If you’re craving ultra-crispy chicken wings without deep frying, Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer are about to become your new obsession. These wings are coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, then air-fried to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bold flavor.
Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings using simple ingredients and a healthier cooking method.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
- Extra crispy without deep frying
- Bold garlic-Parmesan flavor
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for snacks, parties, or dinner
- Air fryer = less mess, less oil
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings (drumettes & flats) | 2 lbs | Main protein |
| Olive oil | 1½ tbsp | Helps crisp |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup | Crispy crust |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Flavor |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp | Depth |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Herb blend |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Color & warmth |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Seasoning |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Balance |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish | Fresh finish |
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
1. Prep the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
Place wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.
👉 Crispy Tip: The drier the wings, the crispier the result.
2. Make the Parmesan Coating
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
Mix well so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Wings
Add the wings to the Parmesan mixture and toss thoroughly, pressing the coating onto the wings so it sticks well.
👉 Flavor Tip: Use finely grated Parmesan—not shredded—for the best crust.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the wings crisp immediately upon cooking.
5. Air Fry Until Crispy
Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for:
- 12 minutes, then flip the wings
- 8–10 more minutes, until golden brown and crispy
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
👉 Extra Crunch: Increase temperature to 400°F for the final 2 minutes.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove wings and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for Ultra-Crispy Wings
- Always pat wings dry
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
- Use grated Parmesan, not shredded
- Flip halfway for even browning
Variations & Flavor Ideas
Easy Customizations
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Toss with melted garlic butter after cooking
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Mix Parmesan with panko for extra crunch
Sauce Options (Optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
- Garlic aioli
- Honey mustard
What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Wings
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Crispy fries or wedges
- Side salad
- Mozzarella sticks or onion rings
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until crispy again.
Freezing:
Not recommended—best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly before coating.
Why isn’t my Parmesan crispy?
Wings may be too wet or overcrowded. Use grated Parmesan and cook in batches.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes—bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Are these wings keto-friendly?
Yes—low-carb and keto-approved.
Conclusion
If you want bold flavor, unbeatable crunch, and an easy cooking method, Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings (Air Fryer) are the perfect choice. With golden crusted edges, juicy meat, and irresistible garlic-Parmesan goodness, these wings are guaranteed to disappear fast—no fryer oil required.