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Description
Crispy and zesty lemon pepper chicken wings made easily in your air fryer. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, perfect for a quick weeknight meal, game day appetizer, or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- While the wings are cooking, prepare the lemon pepper sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a clean large bowl.
- Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the hot wings and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy lemon pepper air fryer wings.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, ensure the wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spice.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled, but fresh will provide a brighter flavor.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg