Crispy, sticky, sweet and spicy chicken wings – these Lemon Pepper Honey Chicken Wings are the perfect snack or dinner. Made in the air fryer in just 20 minutes, they’re coated in a deliciously sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a casual meal at home, these wings are a crowd-pleaser! Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious wings.
Method
Start by preparing the chicken wings. In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken wings along with the ingredients for the wings: cornflour, baking powder, Caribbean Lemon Peppa seasoning, smoked paprika, onion granules, and garlic granules. Mix everything well, ensuring that each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is important to ensure that the wings are perfectly seasoned and crispy once they’re cooked.
Next, set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Spray the air fryer tray with a light coat of cooking oil to prevent sticking, and place the wings in a single layer on the tray. Don’t overcrowd the wings, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. Give the wings another quick spray of oil on top to help them crisp up. Once the air fryer is ready, cook the wings for 20 minutes. About halfway through the cooking cycle, open the air fryer and turn the wings over to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. After 20 minutes, check the wings to make sure they’re cooked through and crispy. If needed, you can cook them for a few more minutes.
While the wings are cooking, it’s time to make the sauce. About 5 minutes before the wings are done, start preparing the sauce on the stove. In a pan over low heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté the mixture for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the pepper to release its heat. Then, add the Caribbean Lemon Peppa seasoning and smoked paprika, sautéing the mixture for another minute to enhance the flavors. Afterward, stir in the lemon juice, honey, and the cornflour slurry (which is a mixture of cornflour and water). Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes. The cornflour will thicken the sauce, creating a sticky, glossy texture that will coat the wings beautifully.
Once the wings are fully cooked and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them into the pan with the sauce. Toss or mix the wings in the sauce, making sure that each wing is fully coated with the sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. The wings should be glossy and drenched in the sauce. Finally, garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Pan for sauce
- Knife and chopping board
- Tongs or spoon for tossing wings
Lemon Pepper Honey Chicken Wings
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Wings:
1 kg Chicken Wings
1 tbsp Cornflour
1 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tbsp Caribbean Lemon Peppa Seasoning (I use Tropical Sun)
1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Onion Granules
1/2 tsp Garlic Granules
Cooking oil (spray)
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 Small Scotch Bonnet, seeds discarded and finely chopped
1/2 tbsp Caribbean Lemon Peppa Seasoning
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
3 tbsp Honey
Cornflour slurry – 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 1/2 cup water
Garnish:
Fresh parsley
Directions
- In a large bowl, add the chicken wings. To this, add all the ingredients for the wings. Mix them well so the wings are coated evenly with all the seasoning.
- Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes. Spray the air fryer tray with a little oil and place the wings in a single layer. Give the wings another light spray of oil. Halfway through the cooking cycle, turn the wings to ensure they cook evenly. Once the cooking cycle is done, check that the wings are cooked through and crispy.
- About 5 minutes before the cooking cycle finishes, start preparing the sauce. In a pan on low heat, add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and scotch bonnet. Sauté for about a minute, and then add the Lemon Peppa seasoning and smoked paprika. Sauté for another minute to let the spices release their flavor. Add the lemon juice, honey, and cornflour slurry. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Once your wings are done cooking, add them to the pan with the sauce. Toss or mix the wings well to make sure they’re all coated in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Air fryer tip: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up properly.
- Spicy heat: Scotch bonnets are quite hot! If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount or substitute with a milder pepper.
- Sauce thickness: Be mindful when adding the cornflour slurry to the sauce, as it thickens quickly. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these wings with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. They also pair great with some creamy ranch or blue cheese dip for extra flavor.
- For a fun twist, serve them on top of a bed of rice or even with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the scotch bonnet pepper is often used in Caribbean cooking for its fiery heat and fruity flavor? It’s a key ingredient in making dishes like jerk chicken and these Lemon Pepper Honey Wings!
Conclusion
These Lemon Pepper Honey Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory! The air fryer makes cooking so easy, and the sauce adds that extra kick that makes these wings irresistible. Whether you’re making them for dinner or serving them as appetizers, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crispy, sticky goodness with friends and family!
