Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

Chicken wings: The main protein for this recipe, providing a juicy and tender base for the flavors.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the wings and ensures they become crispy in the air fryer.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the wings.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complements the lemon zest.

Lemon zest: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens up the dish.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the wings.

When preparing chicken wings for the air fryer, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before tossing them in the olive oil and seasonings. This helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the wings become extra crispy during cooking.

• chicken wings - Substitute with chicken drumettes: Drumettes have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for wings.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which works well for air frying.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest offers a comparable citrusy brightness and tanginess to the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar savory depth, though with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the wings soggy.

• Transfer the cooled wings to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the wings snugly to minimize air exposure.

• If you plan to eat the wings within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the wings. Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the wings to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor.

• To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the wings in an oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the wings on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider tossing the reheated wings with a bit of lemon zest and black pepper before serving.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover chicken wings in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning once, until they are hot and the skin is crisp.

• If you prefer the microwave, place the wings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the wings in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and the skin is crispy.

• To reheat using a toaster oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until they are hot and crispy.

• Air fryer: A countertop appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy and golden brown chicken wings without deep frying.

• Large bowl: Used for tossing the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder to ensure they are evenly coated.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

• Zester: A tool used to grate the outer peel of the lemon to obtain lemon zest, which adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the wings.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder to achieve the perfect seasoning balance.

• Plate: Used to place the cooked wings after removing them from the air fryer, allowing them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pre-marinade the wings: Marinate the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder the night before to save time on prep day.

Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup quicker and easier.

Batch cooking: If you have a large batch, cook the wings in multiple batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and reduce overall cooking time.