Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
These lemon garlic chicken wings are a delight with their crisp, slightly blistered skin and bright, tangy finish. The air fryer is perfect for this dish as it ensures the wings remain crispy by stripping away surface moisture while the chicken fat bastes the skin from within.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats, tips removed if attached
- 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp baking powder, not bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- ½ tsp onion granules
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, added after cooking
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated or crushed
- 25 g unsalted butter, melted, or 2 tbsp olive oil for a dairy-free version
- 1 tbsp runny honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley or fresh coriander
- Extra lemon wedges, to serve
Method
- Pat the wings very dry with kitchen paper, especially in the folds around the joint, then put them in a large bowl.
- Mix the salt, baking powder, garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then sprinkle over the wings with the lemon zest and oil. Toss for a full minute until every piece feels lightly tacky rather than powdery.
- If time allows, spread the seasoned wings on a plate or tray and refrigerate uncovered for 1–8 hours; if not, cook them straight away.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the wings skin-side up where you can, leaving small gaps between pieces; cook in batches if the basket is crowded.
- Air fry at 190°C for 12 minutes, then turn each wing with tongs rather than just shaking the basket.
- Cook for a further 8–10 minutes at 190°C, until the wings are golden and the fat has visibly rendered into the base of the basket. The internal temperature should be at least 75°C.
- Increase the temperature to 205°C and cook for 3–5 minutes more, turning once if needed, until the skin looks crisp and lightly blistered at the edges.
- While the wings finish, stir the melted butter, grated garlic, lemon juice, and honey together in a large bowl.
- Tip the hot wings into the lemon garlic butter and toss for 20–30 seconds only, then add parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
