Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings Recipe

Think you need a deep fryer to get truly crispy chicken wings? Think again. These Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings are here to prove that the air fryer can do it all.

These wings turn out golden brown and crunchy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. Each bite is packed with bold garlic and parmesan flavor that tastes just like restaurant wings—without all the oil.

The best part? These air fryer chicken wings are ready in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Air frying is a total game-changer. It cuts back on oil but still delivers that crave-worthy crunch everyone loves. Whether you’re making wings for game day, a party, or an easy weeknight dinner, these parmesan wings always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings

These wings hit the perfect balance between comfort food and convenience.

They get incredibly crispy without deep frying, which means less oil and less mess. The parmesan crust forms a savory, cheesy layer that sticks well to the wings, while garlic and Italian seasoning add big flavor with very little effort.

They also cook quickly, making them great for busy nights or last-minute guests. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, low carb, and easy to adjust with different seasonings or dipping sauces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these wings taste amazing.

Chicken wings are the star. You can use split wings or whole wings cut into flats and drumettes. Finely grated parmesan cheese works best because it melts and crisps evenly. Avoid shredded parmesan, which doesn’t coat as well.

Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper create a simple but flavorful seasoning blend. A small amount of olive oil or cooking spray helps the wings crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Start by patting the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is very important for crispy skin. Any moisture will prevent the wings from crisping.

Place the wings in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika until evenly coated. Add the grated parmesan and toss again so each wing is lightly but fully coated.

Preheat your air fryer if needed. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them so hot air can circulate. You may need to cook in batches.

Air fry at 380°F for about 10 minutes, then flip the wings. Continue cooking for another 8–12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely so the parmesan does not burn.

Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

• Always pat the wings very dry before seasoning
• Use finely grated parmesan for the best crust
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket
• Flip the wings halfway through cooking
• Lightly spray with oil if needed, but don’t overdo it
• Let the wings rest for 1–2 minutes so the crust sets

Sauce and Dip Pairings for Parmesan Wings

These wings taste great on their own, but dipping sauces make them even better.

Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with the savory parmesan. Garlic aioli adds richness, while marinara sauce gives an Italian-style twist. For contrast, try a drizzle of hot honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Variations and Flavor Add-Ins

If you enjoy heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For extra crunch, you can mix a small amount of panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan, keeping in mind this will no longer be low carb.

Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor. You can also finish the wings with fresh parsley, basil, or lemon zest for a fresh touch. To make garlic parmesan wings, toss the cooked wings with melted butter and fresh minced garlic after air frying.

Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it will soften the parmesan crust.

These wings are great for meal prep and work well in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for easy lunches.

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