionally spray with oil for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the last few minutes of cook time, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. S
tir in parmesan, parsley, and garlic, then microwave again briefly until blended.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Transfer the hot wings to a bowl, pour the garlic butter sauce over the top, and toss until coated.
Serve right away!
What to Serve It With
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Crisp celery and carrot sticks
A side of loaded potato wedges or mac and cheese
Garlic bread or parmesan pasta for a hearty twist
Variations & Substitutions
Use boneless chicken tenders for garlic parm bites
Add a little lemon juice or zest to the sauce for brightness
Swap salted butter for unsalted if adjusting sodium
Try Italian seasoning in place of parsley for a herby twist
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to restore crispness.
Avoid microwaving—your wings deserve better!
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Is baking powder really necessary?
Yes! It helps create crispy skin by drawing out moisture—don’t skip it.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Bake at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I make them ahead?
You can season the wings in advance and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
What kind of parmesan should I use?
Grated parmesan works best.
Avoid the pre-shredded kind for smoother sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! It’s savory and garlicky without heat.
Add chili flakes if you want a kick.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just cook in batches to keep wings crispy.
Final Thoughts
These garlic parmesan wings are everything I want in a party snack: crispy, garlicky, cheesy, and completely addictive.
And the air fryer makes them so easy to whip up whenever the craving hits.
Whether you’re serving them for game day or as a weeknight treat, they never last long around here!
Garlic Parmesan Wings (Air Fryer or Oven)
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp sea salt
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup salted butter 1 stick
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or 2 tbsp dried
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Dry wings thoroughly.
- Mix dry rub ingredients. Toss wings to coat.
- Spray air fryer basket. Arrange wings in a single layer.
- Air fry for 16 minutes, flipping halfway. Optional: spray with oil.
- With 4 minutes left, melt butter. Stir in parmesan, garlic, and parsley.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/garlic-parmesan-wings/
Notes
- Make sure wings are dry before seasoning—moisture prevents crisping.
- Baking powder is key to achieving that crispy skin texture in the air fryer.
- These can also be baked at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
