I still remember the first time I tried lemon pepper wings—it was love at first bite. The crispy skin, the zesty tang, and that little peppery kick made me think, “Why don’t I make these at home more often?” Now, with my trusty air fryer, I can enjoy them whenever I want without all the fuss and mess of deep frying. The best part? They come out irresistibly crispy without swimming in oil.
When I want something quick but still packed with flavor, these dry rub lemon pepper wings are my go-to. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but bold enough to impress guests at game day or a backyard hangout. All it takes is a handful of pantry staples, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll be making them on repeat.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: The star of the show. I like to use a mix of drumettes and flats for variety, but you can go with whichever you prefer. Make sure they’re patted dry before seasoning—that’s the secret to getting that glorious crisp in the air fryer.
Olive oil: A light coating helps the seasoning stick and gives the skin a little extra crunch. It also adds a touch of richness that balances the tangy lemon flavor.
Lemon pepper seasoning: This is where the magic happens. The bright citrusy notes from the lemon zest paired with freshly ground black pepper create that signature flavor profile. Look for a blend without too much added salt so you can control the seasoning yourself.
Garlic powder: While lemon and pepper are the stars, garlic powder rounds out the flavor with a warm, savory undertone that keeps each bite interesting.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth to the rub. Plus, it gives the wings a beautiful golden color when they cook.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors and ensuring the wings taste as vibrant as they smell. Adjust to taste, especially if your lemon pepper seasoning already has salt.
Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed over the wings right after cooking, it wakes up all the flavors and adds that final pop of brightness.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
How to Make Dry Rub Lemon Pepper Wings Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep the wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to getting the skin crispy.
Step 2: Season the wings
In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until they’re lightly coated. Sprinkle in the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well so each wing is evenly covered.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one so the air can circulate.
Step 4: Air fry to perfection
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Add the finishing touch
Once they’re done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the wings and toss gently to coat before serving.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t skip drying the wings—moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
- Check your seasoning—some lemon pepper blends are saltier than others, so adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the wings for extra crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding—if necessary, cook in batches so the wings can crisp up evenly.
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings in the seasoning for 30 minutes before air frying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but they should be thawed completely and patted dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing fresh lemon zest, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.