Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing delight! Marinated in a tangy mix of lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then air-fried to golden perfection, these wings make the ultimate appetizer or meal. Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, this easy recipe delivers wings that are irresistibly zesty and garlicky in just 30 minutes!
Print
Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
🍋Turn up the flavor with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings! 🐔✨ These wings are bursting with tangy lemon and savory garlic goodness, perfectly crisped to golden perfection. 🌟 Whether you’re hosting game night or craving a snack with a citrusy twist, these wings will have everyone licking their fingers! 😍🔥 Flavor-packed, zesty, and oh-so-delicious—get ready to wing it right!
#LemonGarlicWings #ZestyAndSavory #WingLovers #FlavorExplosion #CrispyPerfection #ChickenWingsGoals #GameDaySnacks #TangyAndTasty #FoodieFavorites #FingerLickinGood 🍋🔥🐔
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings – The star of the show, perfect for air frying.
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp lemon juice – For a bright, tangy kick.
- 2 tsp lemon zest – Adds a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – For bold, garlicky goodness.
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil) – Helps create a crispy, golden exterior.
- 1 tsp garlic salt – For seasoning and enhanced flavor.
- ½ tsp paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – A touch of heat and spice.
For Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a food processor or blender, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oil, garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Blend the ingredients until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken Wings
- Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the wings.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl, ensuring all the wings are coated in the marinade.
- Let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. (Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.)
3. Air Fry the Wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
- Remove the wings from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.)
- Air fry the wings for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking (around the 9-10 minute mark).
4. Optional: Prepare a Dipping Sauce
- While the wings are cooking, prepare a half batch of the marinade as a dipping sauce or glaze.
- Combine all the ingredients listed under “Half Batch Dipping Sauce” and blend until smooth.
- Brush the cooked wings with the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
5. Serve
- Serve the wings immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
- Pair with your favorite sides or enjoy them on their own for a flavorful snack.
Notes
- The lemon juice and zest provide a zesty, refreshing tang.
- The garlic adds bold and savory notes.
- Paprika gives a smoky depth, while garlic salt enhances all the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings – The star of the show, perfect for air frying.
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp lemon juice – For a bright, tangy kick.
- 2 tsp lemon zest – Adds a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – For bold, garlicky goodness.
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil) – Helps create a crispy, golden exterior.
- 1 tsp garlic salt – For seasoning and enhanced flavor.
- ½ tsp paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – A touch of heat and spice.
For Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a food processor or blender, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oil, garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Blend the ingredients until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken Wings
- Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the wings.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl, ensuring all the wings are coated in the marinade.
- Let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. (Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.)
3. Air Fry the Wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
- Remove the wings from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.)
- Air fry the wings for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking (around the 9-10 minute mark).
4. Optional: Prepare a Dipping Sauce
- While the wings are cooking, prepare a half batch of the marinade as a dipping sauce or glaze.
- Combine all the ingredients listed under “Half Batch Dipping Sauce” and blend until smooth.
- Brush the cooked wings with the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
5. Serve
- Serve the wings immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
- Pair with your favorite sides or enjoy them on their own for a flavorful snack.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
These wings are a symphony of flavors:
- The lemon juice and zest provide a zesty, refreshing tang.
- The garlic adds bold and savory notes.
- Paprika gives a smoky depth, while garlic salt enhances all the flavors.
As the wings air fry, your kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma of citrus and garlic. The final result? Crispy, golden-brown wings with a juicy interior that’s bursting with flavor!
Tips and Tricks
- Marinade Time: For even more flavor, marinate the wings overnight.
- Crispy Wings: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the wings crisp up properly.
- Oven Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior without the extra oil, while the marinade infuses every bite with bright citrus and savory garlic flavors.
Perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight dinners, these wings are versatile and irresistible. Pair them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ready to whip up these crispy, juicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings? They’re bound to be a hit with friends and family! 🍋🍗✨