Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, Juicy, and Lemon Pepper Perfection

Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, Juicy, and Lemon Pepper Perfection

Craving the irresistible crunch of chicken wings without the hassle of deep frying? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This kitchen gadget is a game-changer for achieving perfectly crispy, juicy wings with minimal effort. And today, we're taking it up a notch with a delectable lemon pepper flavor that will have you licking your fingers.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions for Crispy, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

1. Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss the wings in the mixture until evenly coated.
2. Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures they're safe to eat.
3. Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings are air frying, whisk together the lemon juice, melted butter, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Toss and Serve: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Wing Success:

• Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the wings are in a single layer to allow for even cooking and crispiness. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Flip for Even Browning: Flipping the wings halfway through cooking helps achieve a beautiful golden brown exterior on all sides.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of air fryer. Adjust accordingly.

Enjoy Your Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Wings!

This recipe is a great way to enjoy a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. The crispy texture, juicy interior, and tangy lemon pepper flavor will have you coming back for more. So fire up your air fryer and get ready for a delicious treat!

Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the wings before air frying.

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe. I'd love to hear your thoughts!