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Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken Wings with Lemon Zest

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Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken Wings with Lemon Zest are crispy, oven-baked or air-fried wings coated in a bold, spicy garlic chili sauce and finished with a bright hit of lemon zest for the perfect flavor contrast. Ideal for parties or spicy food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
  • 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil (optional, for baking)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (e.g., Sambal Oelek)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley or green onion, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss with baking powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet (or in air fryer basket) and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
  4. While wings cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce, stirring well.
  7. Once wings are done, transfer to a large bowl and toss with the spicy garlic chili sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use baking powder (not baking soda) to help wings crisp up in the oven.
  • Adjust chili garlic sauce and pepper flakes to your heat preference.
  • Lemon zest brightens the dish and balances the heat—don’t skip it!
  • These wings can also be grilled for a smoky twist.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/spicy-garlic-chili-chicken-wings-with-lemon-zest/