Dinner

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Bylina Carter January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Coated with a tangy lemon zest and garlic seasoning, then tossed in melted butter and parmesan, they make the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.

A black bowl filled with about ten golden-brown fried chicken wings, each with a crispy texture and sprinkled with grated cheese. The wings are garnished with bright green chopped herbs scattered evenly on top. A single lemon wedge rests on the side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. In the top right corner, a white plate holds several seasoned potato wedges with a golden, slightly crunchy texture. In the top left corner, a clear glass contains sparkling water with visible bubbles and a thin lemon slice floating near the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes)
2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1½ teaspoons lemon zest

½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
3 tablespoons melted butter

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the wings.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the wings with cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic until evenly coated.
Step 4: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Step 5: Cook the wings for 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 12 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss the hot wings in this mixture until well coated.
Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy garlic parmesan wings.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy wings, let them air dry uncovered in the fridge for an hour before cooking.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Swap out fresh parsley for basil or cilantro for a different herb flavor.

Use garlic powder if you prefer a milder garlic taste or don’t have fresh garlic on hand.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to retain crispiness, or warm in the oven until heated through.