Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Wings

I am telling you, these Parmesan chicken wings are such a vibe. I used to think wings had to be crazy saucy to be good but after making these, I’m obsessed.

The wings get super crispy in the air fryer and then you coat them in this buttery Parmesan sauce that is honestly so good.

I love that you don’t need any fancy for this. Just a few basics you already have and you’re set.

Every time I make these, they are gone so fast. You get that perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and a little garlicky in every bite and it just hits every time.

If you want something easy but still feels kinda fancy, you’re gonna love these Parmesan chicken wings.

Main Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken wings: I’m using flats because that is what I have on hand. Honestly, flats cook super evenly and get so crispy in the air fryer.
  
  
• Olive oil: A bit of olive oil helps the seasoning stick better and gives the wings that beautiful golden color when they cook.
  
  
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is my go-to trick for getting the wings extra crispy without needing to deep fry.
  
  
• Salt and black pepper: I usually season with these 2.
  
  
• Unsalted butter: Butter is what makes the Parmesan sauce rich and buttery. I always go with unsalted so I can control how salty everything ends up, especially when adding the Parmesan.
  
  
• Heavy cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce thick, creamy, and super smooth. It mixes with the butter and Parmesan perfectly and makes the sauce feel really fancy without any extra work.
  
  
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is definitely the move because it melts better and gives you that real cheesy flavor that sticks to every bite. It is what makes these wings so addicting.
  
  
• Garlic powder: Adding a little extra garlic powder to the sauce ties everything together. It makes the sauce cozy, flavorful, and honestly, you will probably want to dip everything into it.
  
  
• Black pepper: A small pinch of black pepper keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy and makes all the buttery, cheesy flavors pop even more.
  
  
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro on top is totally optional but it makes the wings look super fresh and adds a little brightness that cuts through the rich Parmesan sauce.

How to Make Parmesan Chicken Wings

Step 1: Clean and prep the wings

• Wash your chicken flats with water first.
• Soak them in a bowl of water mixed with a little salt and baking soda for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps get rid of all the gunk and makes the wings taste fresher.
• Rinse them really well with clean water and pat them super dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the wings

• Toss the flats in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch over the wings and toss again until they are lightly coated and ready to crisp up.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little oil so the wings do not stick.
• Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space in between so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook the wings

• Air fry the wings at 380°F for 24 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• After 24 minutes, bump the heat up to 400°F and air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes to get them extra crispy and golden.

Step 5: Make the Parmesan sauce and toss

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Stir in the heavy cream, minced garlic, and black pepper until smooth and warm.
• Turn off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and turns creamy.
• Put the crispy wings in a clean bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss gently until everything is coated.
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top if you want and serve them hot.

FAQ About Parmesan Chicken Wings

1. Do I have to soak the chicken wings before cooking?

It is not a must but I highly recommend it. Soaking the wings in water with salt and baking soda helps clean them really well and gets rid of all the gunk. It also makes the wings taste fresher and crisp up better when you air fry them.

2. Can I use only drumettes or a mix of wings?

I am using just flats for this recipe because that is what I have but you can totally use drumettes or a mix if you want. The cooking time will stay the same. Just make sure they are about the same size so they cook evenly.

3. What if I do not have heavy cream?

If you do not have heavy cream, you can use milk but the sauce will be a little thinner. It will still taste good, just not as thick and rich. You can also stir in a little extra Parmesan cheese to thicken it up if you need to.

4. How do I make sure the wings stay crispy after tossing them in the sauce?

The key is to toss them quickly right after the sauce is ready and the wings are still hot. Do not let the wings sit too long after air frying or they will lose their crisp. If you want them super crispy, you can even drizzle the sauce instead of tossing them fully.

5. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

You can air fry the wings ahead and keep them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat them in the air fryer at 380°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. Make the Parmesan sauce fresh and toss them right before serving.