Description
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings provide crispy, flavorful wings without deep frying. You make a simple sauce to toss them in after cooking.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds chicken wings, flats and drumettes separated, tips discarded
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning, divided (plus 1 teaspoon for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (optional for better browning)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust if seasoning blend is salty)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, not baking soda (optional, for extra crisp)
- 3 tablespoons butter or ghee, melted
- 1–1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes. Pat the wings very dry using paper towels to help them crisp up.
- Toss the dried wings with oil, 1 tablespoon of the lemon pepper seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and baking powder (if using) until everything coats the wings evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Do not crowd the basket. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the wings and cook for 10 more minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, shaking or flipping once, for an extra crispy skin.
- While the wings finish, prepare the sauce: Stir together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning, and honey (if using). Keep this warm.
- Toss the hot wings with some of the prepared sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Serve the wings immediately.
Notes
- Dry your wings thoroughly and ensure they are in a single layer for the best crisp results. Air must circulate around each wing.
- Baking powder helps achieve a thin, crisp crust by raising the skin’s pH. Do not substitute baking soda.
- Check your air fryer’s power; cooking time might need slight adjustments to reach a deep golden, crackly texture.
- Wings must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Use a thermometer if you are unsure about doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American