Get ready for some crispy Air Fryer Buttery Parmesan Garlic Wings! These tasty bites are coated in buttery goodness and topped with crunchy Parmesan and garlic. Yum!
What’s great is that you can enjoy this finger-licking dish without all that oil! I can’t help but snack on them while watching my favorite show. They’re too good to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Using a mix of drumettes and flats gives variety in texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs or tenders for a different taste, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: This helps to achieve crispiness. You can switch it for avocado oil or even melted butter for extra flavor. Just remember that using butter might change the crisp level slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and melting. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated versions work too, but be cautious as they may not melt as beautifully. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is fantastic in this recipe, but you could also use garlic powder as a substitute. I prefer fresh for the aromatic hit!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat tolerance. If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up!
How Do I Ensure My Wings Turn Out Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispiness is key for wings! Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture that can cause steaming instead of crisping.
- Preheat your air fryer, as a hot environment is essential for a good crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; wings need space for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flipping the wings halfway through cooking ensures they crisp evenly.
- Finally, tossing them in the garlic butter mixture right after cooking locks in that buttery flavor while keeping them crunchy.
With these tips, your Air Fryer Buttery Parmesan Garlic Wings will be a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Air Fryer Buttery Parmesan Garlic Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats, tips discarded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- For Topping:
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Dipping Sauce:
- Your favorite buffalo sauce or marinara sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep, plus 25-28 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy these wings in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your wings cook evenly and become crispy!
2. Prepare the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until each wing is nicely coated with the spices.
3. Cook the Wings:
Carefully arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly. If you have too many wings, cook in batches.
4. Air Fry the Wings:
Set the air fryer to cook the wings at 380°F for 25 to 28 minutes. Make sure to flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become golden brown and crispy.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the minced garlic. Set this aside to let the flavors blend.
6. Toss the Cooked Wings:
Once the wings are done cooking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the hot wings, tossing them gently to coat each wing evenly.
7. Add the Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the wings, and toss again gently so the cheese sticks to the wings.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the wings with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce alongside.
Enjoy your crispy, buttery, flavorful Air Fryer Buttery Parmesan Garlic Wings! Perfect for gatherings or a delicious snack!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen wings either overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in cold water. Ensure they are patted dry to get that crispiness you’re looking for!
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 380°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Can I Use Other Spices or Sauces?
Definitely! Feel free to switch up the spices based on your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy mustard for a fun twist!
