If you think you need a deep fryer to make truly crispy chicken wings, I’m here to change your mind.
These Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings are everything you want: Golden brown, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with bold garlic-parmesan flavor.
Best of all, they’re ready in 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Air frying has become a game-changer for wings, cutting way back on oil while still delivering that irresistible crunch.
Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or an easy weeknight dinner, these wings always disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings
These wings hit the sweet spot between comfort food and convenience.
They’re incredibly crispy without being deep-fried, which means less mess and less oil. The parmesan crust adds a savory, cheesy layer that sticks beautifully to the wings, while garlic and Italian seasoning bring big flavor with minimal effort. You’ll also love how fast they cook—perfect for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
They’re naturally gluten-free, low carb, and easy to customize with different seasonings or dipping sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make these wings taste restaurant-quality.
Chicken wings are the star of the show. You can use split wings or whole wings cut into flats and drumettes. Finely grated parmesan cheese works best for a crisp, even coating—avoid shredded parmesan, which doesn’t melt the same way.
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper build a flavorful base. A small amount of olive oil or cooking spray helps the coating 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 crucial for getting crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crunch.
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, making sure each wing is lightly but thoroughly coated.
Preheat your air fryer if your model requires it. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so air can circulate properly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry at 380°F for about 10 minutes, then flip the wings and 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, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Dry wings are key, so don’t skip patting them down thoroughly. Finely grated parmesan creates the best crust because it melts and crisps evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket—air circulation is what makes the wings crispy.
Flipping the wings halfway through ensures even browning on both sides. If needed, lightly spray the wings with oil before cooking, but don’t overdo it. Let the wings rest for a minute or two after cooking so the crust can set before serving.
Sauce and Dip Pairings That Go Perfectly with Parmesan Wings
These wings are flavorful on their own, but dipping sauces take them to the next level.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic options that balance the savory parmesan. Garlic aioli adds richness, while marinara sauce gives the wings an Italian-inspired twist. For contrast, try a drizzle of hot honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Variations and Flavor Add-Ins
If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For extra crunch, 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 spicier profile, or finish the wings with fresh parsley, basil, or lemon zest for brightness. You can also turn these into garlic parmesan wings by tossing them 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 heated through and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will soften the parmesan crust. These wings are great for meal prep and can be added to salads, wraps, or grain bowls for easy lunches.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but they must be fully thawed and patted very dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
How do I prevent the parmesan from burning?
Cook at 380°F first, flip halfway through, and only increase the temperature at the very end if needed.
Can I make these in advance?
They’re best fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings (Crispy & Easy!)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
- 1½ cups finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray as needed
Instructions
Prep the Wings
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for achieving crispy skin.
Season
- Place the wings in a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
Add Parmesan
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the wings and toss again until each wing is lightly and evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if your model requires preheating.
Arrange Wings
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if needed.
Air Fry
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the wings. Continue cooking for 10–12 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Optional Extra Crisp
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
Rest and Serve
- Let the wings rest for 1–2 minutes before serving so the parmesan crust sets.
These were very good. I have never made chicken wings before and this was a great starter recipe. Next time, I will add a bit more garlic! Fantastic recipe!
Thank you for the feedback! So glad you liked it!