Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Featured in: Savory Toasts

These air fried chicken wings are coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce blended with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The wings are seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper before air frying to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy inside. Finished off by tossing in the savory garlic-Parmesan mixture, they offer a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried wings. Easy to prepare in about 35 minutes, they serve well as a satisfying appetizer or snack with optional garnishes like extra Parmesan and parsley.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:04:00 GMT
Golden brown, crispy air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, a perfect appetizer for sharing at a party. Pin
Golden brown, crispy air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, a perfect appetizer for sharing at a party. | toastybasil.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 this recipe gives me crispy wings without the mess of frying. It has become a family favorite for game nights!

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

Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Prepare Wings:
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.
Cook Wings:
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.
Make Sauce:
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.
Toss Wings:
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.
Serve:
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
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| toastybasil.com

Making these wings is a highlight at family gatherings. Watching everyone enjoy them makes cooking worthwhile.

Notes

For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for a zesty twist. Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce. Substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan if desired.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese). Contains garlic; some individuals may be sensitive. No nuts or gluten-containing ingredients used, but always check product labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 30 g, Carbohydrates: 2 g, Protein: 35 g per serving.

Sizzling, flavorful air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, served hot and ready to enjoy with cooling ranch. Pin
Sizzling, flavorful air fryer garlic-Parmesan chicken wings, served hot and ready to enjoy with cooling ranch. | toastybasil.com

This recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy wings without frying. Perfect for any occasion or a tasty snack.

Recipe Q&A

How do I make the wings crispy in an air fryer?

Pat wings dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation for maximum crispiness.

Can I adjust the garlic Parmesan sauce?

Yes, add more garlic or Parmesan to your taste, and optionally include crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

What sides pair well with these wings?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese complement the savory wings nicely.

Is it necessary to flip the wings during cooking?

Flipping halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crisping on all sides.

Can I prepare this without butter?

Butter adds richness and helps bind the sauce ingredients, but you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Crispy wings tossed in garlic butter and Parmesan, cooked air fryer-style to golden perfection.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min

Category Savory Toasts

Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Gluten-free, Low-Carb

Components

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 the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Coat Wings with Sauce: Transfer cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter over, then add Parmesan cheese, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 06

Final Seasoning and Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Necessary tools

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy from butter and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains garlic, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Carbs: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g