Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats, or whole if preferred)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ons:

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced (for fresh garlic lovers)

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (for a hint of spice)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Grater (for fresh Parmesan, if desired)

• Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel

• Tongs

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

   • Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the wings crisp up in the air fryer.

   • If your wings are whole, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to separate them into drumettes and flats. Reserve wing tips for stock if desired.

2. Season and Coat the Wings:

   • Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

   • Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) over the wings. This not only enhances flavor but also helps the seasoning adhere.

   • Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the wings. Toss well to ensure even coating.

   • If using fresh minced garlic, mix it with the oil or butter before tossing with the wings.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures consistent cooking and even crisping.

4. Cook the Wings:

   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil.

   • Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.

   • Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every 8–10 minutes to ensure even browning.

5. Crisp and Add Parmesan:

   • After the initial cook, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes to make the wings golden and crispy.

   • While the wings are finishing, mix the grated Parmesan with a pinch of Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

6. Toss in Garlic Parmesan:

   • Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and transfer them to a large bowl.

   • Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the hot wings and toss gently until evenly coated. The heat from the wings will melt the Parmesan slightly, creating a flavorful coating.

7. Serve Hot:

   • Arrange the wings on a serving platter. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a light sprinkle of red chili flakes for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated varieties. The latter often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.

• Crispy Garlic Option: If using fresh garlic, you can sauté it lightly in olive oil before tossing it with the cooked wings for a rich, nutty garlic flavor.

• Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if necessary, and keep the finished wings warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while preparing the rest.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. Toss with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley before serving. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings