There’s something truly magical about crispy, flavorful wings that just hit the spot every time. When I discovered how easy it was to make perfectly crispy lemon pepper wings using only two ingredients in the air fryer, I knew I’d found a new go-to recipe for quick, satisfying meals or game day snacks. The combination of zesty lemon and a peppery kick with that irresistible crunch is honestly heavenly.
I love how this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing any flavor or texture. With just chicken wings and a lemon pepper seasoning blend, you can have restaurant-quality wings ready in no time. Plus, the air fryer ensures they come out crispy without deep-frying, so it’s a win for both taste and convenience. If you’re a wing lover like me, this is one recipe you’ll want to bookmark!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings: Fresh or thawed chicken wings are the star of this recipe. I prefer to use whole wings cut into drumettes and flats, which crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The natural fat in the wings helps get that golden crunch without extra oil.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This is the secret flavor bomb. A good quality lemon pepper seasoning blend combines zesty lemon zest and tangy black pepper with salt and sometimes garlic or onion powder. It’s the perfect balance of citrus and spice that makes these wings irresistible.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings (whole, separated into drumettes and flats)
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
How to Make Crispy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings Heaven
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key to getting them crispy in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning evenly over them. Toss the wings well to make sure every piece is coated with the flavorful seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This high heat will help crisp the skin perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the wings are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple side salad.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for the best airflow.
- Shake or flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Feel free to add a little extra lemon zest or freshly cracked black pepper after cooking for an extra flavor boost.
- For extra crispness, you can spray a light coating of cooking oil on the wings before air frying, but it’s optional.
- If you want a little more tang, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder.
How do I store leftover wings?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your lemon pepper seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Always check labels if you’re unsure.