Ready to indulge in a crispy delight? These Garlic Parmesan Wings from the air fryer are the ultimate game-day snack or weeknight treat. With a simple mix of chicken wings, aromatic garlic, and tangy Parmesan, you can create a mouthwatering dish in no time. I’ll guide you step-by-step to ensure your wings come out perfectly crispy every time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Seasoning Ingredients
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Zest of 1 lemon
For these garlic Parmesan wings, start with fresh chicken wings. I love using 2 pounds, but you can adjust based on how many you feed. Next, grab some olive oil. Just one tablespoon helps the seasonings stick and gives a nice crisp.
Now, let’s add flavor. You’ll need garlic powder and onion powder. One teaspoon of each brings warmth. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth with just half a teaspoon. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste!
For the tasty finish, we’ll use half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and makes the wings even more delicious. Add in two tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and fresh taste. Finally, the zest of one lemon brightens the whole dish.
These ingredients come together for wings you will love. They are perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, I start by coating the wings. In a large bowl, add the chicken wings. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sprinkle one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the wings well. You want every wing to be covered in the seasonings.
Next, it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step usually takes about five minutes. A hot air fryer helps the wings cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s cook the wings. Place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. This spacing helps them cook properly. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches.
Cook the wings for 25 to 30 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip them over. This flip allows both sides to get crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they do not burn.
Finalizing the Dish
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Immediately sprinkle half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then add two tablespoons of chopped parsley and the zest of one lemon. Toss the wings gently to coat them with the toppings.
For serving, I suggest hot wings with some tasty dipping sauces. Ranch or blue cheese work great. Enjoy your crispy garlic parmesan wings!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Crispy Wings
To get crispy wings, never overcrowd the air fryer. If you pile them in, they steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for best results. Cook the wings for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking and browning.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to add some heat? Mix in cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. This gives the wings a nice kick. You can also try fresh herbs or different spices. Rosemary or thyme can add a new twist to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Parmesan wings pair well with many sides. Think crispy fries or fresh veggies. For dipping sauces, ranch and blue cheese work great. You can also try a spicy mayo for extra zing. Serve everything together to impress your guests!
Variations
Different Cooking Methods
You can change how you cook garlic parmesan wings. One option is oven-baking. For this, preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the coated wings on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway. This method gives you crispy wings without an air fryer.
Another fun way is grilling. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the wings on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes. Flip them often for even cooking. You’ll get delicious wings with a nice char.
Alternative Ingredients
You can switch up the cheese in this recipe. Try using asiago or pecorino. Each cheese adds a unique taste. This way, you can test new flavors.
If you want a healthier option, swap chicken wings for cauliflower wings. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Coat them with your seasonings just like the chicken. Air fry them for 15-20 minutes. You still get a tasty dish with fewer calories.
Flavor Twists
For a sweet and spicy kick, add honey and cayenne pepper to the mix. Toss the wings in honey before cooking. After frying, sprinkle cayenne on top. You’ll enjoy a fun flavor balance.
You can also add citrus zest for a fresh twist. Mix lemon or orange zest into the Parmesan. This gives your wings a bright and zesty flavor. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or outdoor parties.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic parmesan wings fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of paper towels at the bottom to absorb moisture. This keeps the wings crispy. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for up to three days.
To reheat wings, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-10 minutes. This restores the crispiness. You can also use an oven. Preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes. Check on them to avoid drying out.
Freezing Wings
If you want to save wings for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each wing in plastic wrap. Place wrapped wings in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. Cooked wings can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat them, thaw wings in the fridge overnight. For faster thawing, you can use cold water. Seal the wings in a bag, then submerge it in cold water for about an hour. After thawing, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Duration
In the fridge, your wings will stay fresh for about three days. In the freezer, they last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If wings smell off or look discolored, it’s best to toss them. Keeping track of storage duration helps you enjoy them at their best.
FAQs
How to make garlic parmesan wings in an air fryer?
To make garlic parmesan wings, start by mixing 2 lbs of chicken wings with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once done, toss the wings with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and the zest of 1 lemon. Serve them hot.
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. However, you should adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to check if they are cooked through. If you can, season them before cooking. It helps the flavors stick better. For best results, let frozen wings sit for 10 minutes after cooking for crispiness.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano. It has a similar taste but is saltier. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also try using shredded mozzarella for a milder taste.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious garlic parmesan wings. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for crispy results. I shared ways to tweak flavors and suggested sides and sauces. You now know how to store and reheat leftovers, plus answers to common questions. Enjoy making these wings with your own twists. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so let your creativity shine!
