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- 2 lbs chicken wings - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make these wings, you need fresh chicken wings. I like to use about 2 pounds. The olive oil helps the wings get crispy. Lemon zest and juice give them that fresh, tangy flavor. Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt pack in extra taste. Fresh parsley is great for a colorful finish. When you gather these ingredients, make sure your lemon is fresh. The zest and juice will be the stars of the show. Each spice adds a layer of flavor, so don’t skip any. They all work together to make your wings tasty and bright. These crispy and flavorful wings are perfect for any gathering. You can serve them as a snack or part of a meal. Enjoy the zesty flavor that brightens up your day! Pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness. Moisture makes wings soggy. Removing it helps the skin get crispy. You want that crunch with every bite. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well until smooth. Add the chicken wings and coat them fully. Let the wings marinate for at least 20 minutes. For a stronger flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Place a single layer of wings in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 25-30 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through to cook evenly. They should look golden brown and crispy. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). If not, cook them a few more minutes. To get those wings nice and crispy, space them out in the air fryer. If they touch, they won't crisp well. You want hot air to flow all around each wing. Also, use a light cooking spray. This adds extra crunch to the skin. A little bit goes a long way! Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding some spices. Smoked paprika can give a nice twist. You can also add dried thyme or oregano for a fresh taste. If you want to change the citrus, use lime or orange. Each option brings its own zest! Marinate your wings for at least 20 minutes. This helps them soak up all that flavor. For even better taste, let them sit overnight in the fridge. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they get. Just make sure to keep them covered! {{image_2}} You can enjoy these wings with tasty dips. Here are some ideas: - Ranch dressing - Blue cheese dressing - Honey mustard You can also glaze your wings after cooking. Brush on more lemon juice or a light honey glaze for extra flavor. Want to spice things up? Add hot sauce to your marinade. A teaspoon or two will do the trick! If you prefer milder wings, skip the hot sauce. You can also use sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the wings on a baking sheet and cook for 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. You can also fry the wings on the stovetop. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the wings for about 10 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. To keep your lemon pepper wings fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place the cooled wings in an airtight container. This helps to maintain their flavor and texture. You can also use plastic wrap or a sealed bag. Make sure to squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat the wings, you want to keep them crispy. The best way is to use the air fryer again. Heat it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-8 minutes. This method revives the crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the wings soggy. If you must use a microwave, place a paper towel under the wings to absorb moisture. If you have extra wings, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together. To enjoy, thaw the wings in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing them in hot water, as it can ruin the texture. I usually air fry lemon pepper wings for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy. Check that the wings reach 165°F inside. If they're not done, add a few more minutes. The time might change based on your air fryer model. Always keep an eye on them for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just add extra time to cook. I recommend air frying them for 30 to 35 minutes. You do not need to thaw them first. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Make sure to check the internal temperature for safety. Lemon pepper wings pair well with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Celery sticks: They add crunch and freshness. - Carrot sticks: A sweet, colorful option. - Fries: Crispy fries make a classic combo. - Coleslaw: A creamy side for balance. For drinks, try pairing with a cold beer or lemonade. Garnish your wings with some extra lemon zest and chopped parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look fancy and tasty! This post covered how to make delicious lemon pepper chicken wings. We discussed the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking techniques. I shared tips for crispiness and flavor boosts. You also learned some great storage options and variations to try. Experimenting with wings is fun and tasty. With these steps, you can make them just right. Enjoy your wings, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Get ready to savor the flavor with these crispy air fryer lemon pepper wings! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crunchy, these wings are easy to make and sure to impress. With fresh lemon juice and zest, they deliver a tangy kick that’s simply delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs chicken wings

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help them crisp up in the air fryer.

    Marinate: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well.

      Coat the Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they're evenly coated. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor).

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Wings: Place a single layer of wings in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy.

            Check for Doneness: Ensure that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (75°C). If necessary, add a few more minutes of cooking time.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove the wings from the air fryer, sprinkle with additional lemon zest and chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4