If you’re a fan of bold, garlicky flavors with a cheesy kick, these Garlic Parmesan Wings are about to be your new obsession.
They’re crispy, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness—basically everything you could ever want in a chicken wing! Plus, they’re super easy to make at home in the air fryer for the perfect crispy texture without all the extra oil.
Forget takeout—once you try these, you’ll never go back!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Affordable: No deep-frying required, and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- Super Crispy Texture: Thanks to a special trick (baking powder!), these wings get that perfect crunch.
- Loaded with Flavor: A buttery, garlicky, cheesy coating makes these wings absolutely irresistible.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for game days, parties, or a weekend treat.
- Air Fryer Friendly: Cut down on cooking time and extra oil by making these in the air fryer!
Cost Per Serving
Making these creamy garlic parmesan wings at home is way cheaper than ordering from a restaurant! Here’s a rough breakdown of costs based on standard grocery prices:
- 20 Chicken Wings – $10.00
- Butter (5 tbsp) – $0.75
- Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup) – $1.50
- Seasonings & Baking Powder – $0.50
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – $0.30
- Garlic (1.5 tbsp) – $0.75
- Mayo (4 tbsp) – $0.40
- Parsley (1/3 cup) – $0.50
Total Estimated Cost: $14.70 for 20 wings (about $0.54 per wing!)
Cost Per Serving: $3.68
That means each serving (about 5 wings) costs roughly $3.68, under $5 per serving. Compared to restaurant prices where a dozen wings can cost $15 or more. Homemade is definitely the way to go!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these garlic parmesan wings:
For the Wings:
- Chicken wings: The base of this crispy, flavorful dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a bit of heat for those who like a kick.
- Onion powder: Gives a subtle savory depth that enhances the wings.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor in every bite.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich color to the wings.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds an aromatic touch.
- Baking powder: The secret ingredient for extra crispy skin.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the wings evenly and contributes to crisping them up in the air fryer.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Butter: Gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture and helps coat the wings evenly.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
- Mayo: Adds a creamy consistency that makes the sauce extra luscious
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic.
- Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color to balance out the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel—this step is key for crispy wings! In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and baking powder. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until all the wings are well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Wings in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (You may need to cook in batches.)
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Scoop out the garlic and a portion of the butter, then mix it with the mayo, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. This keeps the wings from becoming too greasy while still giving them that rich, garlicky flavor.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
Once the wings are done, toss them in the garlic Parmesan sauce until they’re fully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your garlic parmesan wings!
Tips for Success
- Use Baking Powder for Crispy Wings: The baking powder reacts with the chicken skin to create that crispy texture without frying.
- Dry the Wings Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings—pat them dry before seasoning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give the wings space so they crisp up evenly.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Want it cheesier? Add more Parmesan. Like it spicier? Toss in more red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic parmesan wings are amazing on their own, but if you want to turn them into a full meal, try serving them with:
- Celery and Carrot Sticks – Classic wing sides for balance.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – For dipping (because more sauce is always better!).
- Crispy Fries or Garlic Bread – Because carbs and wings just belong together.
- A Fresh Side Salad – If you want to lighten things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can air fry the wings in advance, then reheat them at 375°F for about 10 minutes before tossing them in the sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Wings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid soggy wings.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use boneless wings or chicken tenders, just adjust the cooking time as they’ll cook faster.
Make These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings Tonight!
These Garlic Parmesan Wings are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with garlicky flavor—everything you love about wings without the deep-frying! Making air fryer chicken wings is the best way to get that perfect crunch at home with less oil and mess.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give these a try! Let me know in the comments how they turned out or tag me on social media—I love seeing your recreations!
Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 20 Chicken wings
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 5 tbsp Butter
- 1.5 tbsp Garlic minced
- 4 tbsp Mayo
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/3 cup Parsley chopped
Instructions
Prep the Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and baking powder. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix well to coat the wings evenly.
Cook the Wings in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic!).
- Scoop out the garlic and some butter, then combine with mayo, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Toss & Serve:
- Once the wings are done, toss them in the garlic Parmesan sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
