Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

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Explore a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe that masterfully combines a crispy texture with an explosion of delectable flavors. This dish isn’t just about achieving the ideal crispiness with an air fryer; it’s also about the rich and diverse flavors that each wing is generously bathed in.

This recipe brings you the joy of homemade wings paired with an elegant garlic parmesan sauce, a combination that promises to elevate your meal into a memorable dining experience.

The secret to these wings lies in the harmony of simple yet impactful ingredients. Seasoned to perfection and crisped in the air fryer, each wing becomes the perfect canvas for our star – the homemade garlic parmesan sauce.

This sauce, rich with the aromatic allure of garlic, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the freshness of herbs, isn’t just a condiment; it’s the essence of this dish, bringing with it a depth of flavor that complements the chicken wings beautifully.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 4 pounds chicken wings
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp honey

For the Herby Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• Zest of one lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings: Clean the chicken wings thoroughly. Optionally, soak them in a vinegar-water solution for 1-2 hours in the fridge, then rinse and dry them completely.
2. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated.
3. Coating: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and baking powder. Sprinkle this dry mixture over the wings, tossing to ensure an even coat.
4. Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to its highest broil setting. Broil the wings for 4 minutes. Then, switch to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden.
5. Honey Glaze (Optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the wings with honey for a sweet glaze, or mix the honey into the sauce in the next step.
6. Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare the garlic parmesan sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and cook gently. Then, remove from heat and mix in the hot sauce, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, minced parsley, chopped basil, and lemon zest. If you didn’t glaze the wings with honey, you can add the honey to the sauce here.
7. Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them into a large bowl. Pour the herby garlic parmesan sauce over the wings and toss well to ensure each wing is generously coated.
8. Serve: Serve the wings immediately, garnished with extra parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Oven Preparation for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a good crispiness on the wings.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have one, place a wire rack on the sheet to help heat circulation for evenly cooked wings.
3. Arrange Wings: Lay out the seasoned chicken wings on the baking sheet or rack. Spread them out in a single layer, allowing some space between each wing for better heat distribution.
4. Bake the Wings: Put the wings in the preheated oven. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 7-minute mark. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
5. Broil for Extra Crispiness: After baking, switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the wings for an additional 2 minutes to get a golden brown and crispy exterior. Watch them closely during this stage to prevent burning.
6. Final Basting and Garnish: Once out of the oven, baste the wings one last time with the garlic parmesan sauce. Then, sprinkle with leftover Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
7. Serve Hot: Present the wings while they’re fresh and hot for the best taste, garnished with additional herbs or cheese if desired.

Enjoyed the garlic parmesan wings? Feel free to pin the image below to your Pinterest board. It’s a great way to let your friends discover this fantastic recipe too. Let’s see who becomes the wing master in your group! 🙂

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Wings with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Dry Wings are Key: For the crispiest results, ensure your chicken wings are as dry as possible before seasoning. Pat them down with paper towels after cleaning. If time allows, let them air-dry in the refrigerator for a few hours.
2. Even Coating: When seasoning and coating the wings, do it in a large bowl and toss them well. This ensures each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning and cornstarch mixture, leading to an even cook and consistent flavor.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy wings. The air needs to circulate freely around each wing for that perfect crunch.
4. Sauce at the Right Time: Toss the wings in the garlic parmesan sauce right after they come out of the air fryer. The heat helps the wings absorb the sauce better, enhancing the flavor.
5. Freshness Matters in the Sauce: Use fresh garlic, parsley, and basil for the sauce. Fresh herbs and garlic have a more vibrant flavor compared to their dried or pre-minced counterparts.
6. Temperature Check: If unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken wings are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Lemon Zest Tip: When adding lemon zest to the sauce, ensure you only grate the outer yellow layer. The white pith underneath is bitter and can alter the taste of your sauce.
8. Customize Your Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce in the sauce to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
9. Serving Suggestions: Serve these wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic wing experience.
10. Make Ahead: You can season and coat the wings ahead of time, then keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. This can save time and also allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better.

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