Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken wings; 1 level tbsp aluminium-free baking powder; ½ tsp table salt; ½ tsp pepper; 90 g unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 50 g parmesan, finely grated (½ cup); 1 tsp dried parsley; ¼ tsp table salt (optional); ¼ tsp pepper

If you’re craving wings that are crispy, buttery, and packed with flavor, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These air fryer wings have the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and succulent inside, all coated in a rich garlic butter and parmesan cheese goodness.

A close-up view shows a single golden-brown fried chicken wing coated with small bits of garlic and green herbs, held between a woman's thumb and forefinger. The crispy texture of the wing is visible, with a shiny glaze hinting at a flavorful sauce. In the blurred background, there is a pile of similar fried chicken wings stacked closely together on a black surface, showing the same crispy and textured look. The overall colors are warm with browns, golden-yellow, and small green accents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of these wings. They’ve become my go-to for game nights and casual get-togethers because everyone asks for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, making them in the air fryer is a game changer—less mess, less oil, but all the flavor and crunch.

Super Crispy Texture: Baking powder gives the wings an unbeatable crunch without frying in oil.
Rich Garlic Parmesan Flavor: A buttery garlic sauce loaded with parmesan gets tossed on after cooking for maximum flavor.
Quick and Easy: Prep takes just 5 minutes, and the air fryer does all the hard work in 35 minutes.
Perfect for Parties: Makes about 40 wings—ideal for sharing with friends or family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, make sure you’ve got fresh wings and quality parmesan on hand—these really elevate the dish. I always go for aluminium-free baking powder; it’s key to getting that crisp without any weird aftertaste.

Flat lay of raw whole chicken wings with pale pink skin, a small mound of fine white aluminium-free baking powder on a white ceramic plate, a few pinches of coarse salt crystals, whole black peppercorns scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden unsalted butter, three fresh garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl containing dried green parsley flakes, all arranged symmetrically and evenly spaced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken wings: Fresh wings are ideal for the best texture and flavor.
Aluminium-free baking powder: Helps create a crispy skin when air frying without leaving a metallic taste.
Table salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the garlic parmesan sauce.
Unsalted butter: The base for the rich garlic parmesan sauce, allowing you to control the saltiness.
Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic is fragrant and infuses the sauce with that classic savory punch.
Parmesan (finely grated): Adds nutty, salty depth and helps the sauce cling perfectly to the wings.
Dried parsley: For a hint of herbaceous brightness and a pop of color.
Optional salt and pepper: Allows you to adjust seasoning to taste once the sauce is made.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! Whether you want to tweak the flavor profile or cater to dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the garlic parmesan sauce for a warm, zesty twist—perfect for those who like their wings with a little heat.
Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap dried parsley for fresh chopped rosemary or thyme. It gives a lovely aromatic note and freshness to the sauce that changes things up beautifully.
Low-Sodium Version: For a lighter salt option, simply omit the optional ¼ teaspoon salt in the sauce and taste before adding more. Baking powder and parmesan already add a great flavor base.
Make it Gluten-Free: Just be sure to use aluminium-free baking powder that's gluten-free, and you’re good to go for a safe and crispy bite.
Serve with Dips: While these wings are delicious on their own, I sometimes serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds raw pink chicken pieces at the bottom layer, topped with a dusting of white powder and sprinkled with coarse black pepper on top. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Wings for Maximum Crunch

First things first, pat your chicken wings dry using paper towels. This step is crucial—it removes excess moisture, setting you up for that irresistibly crispy skin. Once dry, combine aluminium-free baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a large bowl, then toss the wings thoroughly until every piece is coated. This coating helps to firm up the skin during cooking, which makes the crunch come alive in the air fryer.

Step 2: Air Fry the Wings to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F). Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the basket—avoid overcrowding to ensure even heat circulation and crisping on all sides. Cook them for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and have that satisfying crunch, yet the inside stays tender and juicy.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While your wings cook, melt 90 grams of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add three cloves of minced garlic and gently sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—watch this closely to avoid any bitterness. Remove from heat, then stir in 50 grams (about ½ cup) of finely grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, the optional ¼ teaspoon salt (if you like), and ¼ teaspoon pepper until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Coat the Wings in Garlic Parmesan Goodness

Once your wings come out of the air fryer, transfer them immediately to a large bowl. Pour the warm garlic parmesan sauce over the wings and toss them gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. This step ensures that each bite bursts with rich garlic butter and cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy While Hot

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings right away for the ultimate flavor and texture experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual party or craving a tasty snack, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as-is for that perfect salty, garlicky, cheesy bite!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the absolute best out of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe, ensuring crispy, flavorful wings every single time.

Pat Dry Thoroughly: I always make sure to pat the chicken wings completely dry before tossing them with the baking powder mixture. It’s the secret to that coveted crispy texture.
Avoid Crowding the Air Fryer: Early on, I packed too many wings in the basket and ended up with unevenly cooked wings. Giving them space means every wing crisps up beautifully.
Use Unsalted Butter for the Sauce: This lets you control the saltiness perfectly and prevents the garlic parmesan coating from becoming too salty.
Toss While Sauce is Warm: I learned the sauce sticks best and flavors the wings evenly when you toss them immediately after cooking, while the sauce is still warm.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

A pile of golden brown fried chicken wings covered with white crumbly cheese bits and small green herb pieces on a black tray, the wings have a textured crispy coating with some areas darker and crispier, arranged in a heaped layer filling the tray, visible seasoning giving a savory look, the background surface is a white marbled texture, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting finish, sprinkle a little extra freshly grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a light dusting of chili flakes complements the garlic parmesan sauce wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These wings pair perfectly with crisp celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or crunchy coleslaw. Classic sweet potato fries also make a fantastic companion, balancing savory and sweet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover wings should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some wings for longer, let them cool completely before freezing in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat and restore their crispy magic, pop the wings back into your air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for about 5-7 minutes. This method refreshes their crispiness better than a microwave and keeps them tasting freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen wings, but be sure to pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to get that crispy finish. Also, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the air frying time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Why do we use baking powder in this recipe?

Baking powder helps draw moisture to the skin and encourages browning and crispiness when cooked in the air fryer. Make sure to use aluminium-free baking powder to avoid any off-flavors.

Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before tossing with the wings. However, it tastes best when freshly made and warm so it adheres perfectly to each wing.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the wings in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a similar crispy result before coating with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is such a joy because it brings out the best texture and flavor in a healthier, fuss-free way thanks to the air fryer. I hope these tips, serving ideas, and storage advice make your cooking experience smooth and your wings absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night in—I guarantee these wings will be the star of the show. Happy cooking and even happier eating!