Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Wings: Crispy, Cheesy, And Delicious!

How to Make Ranch Parmesan Wings in an Air Fryer

Making ranch parmesan wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy wing texture without deep frying. It's also a healthier alternative to deep frying and eliminates the mess of handling and disposing of hot cooking oils.

Start by patting the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the skin. This helps with crisping the skin. Then, season the wings with a light drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss in a bowl until evenly coated.

Next, add garlic powder and parmesan cheese to the wings and toss again until combined. You can also add baking powder to the seasoning mix, as this will help make the wings even crispier. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 360-400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

While the wings are cooking, make the garlic parmesan sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over low heat and adding minced garlic. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Then, stir in the remaining sauce ingredients: parmesan cheese, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Once the wings are done, remove them from the air fryer and toss them in the garlic parmesan sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy!

How to make the sauce

Ingredients

• Garlic (freshly minced or powdered)
• Butter (unsalted and melted)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated or shredded)
• Dried parsley
• Black pepper
• Sea salt
• Onion powder

Method

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Add the garlic to the melted butter. Cook for a few minutes on low heat, being careful not to let the garlic burn. This infuses the butter with a garlic flavour.
• Cut the parmesan into small cubes and toss them into a mini food processor. Alternatively, grate the parmesan.
• Finely chop the parsley.
• Combine the melted butter and garlic mixture with the parmesan and parsley in a mixing bowl.

How to coat the wings

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to coat the wings with the mouth-watering garlic parmesan mixture. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Chicken Wings: Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to remove any excess moisture from the skin, ensuring a crispier texture.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder or minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
• Toss the Wings: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the dry mixture over them. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the garlic parmesan seasoning. Make sure the seasoning adheres to the chicken and not the bowl. You can use your hands or tongs to ensure an even coating.
• Add Oil (Optional): Depending on your air fryer and the recipe you're following, you might need to add a light drizzle of oil to the wings. This step can help enhance the crispiness and flavor of the final product.
• Place in the Air Fryer: Arrange the coated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.
• Cooking Time: Refer to your specific recipe for cooking times and temperatures. As a general guideline, cook the wings for 10-15 minutes at around 400°F, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the wings to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Flip and Cook Again: Using tongs, carefully flip the wings and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or as instructed in your recipe. This step ensures even cooking and browning on both sides of the wings.
• Final Touches: Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer using tongs. If desired, sprinkle them with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for an extra punch of flavor.

Remember, it's essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your chosen recipe, as cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly. Enjoy making your delicious ranch parmesan wings!

How to cook the wings

• Firstly, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture from the skin, which will help achieve a crispier texture.
• Next, season the wings generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder and smoked paprika for extra flavour.
• If desired, coat the wings lightly with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This will help the seasonings stick to the wings and promote crispiness.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. Most recipes recommend cooking the wings in batches at a temperature between 360-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
• While the wings are cooking, prepare the garlic parmesan sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a mixing bowl.
• Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
• Finally, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the wings and toss again to combine.
• Serve the wings immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

How to store leftovers

Leftover ranch parmesan wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure that the wings are cooled to room temperature before storing them. This will keep them tasty and safe to eat.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the wings in an airtight container for up to three months. It is best to thaw the wings entirely before reheating them, but you can also cook them straight from frozen, though you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

When reheating, an air fryer or oven is best, as microwaving the wings may leave them soggy. Reheat in an air fryer at 360°F for 6-7 minutes, or in an oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

What to serve with the wings

When it comes to serving your wings, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can serve them as a main course, accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Vegetables: Air fryer green beans, roasted cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts can help balance out the richness of the wings.
• Salads: A side salad or a heartier option like a pasta salad can complement the wings.
• Dips and sauces: Offer a variety of dips and sauces for your guests to customise their wings, such as ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce.
• Carb options: For a heartier meal, serve the wings with carb options like French fries, potato wedges, or bread.

Alternatively, you can serve the wings as an appetiser or snack, in which case you might want to provide some lighter options for your guests:

• Carrots and celery sticks: These pair well with wings and can be served with a dip like the homemade ranch dip mentioned in the recipe.
• Salads: A light salad, such as a garden salad or a fruit salad, can provide a refreshing contrast to the wings.
• Chips and crackers: For a crunchy accompaniment, serve a variety of chips and crackers.

Frequently asked questions