Lemon pepper wings have always been a go-to for me when I want something flavorful and easy to make. Using the air fryer makes this recipe so convenient and quick, while still delivering that crispy texture that everyone craves. The combination of zesty lemon and bold pepper adds the perfect amount of kick to these wings, and the air fryer works its magic to make them golden brown with little to no oil. If you’re craving a snack or a party appetizer that’s both delicious and healthy, this air fryer lemon pepper wings recipe is sure to become a favorite!
I absolutely love how easy it is to prep these wings in the air fryer. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have perfectly seasoned, crispy wings without the fuss of deep frying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a quick dinner, this recipe is a winner. Let’s jump into what you’ll need to make this tasty dish!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings: The star of the dish! You’ll want fresh or thawed chicken wings for the best texture. Trim any excess fat and pat them dry with a paper towel to get that crispy skin in the air fryer.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A flavorful blend of tangy lemon zest and cracked black pepper. It’s the key to giving your wings that mouthwatering citrusy flavor with a peppery kick. You can use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning, or make your own by combining lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
Olive Oil: A light coat of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the wings and ensures they crisp up beautifully. You don’t need much—just a quick spritz or a drizzle will do the trick.
Garlic Powder: For a bit of savory depth to balance the brightness of the lemon. A pinch of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the citrusy zing.
Salt: A little salt to bring all the flavors together. You can adjust this to taste depending on your preference.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The fresh lemon juice adds a burst of citrus that brightens up the wings and complements the lemon pepper seasoning. It also helps marinate the wings for that perfect tang.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken wings, thawed or fresh
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Start by preparing your chicken wings. If they’re frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and pat them dry using paper towels. This helps the wings crisp up better in the air fryer. Trim off any extra fat or tips if needed.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Place your chicken wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss them well to ensure the wings are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning over the wings, and mix everything together until the wings are fully coated with the seasoning. Lastly, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the wings and toss again.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This will ensure the wings cook evenly and get that crispy finish. Most air fryers take about 3-5 minutes to preheat, so this step doesn’t take long.
Step 4: Cook the Wings
Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the wings so they can crisp up properly. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After the wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy these zesty, crispy air fryer lemon pepper wings!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Pat the Wings Dry: Before seasoning your wings, be sure to pat them dry. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring that they get crisp in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest wings, make sure to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The lemon pepper seasoning can vary in intensity, so taste the wings before adding extra salt or lemon juice. Feel free to add more of either depending on how tangy or peppery you like them.
- Use a Cooking Spray: If you want a little extra crispiness, try spritzing the wings with olive oil spray before cooking. This will give them that golden, crunchy texture without adding too much oil.
FAQs
Can I make these wings without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. The wings will still be crispy, though the texture might be slightly different.
Can I use frozen wings?
You can definitely use frozen wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even crisping.
How can I make these wings spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. You can also toss the wings in hot sauce after they’ve been cooked for an extra kick.
What can I serve with lemon pepper wings?
Lemon pepper wings pair well with a side of fresh veggies, a crisp salad, or even some crispy fries. If you’re looking for a dipping sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing complements them perfectly!