Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds turkey wings (split into drumettes and flats, or whole if preferred)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 fresh lemons)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for added tang)

Optional Add-ons:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (for a touch of heat)

• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Zester or microplane (for lemon zest)

• Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel

• Tongs

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Wings:

   • Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing moisture ensures the skin gets crispy during cooking.

   • If using whole wings, cut them into drumettes and flats with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

     
     

2. Season the Turkey Wings:

   • Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

   • Drizzle olive oil over the wings to help the seasoning adhere.

   • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest over the wings. Toss until evenly coated.

     
     

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes. Turkey wings require a lower temperature to cook evenly due to their size.

     
     

4. Cook the Turkey Wings:

   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil.

   • Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space around each piece for proper air circulation.

   • Air fry at 360°F for 25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

     
     

5. Crisp to Perfection:

   • Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes. This final step crisps the skin to a golden, caramelized finish.

     
     

6. Add the Lemon Juice:

   • Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss gently to coat.

     
     

7. Serve:

   • Arrange the wings on a serving platter. Garnish with additional lemon zest, a sprinkle of parsley, and red chili flakes for a hint of spice. Serve hot with a side of lemon wedges for extra tang.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving a vibrant, citrusy flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.

• Marinate for Added Flavor: Let the wings marinate in olive oil, lemon zest, and seasonings for 1–2 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.

• Batch Cooking: If your air fryer has a smaller basket, cook the wings in batches to ensure crisping. Keep finished wings warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while preparing additional batches.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. Toss with fresh lemon juice and zest before serving for a burst of flavor. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings