Name: Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 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.; 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

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Author: Paula Susan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes