Garlic-Parmesan wings are a staple on many menus, yet often disappoint with their blandness or greasy texture. This recipe, tested in Serious Eats’ Birmingham kitchen, solves that problem by leveraging the speed and precision of an air fryer. The result? Consistently crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich, savory flavor – all achieved without deep frying.
Why Air Frying Makes All The Difference
The air fryer’s intense, circulating heat mimics deep frying without the mess or oil. It cooks wings in around 25 minutes, a fraction of the time an oven takes, and delivers superior results. The high heat quickly renders fat, creating blistered skin while keeping the interior tender. This method is ideal for wings, which have enough natural fat for crisping without becoming dry.
A key technique borrowed from oven-fried wing recipes is tossing the wings with salt and baking powder. This raises the skin’s pH, promoting better browning and a satisfying crunch. Letting the wings rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours allows deeper seasoning.
Two Simple Rules for Air Fryer Success
To achieve perfect air-fried wings, two things matter most:
- Avoid Overcrowding: Wings need space for heat circulation. Cook in batches if necessary; a 6-quart or larger air fryer can handle about 2 pounds at a time.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting hot ensures immediate sizzling, jump-starting crisping instead of steaming.
The Effortless Garlic-Parmesan Sauce
The sauce is as quick as the cooking method: butter and minced garlic are gently microwaved until bubbling, softening the garlic without burning it. Grated Parmesan, parsley, and salt are stirred in while hot, creating a glossy coating that clings to the wings. Microwaving eliminates the risk of scorching and avoids extra cleanup.
Tossed while hot, the sauce coats every ridge and blister, maintaining maximum crispness. Serve immediately with ranch and lemon wedges. Leftovers are unlikely.
These wings prove that great flavor and texture don’t require hours of effort or a vat of oil. The air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
