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I'm excited to share my favorite Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings recipe with you! Every time I make these wings the combination of zesty lemon and savory garlic fills my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Using the air fryer gives them that perfect crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside it's absolutely game-changing.
Why You'll Love These Wings
These aren't your ordinary wings. The bright lemony flavor makes them so unique and refreshing. I love serving them at parties because they're healthier than deep-fried wings but still have that amazing crunch everyone craves. Plus they're always the first to disappear at gatherings!
Everything You Need
- Chicken Wings: 2 lbs of party wings, separated into "wing" and "drumette" for convenience.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed from 1-2 lemons for tangy brightness.
- Lemon Zest: 2 teaspoons of finely grated zest for enhanced citrus aroma.
- Avocado Oil: 2 tablespoons to ensure crispy wings with a high smoke point.
- Garlic: 4-5 fresh cloves for bold flavor, blended into the marinade.
- Seasonings: Garlic salt, black pepper, and paprika for a savory, well-rounded taste.
Let's Make Them Together
- Prepare the Marinade
- Blend lemon juice, zest, garlic, avocado oil, and seasonings in a food processor until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken
- Coat the chicken wings evenly in the marinade and refrigerate for 1-4 hours to absorb flavors.
- Air Fry the Wings
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Cook wings in a single layer for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Optional Dipping Sauce
- Make extra marinade to serve as a dip or brush over cooked wings for added flavor.
No Air Fryer? No Problem!
You can make these delicious wings in your oven too! Just set it to 400°F and bake them on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 30-35 minutes. I like to give them a quick broil at the end for extra crispiness they turn out just as amazing.
Perfect Dipping Partners
I love creating special dips for these wings. My favorite is mixing ranch dressing with fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. For a lighter option try Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning and lemon it's surprisingly delicious!
Why Air Frying Works
The air fryer is truly magical with these wings. They get so perfectly crispy using just a fraction of the oil needed for deep frying. Plus they stay incredibly juicy inside it's the best of both worlds.
My Best Tips
Always use fresh lemons the flavor is so much better than bottled juice. Don't skip flipping the wings halfway through cooking it ensures even crispiness. And whatever you do don't overcrowd that air fryer basket those wings need space to get crispy!
Keep Them Fresh
If you have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!) they'll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just pop them back in the air fryer to crisp them up again. Skip the microwave though it makes them soggy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These wings are my go-to for everything from game day parties to casual family dinners. They're so versatile and always get rave reviews. I love serving them with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal everyone loves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why blend the marinade ingredients?
Blending creates a smooth marinade that coats evenly and helps the flavors combine better for maximum taste.
- → Can I marinate longer than an hour?
While 30 minutes to 1 hour is ideal, too long in the lemon marinade can start to break down the meat texture.
- → Why cook in a single layer?
A single layer ensures even cooking and helps the wings get crispy on all sides in the air fryer.
- → Why make extra marinade for dipping?
Fresh marinade for dipping provides extra flavor and ensures food safety since it hasn't touched raw chicken.
- → Can I use different oil?
Yes, olive oil can be substituted for avocado oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
Conclusion
Delicious lemon garlic chicken wings that are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.