Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

There are a lot of different ways to make chicken wings. But, slow cooker wings are in a category all their own. They are juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

The best results (in my opinion) come when you finish them off under a broiler or air fryer. This marries the juicy deliciousness of crock pot chicken with a satisfying crispy crunch.

📝Shopping list

To make crock pot chicken wings you will need:

Chicken wing pieces - drummettes and wingettes

Butter - melted

Parmesan cheese - grated

Garlic - minced

Chives - dried or fresh

Cooking spray - or nonstick spray of choice

This delicious wing recipe was born because I got a new toy! It is a special lid that literally turns your slow cooker into an air fryer. There are so many slow-cooked dishes that could be made even better by adding a little bit of crisp or crunch - this gadget was calling my name!

This gadget let me make this great appetizer without having to move the wings. Tender, juicy, crunchy, and less mess! Less mess = extra laziness!

Even if you don't have an air fryer lid, this is a super easy chicken wing recipe. And regardless of how you finish it off, you can use your slow cooker to keep your garlic parmesan wings warm while serving.

🥣How to make amazing wings

Start by spraying your slow cooker with a non-stick spray of choice. Next, place raw chicken wings into your slow cooker.

Put aside some parmesan cheese to be added at the end. Add the remaining ingredients on top of your wings and stir to coat.

Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.

If you want, you can stop here! This is a great alternative that will produce show-stoppingly delicious wings!

Crispy skin

However, to take your wings to the next level, go for crispy skin! If you have an air fryer lid, just cover your slow cooker and go!

Otherwise, place cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place pan in preheated oven under the broiler OR in an air fryer. The key is to expose them to high heat for a short period of time. This will make them crispy, but keep them juicy and perfect.

Broil chicken wings for 2 or so minutes per side or air fry for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to watch broiled wings carefully, they can go from done to burned very quickly.  

With my new gadget, I air-fried one side for 8 minutes and then turned the wings and did the other side for 5.

Lazy Tip: For easy clean-up, cover baking sheet with aluminum foil prior to cooking. For air fryer clean-up, I love these pre-cut parchment paper liners

Are you a fan of spicy food? Serve some hot sauce on the side for sprinkling or dipping. Buffalo sauce, Buffalo Wild Wings sauce, or barbecue sauce can all be served on the side for additional dipping.

Do you have a different favorite sauce? This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken wings recipe complements almost everything. If you have a complimentary sauce you serve with these, please let me know about it in the comment section below!

Storing leftovers

Leftover chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will last for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated.

😉Hints & hacks

1. I have not tried this easy recipe with boneless chicken wings yet. If you do, please let me know how it goes in the comment section below.
2. You can buy wings already split into their various parts. However, buying them as whole wings and cutting them up can be a more economical option.
3. Slow cooker liners are an optional but helpful hack whenever using a crockpot. They allow you to cook with little to no cleanup. I like to buy mine in bulk for a better per-piece price. 
4. Not a fan of slow cooker liners? Parchment paper also works with this recipe and will leave you with virtually zero slow cooker clean up. 
5. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!