Start by using a paper towel to pat the chicken wings dry. This will help them crisp up nicely when you cook them. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, salt, and baking powder (only use baking powder for baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings). Sprinkle this dry rub over the wings, making sure they’re completely coated with the seasonings.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Once it's ready, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the wings to the basket with the skin side up, ensuring they aren’t touching. If you have a large batch, you might need to cook them in batches to get them perfectly crispy.
Air fry the wings for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 15 minute mark. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Keep an eye on them as they cook!
Once the wings have cooked for 25 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F. Flip the chicken wings over and cook them for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. You want to make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing reaches 165°F. Feel free to test multiple wings to ensure they’re done.
If any wings are undercooked, air fry them for another 2 to 3 minutes at 400°F until they reach a safe temperature to eat.
For those opting to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and set an oven-safe wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray and set it aside.
Add seasoned chicken wings, skin side up, to the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, removing them from the oven to spray with cooking spray and flipping them every 20 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the wings are cooking, make the sauce! When there are about 15 to 30 minutes left on the wings, add a medium saucepan to the stove and turn the burner to medium heat. Add olive oil and butter.
Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté it for up to 3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
Stir the garlic butter oil and turn the heat down to low. Add in half of the parmesan cheese, along with all the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir regularly to combine for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Transfer the sauce to a large mixing bowl. Once the wings are baked or air-fried, add them to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Plate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings with a drizzle of leftover garlic sauce from the mixing bowl on top. Serve them alongside warmed alfredo sauce, carrots, and celery, topped with extra parmesan cheese and parsley.
