Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)

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

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 fresh lemon)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (for garnish, optional)

• 1 teaspoon parsley (freshly chopped, optional for garnish)

Optional Add-ons:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky note)

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

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Zester or microplane (for fresh lemon zest)

• Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel

• Tongs

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

   • Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drying ensures the wings will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

   • If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Save the wing tips for stock if desired.

2. Season the 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, and black pepper over the wings. Toss well to coat evenly.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crisping.

4. Cook the Wings:

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

   • Arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece for proper airflow.

   • Cook the wings at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every 8–10 minutes for even browning.

5. Crisp to Perfection:

   • After 25 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes to give the wings a golden, crispy finish.

6. Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce:

   • While the wings are finishing, combine the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil (or melted butter) in a small bowl. Stir well. Adjust the ratio of lemon juice and zest based on your preference for tanginess.

7. Toss the Wings in Sauce:

   • Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and transfer them to a large bowl.

   • Drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat.

8. Serve:

   • Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter. Garnish with cracked black pepper and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon on the side for extra zing.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to the vibrant flavor of lemon pepper wings. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.

• Make It Spicy: For a spicy variation, add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

• Dry Brine Option: For extra flavor, season the wings with salt and pepper and let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before cooking.

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 to restore their crispiness. Toss with a bit of fresh lemon pepper sauce before serving for added flavor. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings