Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! With the perfect balance of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich parmesan cheese, these wings are packed with flavor in every bite. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior without the mess of deep frying, making them a healthier option for a satisfying snack or appetizer. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight treat or game day!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1½ teaspoons lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 3 cloves garlic (minced) or ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Wings

1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key to achieving crispy wings in the air fryer.

Season the Wings

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. In a glass bowl, toss the wings with cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic (or garlic powder). Make sure the wings are well-coated with the seasoning mix.

Cook the Wings

1. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Cook for 12 minutes at 400°F.

Flip and Finish

1. After 12 minutes, flip the wings to ensure they get crispy on both sides.

2. Cook for another 12 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

Toss with Sauce

1. Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Toss well to ensure the wings are evenly coated.

Serve & Enjoy

1. These crispy garlic parmesan chicken wings are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 24 minutes

• Total Time: 29 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the seasoning mix or toss with buffalo sauce after cooking for a spicy twist.

• Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses like asiago or Romano for a different flavor profile.

• Herb Variations: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the butter mixture for an herby variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes to restore their crispiness, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them before seasoning and cooking for even results.

2. Can I cook the wings without flipping them?

While flipping the wings helps them cook evenly and become crispy on both sides, you can cook them without flipping if you prefer, but they might not be as crispy.

3. Can I skip the cornstarch?

The cornstarch helps to create a crispier texture, but you can skip it if you prefer a softer coating on the wings.

4. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, but parmesan provides a unique sharpness and flavor that complements the garlic and lemon well.

5. Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm it up before tossing the wings in it.

6. Can I use chicken breast instead of wings?

This recipe is designed for chicken wings, but you can use boneless skinless chicken breast cut into smaller pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

7. How do I know when the wings are done?

The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

8. How can I make these wings even crispier?

To make the wings crispier, make sure they are patted dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket while cooking.

9. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

You can prepare the wings and cook them, then store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

10. Can I serve these wings with a dipping sauce?

Yes! These wings pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With the combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and creamy parmesan, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. Plus, they’re ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup! Whether you’re serving them for game day, a family dinner, or a fun appetizer, these wings are sure to impress.

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