Air Fryer Garlic Parm Wings: Crispy, Cheesy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make crispy chicken wings without the need for deep frying and the mess that comes with it. This recipe for garlic parmesan wings is a flavourful, juicy, and tender delight that will have you licking your fingers.

How to prepare the chicken wings before air frying

Preparing the chicken wings before air frying is an important step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to prepare the chicken wings for air frying:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the chicken wings are thoroughly cleaned and any feathers or unwanted parts are trimmed off. You can soak the wings in a mixture of vinegar and water for about an hour to ensure they are clean. After this, pat the wings dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as removing excess moisture from the skin will help to achieve a crispier texture when air frying.

Next, it's time to season the wings. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and even a little baking powder to enhance the crispiness. Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with a light coating of olive oil. Then, add your desired seasonings and toss the wings until they are evenly coated. You can also use a combination of powdered ranch seasoning and cajun seasoning for a unique flavour.

Once the wings are seasoned, it's time to coat them. In a separate bowl, mix together some cornstarch and baking powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the wings, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. This coating will help to create an extra crispy texture when air frying.

Now, the wings are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but generally, the wings will need to cook for around 12-15 minutes on the air fry setting, followed by a few minutes on the broil setting.

While the wings are cooking, you can prepare the garlic parmesan sauce by mixing butter, garlic, and parsley in a small saucepan over low heat. You can also add in some parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra punch of flavour.

Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.

And that's it! Your chicken wings are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Don't forget to sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of flavour and colour.

How to make the garlic parmesan sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Dried or fresh parsley
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Garlic

Method:

Firstly, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook this mixture on a low heat for around 2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic brown. This step is to infuse the butter with a garlic flavour. Set the mixture aside.

Next, cut the fresh parmesan into small cubes and place into a mini food processor. Alternatively, use a blender or food processor to finely grate the parmesan. Set aside. Finely chop the parsley and set aside.

Once the wings are cooked, place them in a mixing bowl. Pour over the melted butter and garlic mixture. Mix well. Add the fresh chopped parsley and mix again. Finally, top with the freshly ground parmesan and mix once more. Serve and enjoy!

How to cook the wings in the air fryer

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking delicious garlic parmesan wings in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by patting the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the wings from achieving that desired extra crispy skin.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with a light drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil spray. Make sure the coating is very light to avoid oil pooling and smoking in the air fryer. Season generously with salt and pepper, and feel free to add some garlic powder for an extra kick. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or white pepper to enhance the flavour.

Step 3: Coat with Parmesan Cheese

Add grated parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss the wings until they are evenly coated. You can use a combination of finely grated and slightly coarser parmesan cheese for a better coating. Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan for the best results.

Step 4: Air Fry the Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. For even cooking, toss the wings 2-3 times during the cooking process.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the wings are cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce by combining butter, garlic, and parsley in a small saucepan over low heat. Allow the butter to melt and infuse with the garlic flavour. You can also add some hot sauce to give the wings a little kick. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 6: Toss the Wings in the Sauce

Once the wings are cooked to crispy perfection, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the wings, and toss well to coat. You can use tongs or simply shake and rotate the bowl to ensure even coating.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the wings for an extra touch of flavour and colour. Serve your garlic parmesan wings immediately with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ranch or buffalo sauce. Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and flavour-packed wings!

How to store and reheat leftovers

These garlic parmesan wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the wings in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes, or in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

You can also freeze these wings! Store them in an airtight container and they will last for 3 months. For best results, thaw the wings entirely before reheating. You can also reheat them straight from frozen, but you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

What to serve with the wings

Now that you've made your delicious garlic parm wings in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Veggies: Air fryer garlic parm wings can be rich and decadent, so serving them with some vegetables can help balance out the meal. Try air fryer green beans, roasted cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Not only will they taste great, but they'll also add some extra nutrition to your plate.
• Dipping Sauces: For an extra punch of flavor, serve your wings with a variety of dipping sauces. Options like ranch, blue cheese dip, buffalo sauce, or even a garlic butter sauce can take your wings to the next level.
• Salads: A crisp side salad can be a refreshing counterpart to your crispy wings. Try a classic garden salad or get creative with your favorite greens, veggies, and dressings.
• Carrot and Celery Sticks: If you're looking for something simple and healthy, carrot and celery sticks can be a great option to serve alongside your wings. They provide a crunchy texture and a fresh taste that pairs well with the richness of the wings.
• Appetizers: If you're serving your wings as part of a larger spread, consider adding some appetizers to the mix. Options like zucchini fries, hot dogs, or chicken tenders will surely impress your guests.
• Drinks: Don't forget to offer some refreshing drinks to go with your wings! Whether it's a cold beer, a refreshing cocktail, or a simple glass of water, having something to sip on will enhance the dining experience.

Frequently asked questions