Parmesan Garlic Crispy Game Day Wings
Posted on March 10, 2026
0 Comments
Share this recipe
These Parmesan garlic crispy game day wings are the ultimate shortcut to restaurant-quality wings that taste like you spent hours making them, but they're actually ready in minutes! Starting with PERDUE AIR FRYER READY ROASTED CRISPY WINGS from Costco (which are already seasoned and pre-cooked, so they just need to be heated and crisped), you air fry them until they're hot and crackling crispy, then toss them in the most incredible buttery garlic spice blend that takes them from good to absolutely crave-worthy. The garlic butter is where the magic happens: you melt butter with freshly minced garlic (cooking it just until fragrant but not browned so it stays sweet and aromatic), then stir in garlic powder for double garlic punch, onion powder for savory depth, smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, black pepper, and salt. This warm, fragrant butter gets tossed with the hot wings so every single piece is coated in garlicky goodness. But here's the pro move that makes these truly restaurant-quality: after tossing in the garlic butter, you pop the wings back in the air fryer for just 1 more minute. This locks in all that garlic flavor while re-crisping the skin so you get the best of both worlds: intensely flavored wings that are still shatteringly crispy, not soggy. Right after that final air fry, you toss the wings with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the powdered kind) which melts slightly onto the hot wings and creates this salty, umami-rich coating, plus fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. A light squeeze of lemon at the end adds brightness that cuts through the richness and makes you want to reach for another wing immediately. These are perfect for game day, bracket season, Super Bowl parties, casual weeknight dinners, or anytime you want wings that taste gourmet but require minimal effort. They're crispy, garlicky, cheesy, and absolutely addictive!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do you put them back in the air fryer after tossing in butter?
A: This is the secret to keeping the wings crispy! When you toss hot wings in butter or sauce, the moisture can make the skin soggy. By returning them to the air fryer for just 1 minute after coating, you re-crisp the exterior while locking in all that garlic butter flavor. It's that final step that makes these taste restaurant-quality instead of soggy takeout wings.
Q: Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the Perdue wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack and bake according to package directions until hot and crispy (usually 15-20 minutes). Toss with the garlic butter, then return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp. The air fryer is faster and makes them extra crispy, but the oven works great too!
Q: How do I keep wings crispy for a party?
A: Keep finished wings warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack (not a flat pan, which traps steam and makes them soggy). Don't stack them or cover them, which creates moisture. If you're making a big batch, cook them in batches and keep finished ones warm while you cook more. They're best served within 30 minutes of cooking for maximum crispiness!
These Parmesan garlic crispy game day wings start with PERDUE AIR FRYER READY ROASTED CRISPY WINGS from Costco and get tossed in buttery garlic spice blend, then re-crisped in the air fryer and finished with fresh Parmesan and parsley. Restaurant-quality wings in minutes
Rate This Recipe!
Preparations
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Course:
Appetizer, Main Course
Calories:
420 kcal (approx. per serving)
Servings:
4
Author:
Ronica Rupan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag PERDUE AIR FRYER READY ROASTED CRISPY WINGS from Costco
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, very finely minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh lemon wedge for squeezing
Instructions
- Cook the Wings Preheat your air fryer according to the package directions on the PERDUE AIR FRYER READY ROASTED CRISPY WINGS. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size. Air fry according to the package instructions until the wings are hot throughout and the skin is crispy and golden. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Butter While the wings are cooking, prepare your garlic butter. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the very finely minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and softened but not browned. Browned garlic tastes bitter, so watch it closely! Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix everything together, then remove from heat and set aside. The butter should be warm but not hot when you toss the wings.
- Toss the Wings in Garlic Butter Transfer the hot, crispy wings from the air fryer to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter over the wings. Using tongs, toss the wings quickly and thoroughly to coat every piece evenly in the garlicky butter. Make sure every wing gets some of that delicious coating!
- Re-Crisp in the Air Fryer This step is key! Return the butter-coated wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 1 more minute at the same temperature. This short blast of heat locks in all the garlic flavor while re-crisping the skin so you don't end up with soggy wings. Don't skip this step, it makes all the difference!
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley Immediately after the final air fry, transfer the wings back to your bowl (or to a serving platter). While they're still piping hot, toss with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. The heat from the wings will melt the Parmesan slightly, creating an amazing cheesy coating. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat and a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve Immediately Serve the wings immediately while they're hot and at peak crispiness! These are perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra garlic aioli.
Cooking hacks and tips
- Mince garlic very finely for even distribution: The finer you mince the garlic, the more evenly it distributes in the butter and coats the wings. Use a garlic press, microplane, or mince it by hand until it's almost paste-like. Big chunks of garlic will clump together and some wings won't get any while others get too much.
- Don't let the garlic brown: Cook the minced garlic in butter just until fragrant (30-60 seconds), stirring constantly. Once it starts to smell amazing, immediately add your spices and remove from heat. Browned or burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin your garlic butter. Keep the heat on medium-low and watch it closely!
- Use freshly grated Parmesan, not the powdered stuff: Freshly grated Parmesan from a block melts onto the hot wings and creates a real cheesy coating with amazing flavor. The pre-grated or powdered Parmesan in the green can doesn't melt the same way and has preservatives that affect the texture. Buy a block of Parm and grate it yourself, it's worth it!
- Work quickly when tossing: Toss the wings in the garlic butter while both the wings and butter are hot. This helps the butter coat evenly and doesn't solidify. If the butter starts to solidify, just pop the bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds to re-melt it slightly before tossing.
- Make them spicy: If you want heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter, toss the finished wings in a drizzle of hot honey, or add more red pepper flakes at the end. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side so everyone can control their own heat level!
More Recipes
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Hey! It’s Ronica!
This is where I love to share my passion for cooking, baking, and flavor. When I’m not creating delicious recipes, you’ll find me spending time with my family, working on my spice blends at Flora & Mana, or enjoying a homemade baked goods. Join me on this culinary journey to taste, healthy meals and fun kitchen hacks!
Read MoreWe'd Love to Hear from you!
Drop a Comment Below!
Leave a Reply
Get recipes first!
Subscribe now to get exclusive recipes, kitchen tips, and cooking inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
No comments yet