Get ready to impress with these unbelievably delicious Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet honey, and savory garlic, all coated on perfectly crispy wings thanks to the magic of the air fryer. They're a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fantastic main dish, super easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
📜 Ingredients
1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) halal chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats, wing tips removed
1/4 cup halal soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
1/4 cup honey
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
1 lemon, thinly sliced (for air fryer basket)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
📝 Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using) to create the vibrant marinade.
- Add the prepared chicken wings to the bowl, tossing gently to ensure every wing is thoroughly coated with the flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for the deepest flavor, allow them to marinate for 2-4 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes. This ensures a nice, even crisp from the start.
- Carefully arrange the thinly sliced lemon rounds on the bottom of the air fryer basket. This not only infuses the wings with more citrusy goodness but also helps prevent them from sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken wings in a single layer over the lemon slices, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You'll likely need to cook these in two or more batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the wings to the other side. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the wings are gloriously golden brown, wonderfully crispy, and cooked all the way through (the internal temperature should register 74°C/165°F). For an extra sticky glaze, you can baste the wings with any leftover marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking (ensure it boils in the air fryer to cook off any raw chicken contact, or boil it separately in a small saucepan and brush on during the final 2 minutes).
- Once perfectly cooked, carefully remove the sticky lemon chicken wings from the air fryer. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro if you like.
- Serve these irresistible wings immediately and watch them disappear!
💡 Chef's Tips
- For the crispiest results, ensure your chicken wings are patted very dry with paper towels before you add them to the marinade. Less surface moisture means more crunch!
- These versatile wings are absolutely fantastic served alongside fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. For an extra treat, try them with a simple cooling yogurt-mint dip.
