Pin it
Man, I gotta tell you about these amazing Lemon Garlic Wings I whip up! The mix of tangy lemon with the rich garlic scent takes over my whole kitchen when I cook them. I've found that using an air fryer gives them this awesome crunch on the outside while they stay super moist inside – it's seriously changed the way I make wings.
What Makes These Wings Special
These wings stand out from the crowd. That zingy lemon taste makes them really different and fresh. They're my party go-to since they're not as fatty as regular fried wings but still have that incredible crunch everybody wants. And trust me, they vanish from the plate faster than anything else I serve!
Your Ingredient List
- Chicken Wings: 2 lbs split into drumettes and flats for easier eating.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze 1-2 fresh lemons for that zingy kick.
- Lemon Zest: 2 teaspoons finely grated to boost that citrus punch.
- Avocado Oil: 2 tablespoons helps get that crispy finish thanks to its high heat tolerance.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves mixed into the marinade for incredible flavor.
- Seasonings: A mix of garlic salt, black pepper, and paprika creates the perfect taste balance.
Simple Cooking Steps
- Mix Your Marinade
- Combine the lemon juice, zest, garlic, avocado oil, and all seasonings in a food processor and blend until it's nice and smooth.
- Soak Those Wings
- Thoroughly cover your chicken wings with the mixture and let them sit in the fridge anywhere from 1 to 4 hours so they soak up all that flavor.
- Cook Them Up
- Get your air fryer hot at 390°F (200°C). Then cook your wings in one layer for about 18-20 minutes, making sure to turn them once halfway.
- Bonus Sauce Option
- Make a little extra marinade to use as a dipping sauce or brush on your cooked wings for more flavor.
Oven Option Works Too
Don't worry if you haven't got an air fryer! Toss them in your oven at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for around 30-35 minutes. I usually hit them with the broiler for a minute at the end to get them extra crispy and they come out fantastic.
Great Dip Ideas
I always make some awesome dips with these wings. My top choice is ranch mixed with a splash of fresh lemon juice for extra tang. If you want something lighter, try mixing Greek yogurt with some ranch seasoning and lemon juice – it's way better than you'd expect!
The Air Fryer Advantage
Using an air fryer for these wings is a game-changer. They get super crispy using barely any oil compared to deep frying. And they stay so juicy inside – you really can't beat that combo.
Tricks For Success
Always grab fresh lemons instead of bottled juice – the taste difference is huge. Don't forget to flip your wings halfway through cooking so they get crispy all over. And remember to keep space between your wings in the air fryer basket so they can get properly crunchy!
Storing Your Wings
If you end up with extras (which hardly ever happens at my place!), they'll stay good in your fridge for about 4 days. Just throw them back in the air fryer to crisp them up again. Don't use the microwave though – they'll end up all soft and weird.
Serve Them Anytime
I make these wings for everything from watching sports to regular family dinners. They work for so many different occasions and everyone always loves them. My favorite way to serve them is with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables to make a complete meal the whole family enjoys.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should I blend the marinade?
Blending ensures the mixture is smooth and evenly coats the wings, helping all the flavors blend perfectly.
- → Can I marinate the wings longer?
While an hour is best, leaving them too long can make the chicken too soft from the lemon juice.
- → Why spread the wings in one layer?
Laying them flat ensures even cooking and crispy skin all around in the air fryer.
- → Why make a fresh marinade for dipping?
Using fresh marinade keeps the dipping sauce safe and adds extra flavor without any raw chicken contamination.
- → What oils can I use instead?
You can switch avocado oil for olive oil or any neutral, high smoke point oil for frying.
Conclusion
Crisp and savory lemon garlic chicken wings made effortlessly in an air fryer. Ideal for casual meals or entertaining guests.