Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are super juicy and packed with flavor! They're cooked in the air fryer which is my favorite healthier alternative to deep frying. This is the perfect appetizer to serve at parties or on game day!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthy - This delicious chicken wing recipe is surprisingly super healthy! They're made with simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer which is a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Plus, they're gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo friendly, and a great source of protein!
Delicious - Homemade Lemon Pepper Wings are a family favorite! They're marinaded in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that gives them a unique flavor profile. They have super crispy skin, and the meat is tender and juicy on the inside!
Easy - If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, this is the recipe for you! They're made with a few basic ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now. Just mix, toss, and air fry!
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Wings - My favorite free range chicken brands are Butcher Box and Bell & Evans. You can use chicken wings, chicken drumsticks or a combo of both like I did!
- Fresh Lemon - I recommend using a fresh lemon for this recipe since you will also need to grate it for the zest!
- Honey - Any honey will work with this recipe! My favorite brand is Local Hive Honey. If you don't have honey, you can swap for maple syrup.
- Seasoning - You'll need a few simple spices - salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to add your own variation! Onion powder and paprika would also taste delicious.
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Making the Marinade
Start by whisking together the honey, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Marinading the Chicken
Next, pour the raw chicken wings into the large bowl with the lemon marinade. Mix together until they are fully coated.
Step 3: Air Frying the Chicken Wings
Place the chicken wings on a parchment paper lined tray or a greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 375 degrees for about 18-20 minutes.
Step 4: Serving
Serve hot with an extra drizzle of honey and a side of fresh lemon slices.
Wing Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor. (Make sure you cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a reusable cover.)
- For best results, pat dry chicken with paper towels before adding to the marinade.
- Drizzle extra honey on top of the cooked wings.
- If you don't have an air fryer, bake the wings at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
- For an extra kick of spice, use hot honey instead of regular honey!
- To make sure they're super crispy, flip the wings halfway through air frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check that the internal temperature is 165 degrees with a meat thermometer.
When cooking in the air fryer, do not overcrowd the basket or baking tray. Keeping the chicken wings spaced out will allow them to get super crispy!
Yes! Just make sure you line the baking tray with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. If you're using an air fryer basket, make sure you use a nonstick spray to keep the chicken from sticking to the bottom.
How to store leftovers
Leftover wings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat, microwave for about 60 seconds or air fry at 350 degrees for about 2-3 minutes.
More air fryer recipes!
After you make these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe Card
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper or Non-Stick Spray
Ingredients
- 1.5 Pounds Chicken Wings
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1+½ Tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil Or avocado oil.
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Next, pour the raw chicken wings into the large bowl with the lemon marinade. Mix together until they are fully coated.
- Place the chicken wings on a parchment paper lined tray or a greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 375 degrees for about 18-20 minutes.
- Serve hot with an extra drizzle of honey!
Notes
Wing Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor. (Make sure you cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a reusable cover.)
- For best results, pat dry chicken with paper towels before adding to the marinade.
- Drizzle extra honey on top of the cooked wings.
- If you don't have an air fryer, bake the wings at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
- For an extra kick of spice, use hot honey instead of regular honey!
- To make sure they're super crispy, flip the wings halfway through air frying.
How to store & reheat leftovers
Leftover wings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave for about 60 seconds or air fry at 350 degrees for about 2-3 minutes. **See full post for more information and step by step photos.Nutrition
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