Air Fryer Parmesan Wings

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings recipe transforms simple wings into a flavorful, crispy treat that’s perfect for game day or a casual dinner. The crispiness comes from a parmesan cheese crust combined with classic seasonings, all cooked quickly and cleanly in the air fryer. It’s satisfying comfort food without the mess of deep frying.

I first made these wings when I wanted a healthier alternative to fried chicken wings for family movie night and now they are requested regularly for game days and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: two pounds split into flats and drumettes — fresh wings work best for crispiness
• Finely grated parmesan cheese: one and a half cups — key for the signature crust, choose a good quality cheese for best flavor
• Olive oil: one tablespoon — helps the seasonings and cheese stick and adds richness
• Garlic powder: one teaspoon — provides a subtle savory note that complements the parmesan
• Italian seasoning: one teaspoon — a blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity
• Paprika: half a teaspoon — adds a gentle smoky sweetness and color
• Salt: three quarters teaspoon — enhances all the flavors
• Black pepper: half a teaspoon — adds a touch of heat and balance
• Cooking spray: as needed — helps prevent sticking in the air fryer basket and promotes even browning

Instructions

Prep the Wings:

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is essential for getting the skin crispy during cooking.

Season the Wings:

Place the dried wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika over the wings. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Add the Parmesan:

Sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese over the seasoned wings. Toss again gently so that each wing is lightly covered in cheese, creating the crust that will crisp up during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius) and allow it to come to temperature before placing the wings inside.

Arrange the Wings:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air Fry:

Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, flip them over carefully and continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes. Check that the wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are golden brown and crispy.

Optional Extra Crisp:

For wings with an extra crunch, increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional two to three minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Rest and Serve:

Let the wings rest for one to two minutes outside the fryer. This short resting time helps the parmesan crust set and keeps each bite perfectly crisp.

These wings quickly became a favorite in my household because the parmesan crust gives a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with a cold drink. One memorable family moment was when my kids declared these better than takeout wings after their first bite.

Storage Tips

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, air fry at a lower temperature around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes to refresh the crispiness without drying them out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have parmesan cheese, pecorino romano can be a sharper substitute that still crisps well. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but the texture will vary. You can swap olive oil with avocado oil for a mild, buttery note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the wings with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool the palate. Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks are classic accompaniments. For a full meal, pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Cultural Context

Parmesan crusted dishes are rooted in Italian cooking where hard cheeses are used to add flavor and texture. This recipe is a modern twist combining Italian flavors with the popular American classic of crispy chicken wings made easy in the air fryer.

This recipe consistently delivers crispy and flavorful wings with minimal effort, making it a must-try for any air fryer enthusiast.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I get the wings extra crispy?

After the initial cooking, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

→ Should the wings be dried before cooking?

Yes, patting the wings completely dry ensures the skin crisps up well in the air fryer.

→ Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?

Parmesan works best for the crust, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like pecorino for a similar effect.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating to 380°F helps cook the wings evenly and crisps the skin properly.

→ How should I season the wings for best flavor?

A combination of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper adds depth and enhances the parmesan coating.