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Oh my gosh, I can't wait to tell you about these amazing Lemon Garlic Wings I make! The tangy lemon mixed with the rich garlic smells incredible throughout my home whenever I cook them. The air fryer trick makes the outside super crunchy while keeping all the juices locked inside - it totally changes the game!
What Makes These Wings Special
Trust me, these aren't basic wings at all. They've got this fresh lemony kick that makes them stand out. I make them for get-togethers because they're less greasy than regular fried wings but still have that awesome crunch everyone wants. And guess what? They're always the first food to vanish when I serve them!
Your Shopping List
- Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds, already split into flats and drums for easier eating.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze it from 1-2 fresh lemons for that zingy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Around 2 teaspoons grated finely to boost that citrus smell.
- Avocado Oil: 2 tablespoons helps get that crunch since it can handle high heat.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves thrown into the marinade for knockout flavor.
- Seasonings: Some garlic salt, pepper, and paprika to round everything out.
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Mix Your Flavor Sauce
- Throw lemon juice, zest, garlic, avocado oil, and your seasonings into a food processor and run until it's nice and smooth.
- Soak The Wings
- Cover your chicken completely with the mixture and stick them in the fridge for 1-4 hours so they soak up all that goodness.
- Cook In The Air Fryer
- Get your air fryer hot at 390°F (200°C). Cook the wings without crowding for 18-20 minutes, and turn them over halfway.
- Bonus Sauce Option
- Make a little extra marinade to use for dipping or brushing on after they're cooked.
Oven Works Too!
Don't worry if you haven't got an air fryer! Your regular oven works great too. Just heat it to 400°F and cook them on a wire rack over a baking pan for about 30-35 minutes. I usually blast them under the broiler at the end to get them extra crispy and they come out fantastic.
Tasty Dipping Ideas
I always whip up some fun dips with these wings. My top choice is mixing some ranch with fresh lemon juice for extra tang. Want something lighter? Try some Greek yogurt with ranch powder and a squeeze of lemon - it's crazy good!
The Air Fryer Magic
These wings and the air fryer are a match made in heaven. They get so crispy outside using barely any oil compared to deep frying. And they stay so juicy inside too - you really get the best result possible.
Tricks For Success
Always go for real lemons instead of the bottled stuff - the flavor can't be beat. Don't forget to flip your wings halfway or they won't crisp evenly. And remember to give those wings plenty of space in the basket so they can get nice and crunchy all around!
Storing Extras
Got some wings left? That hardly ever happens at my place! But if you do, they'll stay good in the fridge up to 4 days. Warm them back up in the air fryer to make them crispy again. Just don't use the microwave or you'll end up with soft, sad wings.
Great For Every Gathering
I make these wings for everything from watching sports to casual family meals. They work for so many different situations and everybody raves about them. They're awesome with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a dinner that makes everyone happy.
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Common Questions
- → Why blend the marinade ingredients?
Blending makes the sauce smooth so it sticks better to the wings and mixes all the flavors together for better taste.
- → Can I marinate longer than an hour?
The sweet spot is 30 minutes to 1 hour, as the acid in lemon can make the meat mushy if left too long.
- → Why cook in a single layer?
Wings need space to get crispy all around, and cooking in one layer helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
- → Why make extra marinade for dipping?
Fresh dipping sauce adds more flavor and keeps things safe since you're not using sauce that touched raw chicken.
- → Can I use different oil?
Sure, swap in olive oil if you don't have avocado oil. Just pick something that won't smoke at high temps for best results.
Final Thoughts
Mouthwatering wings with zesty lemon and garlic flavors that turn out crunchy and tasty from your air fryer. They're quick to make for snacks or dinner.