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–+ servings
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Enjoy these flavorful Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, combining sweetness, spiciness, and tang for a perfect appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 wings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Adds richness; can substitute with olive oil
  • 1 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank's Red Hot) Provides heat; adjust to taste
  • 1 cup honey Sweetens the sauce; can use maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Adds acidity; fresh is best
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning Can make your own with lemon zest and black pepper
For the Wings
  • 1 lb fresh chicken wings (split into drums and flats) Frozen wings can be used if thawed
  • 1 cup cornstarch Creates crispy coating; can substitute with all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika Adds depth; regular paprika is a substitute
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt Enhances flavor; adjust as needed
  • 1.5 teaspoons onion powder Omit if desired
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds heat; can omit for milder wings
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder Boosts spice profile; adjust to taste
For Washing the Wings
  • 2 cups cold water Used to wash the wings
  • 2 cups white vinegar Aids in washing
  • 1 each lime (sliced) Great for flavor and washing; lemon can also be used
For Cooking
  • nonstick cooking spray Use generously to prevent sticking

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • small saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet with wire rack

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Wash the chicken wings in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar for 15-20 minutes; drain and dry thoroughly.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
  3. Combine smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, hot chili powder, and lemon pepper seasoning in a small bowl.
  4. Toss the dried wings in the seasoning blend until well coated.
  5. Add cornstarch to the coated wings and toss until fully coated.
  6. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
  7. Air fry the wings at 390°F for 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes and spraying again halfway through.
  8. While wings cook, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in hot sauce, honey, and lemon juice; stir until heated.
  9. Once wings are done, toss them in the sauce until fully coated.
  10. Serve immediately with dipping sauce and celery sticks.

Nutrition

Serving: 4wingsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure wings are dry before coating for best crispiness. Cook in smaller batches if necessary.

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