Today, I’m excited to share my Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: a delicious recipe that combines convenience, flavor, and a healthier cooking method: These Air Fryer chicken wings are perfect for game day, a family gathering, or any time you crave a delicious and easy-to-make snack. The air fryer ensures you get crispy chicken wings without the need for deep frying with your traditional deep-fried wings, making them a guilt-free indulgence with just a handful of ingredients. An easy recipe that everyone loves!
Serve this as finger food at your next party or a great appetizer but it works perfect for dinner as well! Serve it alongside some Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Basil Roasted Vegetables to keep it on the healthy side.
The Secret To Crispy Air Fryer Wings
Ever wondered how to achieve that perfect crispy texture on your chicken wings? The answer lies in two simple yet effective ingredients: baking powder and cornstarch. When combined, these pantry staples work wonders in creating irresistibly crispy wings right in your air fryer.
Baking Powder: Adding a small amount of baking powder to the seasoning mix helps break down the proteins on the surface of the chicken skin. This process, known as velveting, creates a tender and crispy texture when the wings are cooked. Additionally, baking powder promotes browning, resulting in a beautifully golden exterior. Make sure the baking powder is aluminum free.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a coating that absorbs moisture from the chicken skin, ensuring it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. It creates a thin, crunchy layer that locks in the juices, giving the wings that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Together, these two ingredients form a winning combination that transforms ordinary chicken wings into crispy, golden perfection. So, next time you’re craving wings, don’t forget to reach for the b
Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings Video
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings are everything you want in a chicken wing—crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making these wings a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings.
Quick and Easy: The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy crispy wings in less time.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon zest, garlic, and spices creates a mouthwatering lemon pepper sauce that coats each wing perfectly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a party, or a family dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper and hot sauce in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery heat, you can easily customize the spice level to your liking.
Our Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions and pictures in the recipe card at the end of blog
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings: Perfect for a snack or main dish, chicken wings are the star of this recipe.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the wings.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps to create crispy skin.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Ensures extra crispy wings by absorbing moisture.
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp low sodium lemon pepper seasoning: The star of the sauce, providing that distinctive lemony and peppery flavor.
- 1/2 tsp honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed: Enhances the sauce with robust garlic flavor.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (85 grams): Makes the sauce rich and silky.
- 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Fresh lemon juice : Provides tanginess and brightness.
- Dash of Frank’s hot sauce: For a subtle hint of heat.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning (if you don’t have it in your country):
- 1/2 tbsp dried lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Note about the Ingredients: For the sauce, using fresh lemon zest and juice will provide the brightest and most vibrant citrus flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning and honey in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, if you prefer a milder sauce, you can omit the hot sauce altogether or reduce the amount used.
How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Full recipe, instructions and pictures in the recipe card at the end of blog
Wings
- Start by patting your wings dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, baking powder, and cornstarch. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown
Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
- While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, honey, and lemon pepper seasoning to the melted butter. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is fragrant.
Coat The Wings
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the hot chicken wings and toss wings to coat evenly.
- Serve the wings hot, garnished with extra lemon zest and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken wings for optimal results. Frozen wings may release excess moisture during cooking, affecting the crispiness of the final dish.
Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
While the wings are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer, you can prepare the seasoning and sauce ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. However, we recommend air frying the wings just before serving to ensure they maintain their crispiness.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
What can I serve with Lemon Pepper Wings?
These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
For the wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp baking powder aluminum free
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
For the lemon pepper sauce
- 1 tbsp low sodium lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 -3 garlic cloves crushed
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter 85 grams
- 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Dash of franks
Instructions
Wings
- Start by patting your wings dry. Add to a bowl and add in the cornstarch, baking powder, and all the seasonings.
- Place in a single layer in your air fryer and spray with cooking oil. Air Fry at 400F for 20-25 minutes.
Lemon Pepper Sauce
- Melt your butter over medium heat. Add in your garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add in the rest of your ingredients and simmer for 3-4 minutes on low.
- Toss your wings in the sauce while hot and serve with some ranch or blue cheese.
Harryj says
Awesome!!