Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings (Easy!)
These crispy air fryer Parmesan garlic chicken wings are quick, easy, and produce wings that rival anything you would order at a restaurant. The combination of nutty Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and perfectly crispy skin is hard to beat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (about 900g) chicken wings
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional for garnish: chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep the wings: If using whole wings, cut them at the joints to separate the drumettes from the flats. Discard the wing tips or save them for making stock. Pat every single piece dry with paper towels until the skin feels tacky, not damp.
- Season the wings: In a large bowl, combine the Parmesan, garlic powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the dried wings and drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together with your hands until each wing is evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the wings: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. Leave a little space between each piece so the hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook the wings: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. Flip each wing using tongs, then cook for another 10-12 minutes. The wings should be golden brown and the skin should look crispy and slightly blistered. The internal temperature should reach at least 175°F for the most tender meat.
- Rest and garnish: Let the wings rest in the basket for 2 minutes after cooking. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat the wings very dry for maximum crispiness. Do not skip the baking powder—it helps the skin brown and crisp. Flip halfway through cooking. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. For best texture, cook to an internal temperature of 175-180°F. Let wings rest for 2 minutes after cooking to set the skin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 wings
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 32
Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, parmesan garlic wings, crispy chicken wings, easy chicken wings, game day wings