Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
These air fryer garlic parmesan wings are a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and crispy appetizers. This recipe boasts an incredible combination of crunchy texture and rich, buttery goodness, thanks to the generous coating of garlic and parmesan. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a perfect option for lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re serving them as a tasty starter at a game day gathering or enjoying them with a side salad for a casual meal, these wings are sure to impress. The intense flavor profile and satisfying crunch make them irresistible, and they’re likely to become a favorite in your household.
With this recipe, you can indulge in delicious wings without the guilt, making it a win-win situation. Get ready to elevate your snacking game with these fantastic garlic parmesan air fryer wings!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Chicken Wings: 1½ pounds (the main ingredient, providing a delicious, meaty base).
- Salted Butter: 4 tablespoons (adds richness and buttery flavor to the sauce).
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (fresh garlic infuses the wings with aromatic flavor).
- Flat Leaf Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (adds freshness and a pop of color).
- Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese): ½ cup, freshly grated (provides a savory, umami kick).
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (enhances the overall flavor of the wings).
- Freshly Cracked Pepper: ½ teaspoon (adds a touch of heat and complexity).
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (provides an extra layer of garlic flavor).
- Avocado Oil Spray: For coating the air fryer basket (helps achieve crispy wings).
Procedure to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by patting the 1½ pounds of chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Make sure they’re thoroughly dried before seasoning.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, season both sides of the wings with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This will give the wings a flavorful base before cooking. Toss them well to ensure even coverage.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking the wings to crispy perfection.
Step 4: Cook the Wings
Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 360°F for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through (at the 13-minute mark) for even cooking.
Step 5: Increase Temperature for Crispiness
Once the initial cooking time is complete, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the wings for an additional 3 minutes. This step helps to achieve that extra crunch.
Step 6: Check for Crispiness
After the 3 minutes, check the wings. If you want them even crispier, cook them for another 2 minutes at 400°F. This ensures that the skin is perfectly crispy.
Step 7: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook gently for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown; you just want to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
Step 8: Toss the Wings in Sauce
After the wings are done cooking, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Pour the melted garlic butter over the wings and toss to coat. Then, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped flat leaf parsley and ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to ensure the wings are evenly coated with the flavorful garlic parmesan sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Choose Uniformly Sized Wings: Select chicken wings that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. This way, all the wings will finish cooking at the same time, resulting in consistent texture and doneness.
- Opt for Heftier Wings: Look for wings that have a bit more weight. Smaller wings can dry out easily during cooking, while larger wings tend to be more tender and juicy, providing a better eating experience.
- Add Parmesan at the Right Time: Wait to sprinkle freshly grated parmesan until after you’ve mixed the wings with the garlic, butter, and parsley. Adding it too early can cause the cheese to absorb the butter and clump together at the bottom of the bowl.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Invest in good-quality parmesan. Look for wedges that are wrapped in plastic at your local grocery store, and grate it yourself using a food processor. Fresh parmesan makes a significant difference in flavor and texture compared to pre-packaged options.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the wings right after tossing them in the sauce. They’re most delicious and crunchy when still warm, so don’t wait too long to dig in! Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures right away.
FAQ’S
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before patting them dry and seasoning. Cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I make wings extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, ensure the wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning and cooking. Cooking them in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer can also help.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings in the oven at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While parmesan is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like asiago or pecorino. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I add other seasonings to the wings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
What dipping sauces pair well with garlic parmesan wings?
These wings pair nicely with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect cooking time and crispiness.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Yes, using fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic can impart an undesirable taste to the wings.
How do I ensure the wings are fully cooked?
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F.