Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe You’ll Ever Make
I just pulled a batch of these lemon garlic chicken wings from the air fryer, and my kitchen smells incredible! The tangy lemon and sharp garlic create a mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist.
They came out so crispy on the outside yet perfectly tender inside. It’s such an easy and rewarding recipe. After this, if you’re looking for another creative dish, you should explore our guide for the Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Having made this recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make these wings even more spectacular.
- I always pat the chicken wings completely dry with a paper towel before adding the marinade. This helps the skin get much crispier in the air fryer.
- For an even more powerful flavor punch, I let the wings marinate for the full hour. The extra time allows the lemon and garlic to deeply penetrate the meat.
- I recommend making a separate, half-batch of the marinade to use as a dipping sauce. It’s fantastic for dipping the hot, crispy wings into. Just don’t use the marinade that the raw chicken was in!
- If you have time, let the marinated wings sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before air frying. This helps them cook more evenly.
Variations To Try
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also easy to customize. If you’re looking for new dinner recipes, simple swaps can transform this dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for some extra heat.
- Herby Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro into the marinade for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Dairy-Free Dip: For a creamy dipping sauce without dairy, blend a ripe avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice, a clove of garlic, and a little water until smooth.
- Oven-Baked Method: No air fryer? No problem. Bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. For crispier skin, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much to make this delicious recipe happen. Here is the essential equipment:
- Air Fryer: For achieving that perfectly crispy texture with minimal oil.
- Food Processor or Blender: To create a smooth and well-combined marinade.
- Large Bowl or Resealable Bag: For marinating the chicken wings effectively.
- Tongs: For safely flipping and removing the hot wings from the air fryer.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
Presentation can make a great dish even better. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these zesty wings:
- Serve them hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
- Pair them with a cool, creamy dip like a Greek yogurt ranch or a simple blue cheese dressing.
- For a complete appetizer platter, serve them alongside celery and carrot sticks.
- These wings make a great main course served with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. For a sweet finish to the meal, consider our Churro Saltine Toffee Recipe.

Calories Count
Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 350-450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing them properly keeps them delicious for later.
- Let the wings cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, arrange the cooled wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
- Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this will become a go-to recipe in your home.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of zesty lemon and pungent garlic creates a bold, unforgettable taste.
- Healthier Than Fried: Air frying gives you that deep-fried crispiness with a fraction of the oil, making it a better-for-you option.
- Fast and Easy: With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute appetizer.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: The universally loved lemon garlic flavor makes these wings a hit at any party or family gathering.
Generic Details
When making this recipe, remember that every air fryer cooks a little differently. It’s a good idea to check on your wings a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure they aren’t overcooking.
The size of your wings will also affect the cooking time, so adjust as needed. If you don’t have avocado oil, any high-smoke-point oil like grapeseed or canola will also work well to achieve that desired crispiness.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, let’s prepare the heart of this recipe—the marinade. Combine your fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, avocado oil, garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend all the ingredients until they form a relatively smooth, cohesive mixture. This will ensure every wing gets evenly coated in flavor.
- Next, place your chicken wings in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the blended marinade over the wings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, arrange the marinated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.