Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Ben Carraoli

Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

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.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 lbs. chicken wings: Look for "party wings" or "drumettes and flats" that are already separated. This saves you a lot of prep time.
¼ cup + 2 Tbsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must. It provides a bright authentic tang that bottled juice just can't match.
2 tsp lemon zest: Don't skip the zest! This is where the essential oils of the lemon are adding an intense citrus aroma and flavor.
4 garlic cloves minced: Freshly minced garlic offers a pungent, spicy kick that mellows perfectly during cooking.
2 Tbsp avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point which is the secret to getting your wings extra crispy without burning. Olive oil works as a substitute.
1 tsp garlic salt: A convenient way to layer more garlic flavor while seasoning the chicken.
½ tsp paprika: This adds a touch of smoky sweetness and gives the wings a beautiful golden-reddish color.
¼ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle heat that balances the other flavors.

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.