Crispy Garlic Chicken Wings with Honey Lemon Sauce

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken Wings:**
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

#### 2. **Coat the Wings for Crispiness:**
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together. Dredge each seasoned chicken wing into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. The combination of flour and cornstarch will give the wings that crispy golden exterior.

#### 3. **Fry the Wings:**
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 375°F (190°C), carefully add the wings in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. Fry the wings for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the wings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### 4. **Make the Honey Lemon Sauce:**
While the wings are frying, prepare the honey lemon sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

#### 5. **Toss the Wings in Sauce:**
Once the wings are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey lemon sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly. Be sure every wing is covered with that sweet and tangy glaze.

#### 6. **Serve:**
Transfer the glazed wings to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. These wings are perfect with a side of celery sticks or a refreshing dip like ranch or blue cheese.

### Tips:

– **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier version, you can cook the wings in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– **Extra Crispy:** If you want an even crunchier texture, you can double-fry the wings. After the first fry, let them rest for a few minutes and then fry them for another 3-4 minutes.
– **Adjust the Sauce:** If you prefer a spicier version, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey lemon sauce.

### Why You’ll Love It:

These crispy garlic chicken wings with honey lemon sauce are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. The garlic-infused seasoning adds depth to the crispy wings, while the honey lemon sauce gives them a bright, sweet kick with just a hint of tanginess. The combination of crispy texture and sticky, flavorful sauce makes each bite irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or main course, these wings will have everyone coming back for more!