Description
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, cooked to crispy perfection using the air fryer for a healthier twist. These wings are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal appetizer or dinner option with a zesty homemade sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 12 Chicken wings, wings and drums separated
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper
- ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ tablespoon Seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- ½ cup Hot sauce
- ¼ cup Honey
- 1 whole Lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.
- Season the Wings: Add olive oil, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the wings. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure each wing is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer tray with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the tray without overlapping; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry the Wings: Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the wings for 10 minutes. After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer, flip the wings over, then continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes until they are crispy and fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: While the wings cook, preheat a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the hot sauce, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and Cajun seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them directly into the skillet with the hot honey lemon pepper sauce, or place the sauce in a bowl and toss the wings until they are fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot as a delicious appetizer or main course. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and a mild kick of spice.
Notes
- For a crispy exterior, ensure wings are patted dry before seasoning.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, wings can be baked in a preheated oven at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce in the sauce.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping of wings.
