If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly crispy, and offers a trio of irresistible tastes, look no further than this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe. This dish is an absolute winner that brings together the satisfying crunch of air-fried wings with the rich cheesy notes of Parmesan, the tangy heat of buffalo, and the sweet-savory punch of teriyaki. Whether you’re hosting game night, weekend gatherings, or just want an elevated snack, these wings deliver a sensational experience that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these incredible wings right is all about using straightforward, quality ingredients that build on each other to create amazing flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s for the crispiness, the bold seasoning, or the final layer of delicious sauce and garnish.
- 1 ½ pounds wing portions: Choose wingettes or drummettes; fresh or thawed wings work best for an even cook and crisp finish.
- 1 ½ tablespoons oil: Avocado or olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps the seasonings stick while promoting a golden crisp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds robust aroma and depth that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning inside and out; adjusts according to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a touch of heat and balances the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch): The secret to that addictive, crackly skin, locking in moisture beneath.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brings luscious richness, especially complementing the Parmesan wings.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: This nutty cheese adds sharp, salty flavor and pairs beautifully with parsley.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens up the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce: For those who love a classic, tangy, and spicy kick.
- Green onions, chopped: Adds a mild, crisp oniony crunch to buffalo wings.
- ¾ cup teriyaki sauce: Sweet and savory glaze that gives the wings an irresistible Asian-inspired twist.
- Cilantro, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, perfect paired with teriyaki flavors.
- Roasted peanuts, chopped: Adds delightful crunch and nutty depth to teriyaki wings.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by heating your air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes. This priming ensures a hot environment which is essential for crisping the wings beautifully as soon as they hit the basket.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, combine the oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper for a simple but flavorful marinade. Toss your wings in this mixture until every piece is nicely coated. This step infuses the wings with a savory base that shines through all three styles.
Step 3: Coat with Starch
Sprinkle the wings with cornstarch or tapioca starch and toss again. This coating is a game changer, creating the ultra-crispy exterior that air fryer wings are famous for without drying out the meat.
Step 4: Arrange Wings for Air Frying
Place your wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding because you want hot air to circulate freely around each wing for maximum crispness. If you have a smaller air fryer (under 6 quarts), consider cooking in batches.
Step 5: Cook the Wings
Set the timer for 24 minutes, remembering to flip or shake the basket every 4 to 5 minutes. This step guarantees even cooking and that incredibly satisfying crunch on every side.
Step 6: Increase Temperature for Extra Crispness
Raise the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the wings for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This final blast of high heat locks in the crisp exterior that makes these wings so addictive.
Step 7: Style Your Wings
Now comes the fun part where you transform your perfectly cooked wings into three distinct styles:
- Parmesan Garlic Wings: Drizzle melted butter over the wings, then toss with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley until well coated for that irresistible cheesy flair.
- Buffalo Wings: Toss wings thoroughly in buffalo wing sauce and finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for classic tangy heat with a fresh crunch.
- Teriyaki Wings: Coat the wings in teriyaki sauce then garnish with chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts for a sweet-savory, textured delight.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes elevates these wings beyond ordinary. The fresh herbs like parsley, green onions, and cilantro bring a burst of brightness, while roasted peanuts for teriyaki wings add an unexpected crunch. Don’t skip these final touches — they round out the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your wings with crisp celery sticks and classic blue cheese or ranch dressing for a traditional pairing. For a heartier option, creamy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad balance the richness and heat perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arranging these three wing styles side by side on a large platter is always a crowd-pleaser. You can also serve them with dipping bowls of extra buffalo sauce, Parmesan, or teriyaki. Why not try skewering a few wings and garnishes on bamboo sticks for a fun finger food presentation at your next gathering?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crispness will soften slightly, but the flavors remain wonderfully intact.
Freezing
If you want to save wings for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and allows you to keep wings up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back crispiness when reheating, use your air fryer again at 375°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the wings without drying them out, making your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and air frying to get the crispiest results.
What if I don’t have cornstarch or tapioca starch?
Arrowroot powder works well as a substitute, or even a light dusting of all-purpose flour, though starches tend to produce a crispier texture.
Can I make just one style instead of all three?
Definitely! The recipe is versatile, so you can stick to your favorite style or try one batch of each for variety.
How spicy are the buffalo wings in this recipe?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. You can use milder or hotter sauces to customize the spice to your liking.
Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free starch and sauces, this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe is perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe is a total game changer when it comes to enjoying wings at home. The crispy skin, the bold flavor trio, and the ease of using an air fryer make it a go-to for any occasion. I’m genuinely excited for you to try it and discover your favorite style — these wings never disappoint!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan, Buffalo, and Teriyaki Styles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 wings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe delivers perfectly crispy wings with three delicious flavor options: Parmesan Garlic, Buffalo, and Teriyaki. Using an air fryer allows for a healthier, less oily alternative to traditional fried wings, while still maintaining exceptional crunch and taste. Quick to prep and cook, these wings are ideal for game day, parties, or a flavorful weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1 ½ pounds wing portions (wingettes or drummettes)
- 1 ½ tablespoons oil (avocado or olive)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
Parmesan Garlic Wings Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Buffalo Wings Sauce
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce (homemade or store bought)
- Green onions (finely chopped, for garnish)
Teriyaki Wings Sauce
- ¾ cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store bought)
- Cilantro (finely chopped, for garnish)
- Roasted peanuts (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Heat the air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature for crispy wings.
- Prepare Wing Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Coat Wings: Add the chicken wing portions to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the garlic oil mixture.
- Add Starch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the coated wings and toss again to cover them completely, which helps achieve a crisp crust while cooking.
- Arrange Wings in Air Fryer: Place the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even air circulation. If using an air fryer smaller than 6 quarts, cook the wings in two batches for best results.
- Air Fry Wings: Cook the wings for a total of 24 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the wings every 4-5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Increase Crispiness: After the initial cooking, raise the air fryer temperature to 400°F and air fry the wings for an additional 1-2 minutes to maximize crispiness.
- Parmesan Garlic Wings: Drizzle the cooked wings with melted butter, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, then toss well to coat all the wings in the flavorful mixture.
- Buffalo Wings: Toss the cooked wings in buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated and garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.
- Teriyaki Wings: Toss the cooked wings with teriyaki sauce until completely coated. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, flipping or shaking the basket every few minutes during cooking is important to ensure even browning.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, tapioca starch works as a perfect substitute for crispiness.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Use homemade sauces if possible for better flavor control, but store-bought sauces work well too.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the wings and your air fryer model.
- Rest wings for a few minutes after cooking before tossing with sauces to help them retain crispiness.
