How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings?

You can make air fryer garlic parmesan wings by patting chicken wings very dry, tossing them with a little oil and seasonings, then air frying until crispy before coating them in a rich garlic parmesan sauce.

Achieving perfectly crispy air fryer garlic parmesan wings requires precise temperature control and ensuring your wings are not overcrowded in the basket, allowing for even circulation.

TL;DR: Making garlic parmesan wings in your air fryer is surprisingly simple and creates a fantastic appetizer or meal. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Prep your wings by patting them super dry for ultimate crispiness.
• Season well before air frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Whip up a quick, flavorful garlic parmesan sauce while the wings cook.
• Toss the hot, crispy wings directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
• Enjoy a delicious, less-messy alternative to deep-fried wings.

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings?

Making delicious garlic parmesan wings in your air fryer is a straightforward process that yields incredibly crispy results. You will find that an air fryer makes quick work of what can often be a messy, deep-fried dish.

Gather Your Ingredients First

Before you begin, gathering all your ingredients makes the cooking process smooth. Think of it as preparing your culinary workstation for success. This step truly sets you up for a great outcome.

What You Will Need for the Wings

For the chicken wings, you will need a few basic items. These form the foundation of our crispy, flavorful base. We always suggest choosing fresh, high-quality wings for the best taste.

• Two pounds of chicken wings (flats and drumettes), thawed
• One tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil
• One teaspoon of salt
• Half a teaspoon of black pepper
• Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
• A quarter teaspoon of onion powder

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is where the magic really happens for these wings. This blend creates that classic savory, cheesy flavor you love. Many experts agree that a good sauce makes or breaks the dish (Cook’s Illustrated).

• Half a cup of unsalted butter, melted
• Three cloves of garlic, minced
• Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Two tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• One tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Preparing Your Chicken Wings

Proper preparation of your wings is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crispiness. If your wings are too wet, they will steam instead of crisp up. You want that golden-brown exterior, right?

Patting Your Wings Dry

Using paper towels, pat your chicken wings as dry as possible. This step cannot be skipped. Research consistently shows that removing moisture from the skin is key for maximum crispness in air frying.

Seasoning the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. This initial seasoning builds a strong flavor base for your garlic parmesan wings.

Air Frying the Wings to Perfection

The air fryer truly shines when it comes to cooking wings. It circulates hot air, giving you a crispy texture without the deep-fried grease. You will be amazed at how well they turn out.

Preheating Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about five minutes. A preheated air fryer helps cook food more evenly and gets that skin crispy faster, we have found.

Arranging Wings in the Basket

Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. If you cram too many in, the air cannot circulate properly, leading to soggy, unevenly cooked wings. You might need to cook in batches.

Cooking Times and Flipping

Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For the last 5 minutes, you can increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for extra crispness. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer models can vary (KitchenAid).

Crafting the Delicious Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While your wings are air frying, you can quickly prepare the flavorful garlic parmesan sauce. This way, your sauce will be ready the moment your crispy wings come out of the air fryer.

Melting the Butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. You want it fully liquid to easily mix with the other ingredients. This forms the smooth base for your sauce.

Adding Garlic and Cheese

Stir in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the melted butter. If you are using lemon juice or fresh parsley, add them now. Mix everything until it is well combined and fragrant.

Tossing and Serving Your Wings

The final step is to combine your perfectly cooked wings with the aromatic sauce. This is where all your hard work comes together in a burst of flavor.

Coating the Crispy Wings

Once the wings are cooked and beautifully crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the hot wings and toss them gently. Ensure every wing is coated evenly with that savory goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Serve your air fryer garlic parmesan wings immediately. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you like. They pair wonderfully with a simple ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips for Extra Crispy Wings

Everyone loves truly crispy wings, right? We have found a few tricks that make a real difference. These small adjustments can elevate your wing game significantly.

Many home cooks swear by a tiny bit of baking powder added to the seasoning mix. Some research suggests that baking powder helps break down the chicken skin, allowing it to become exceptionally crispy (Serious Eats).

Also, never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving wings ample space ensures proper air circulation, which is vital for that desired crisp texture. Think of it like giving each wing its own little spa day in the hot air.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Wing Issues

Sometimes things do not go exactly as planned, and that is okay! You might encounter a few common hiccups. Here are some simple solutions for those moments.

Problem	Possible Cause	Simple Solution
Wings are not crispy	Too much moisture, overcrowding, or not enough cooking time.	Pat wings drier, cook in smaller batches, increase cook time or temperature.
Wings are burning	Too high temperature, cooking too long.	Lower temperature slightly, check wings more often, reduce cooking time.
Unevenly cooked wings	Not flipping wings, overcrowded basket.	Ensure you flip wings halfway, always cook in a single layer.

Make Ahead and Storage Ideas

Can you make these wings ahead? Absolutely! If you are planning a party, some components can be prepared early. This can make serving day much less stressful for you.

Prepping Wings in Advance

You can season the chicken wings a few hours before air frying. Store them covered in the refrigerator. This gives the seasonings more time to meld with the chicken, often enhancing the flavor. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking (FDA guidelines).

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic parmesan wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method often prevents sogginess.

Why Air Frying is Great for Wings

Air frying has become a favorite method for many for good reasons. When it comes to wings, it offers distinct advantages over traditional frying. You get a fantastic result with less hassle.

Healthier Option

Using an air fryer drastically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying. This means fewer calories and less fat, making your favorite snack a little lighter. Many nutrition experts support air frying as a healthier alternative (Harvard Health).

Less Mess and Cleanup

Let’s be honest, deep frying can be a huge mess. The oil splatters everywhere, and cleanup is often a chore. Air frying contains the mess to a smaller, easier-to-clean appliance, saving you time and effort.

Consistent Crispy Results

The circulating hot air in an air fryer ensures consistent cooking and crispiness all around the wings. You achieve that satisfying crunch without the worry of unevenly cooked spots. This consistency is a big win for busy cooks.

Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your wings turn out perfectly every time:

• Did you pat the wings super dry?
• Are they seasoned evenly with oil and spices?
• Is the air fryer preheated?
• Are the wings in a single layer, not crowded?
• Did you flip them halfway through cooking?
• Is your garlic parmesan sauce ready?

Conclusion

Making air fryer garlic parmesan wings is a truly rewarding experience. You get to enjoy incredibly crispy, flavorful chicken without the usual mess and oil of deep frying. By following these simple steps, from careful preparation to saucy perfection, you are setting yourself up for a delightful treat. So, go ahead, give it a try and transform your wing game into something spectacular. You will be glad you did.

How do I prevent my garlic parmesan wings from being soggy?

To prevent soggy wings, ensure you pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning and air frying. Also, cook them in a single layer in batches to allow proper air circulation, which is crucial for crispiness.

Can I use frozen wings directly in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen wings in an air fryer, but they will require a longer cooking time. Typically, you would add about 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking process, shaking the basket more frequently, and ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What is the best type of Parmesan cheese for the sauce?

For the best flavor and texture in your garlic parmesan sauce, we recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty, while fresh cheese melts beautifully.

How can I make these wings spicier?

To add a kick to your garlic parmesan wings, you can mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. Alternatively, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be added to the melted butter for an extra layer of heat.

Should I bake the wings first before air frying?

No, there is no need to bake the wings before air frying. The air fryer is designed to cook wings from raw to crispy on its own. Pre-baking would only add an unnecessary step and potentially dry out the chicken.