Craving ultra-crispy chicken wings without the carbs or mess of deep frying? These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings deliver all the crunch and flavour you love, with a fraction of the effort and none of the guilt. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses the magic of the air fryer to create golden, juicy wings tossed in a buttery garlic parmesan coating.
Why choose this recipe? Air frying slashes the fat and calories compared to traditional frying, while still giving you that irresistible crispy skin. The combination of fresh garlic, real butter, and grated parmesan creates a rich, savoury finish that clings to every bite. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing keto snack or main in under 30 minutes.
Simply season the wings, air fry until crisp, then toss in a quick homemade garlic parmesan butter. Serve hot and watch them disappear – no one will guess they’re low-carb!
At a glance
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 320 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken wings (Separated into drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (For coating)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 40 g Unsalted butter (Melted)
- 2 cloves Fresh garlic (Finely minced)
- 40 g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Steps
- Pat the chicken wings dry with kitchen paper. Place in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 200°C for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the wings using tongs. Air fry for another 10–12 minutes at 200°C until golden, crisp, and cooked through (juices should run clear).
- While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the grated parmesan.
- Transfer the hot wings to a clean bowl. Pour over the garlic parmesan butter and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and chopped parsley over the wings. Toss again and serve immediately.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy
Potential swaps:
- Butter → Dairy-free butter alternative — For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Serving Ideas
- Keto ranch dip – Creamy and cooling, perfect for dipping.
- Celery and cucumber sticks – Adds crunch and freshness.
- Lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon brightens the rich flavours.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- For even crispier skin, sprinkle a little baking powder (aluminium-free) on the wings before air frying.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavour and texture.
- Let the wings rest for 2–3 minutes before tossing in the butter to help the coating stick.
Variations
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
- Swap parsley for chives or basil for a different herb twist.
- Use smoked paprika in the seasoning for a smoky flavour.
Troubleshooting
- Wings not crispy? Ensure they are dry before cooking and do not overcrowd the basket.
- Butter separating? Melt gently and avoid overheating.
- Coating not sticking? Toss wings while hot and add parmesan in two stages.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Chicken wings: A naturally keto-friendly protein, wings become incredibly crisp in the air fryer.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps the coating cling to the wings.
Fresh garlic: Infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavour.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
How do I make these wings extra crispy?
Pat the wings very dry before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, bake on a rack in a hot oven (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is parmesan cheese keto-friendly?
Yes, parmesan is low in carbs and high in flavour, making it ideal for keto recipes.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Cool completely, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings – Crispy, Savoury & Keto-Friendly
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken wings (Separated into drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (For coating)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 40 g Unsalted butter (Melted)
- 2 cloves Fresh garlic (Finely minced)
- 40 g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with kitchen paper. Place in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 200°C for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the wings using tongs. Air fry for another 10–12 minutes at 200°C until golden, crisp, and cooked through (juices should run clear).
- While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the grated parmesan.
- Transfer the hot wings to a clean bowl. Pour over the garlic parmesan butter and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and chopped parsley over the wings. Toss again and serve immediately.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy
- Butter → Dairy-free butter alternative — For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 320 kcal
