Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings are so flavorful and crispy! Whether it be for a game day snack, holiday appetizer or just a weeknight dinner, everyone will thank you for your efforts when you serve these air fryer chicken wings with dry rub. They are absolutely irresistible and you won’t believe how easy they are to make! Instructions for baked wings also included below so if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these lemon pepper wings.
Crispy Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
I wanted an air fryer to make crispy chicken wings. It has not disappointed! I’m a huge fan of wings but not soft skin. In the past I’ve baked my wings then broiled them the last few minutes with moderate success. While I like taste of frying in oil, I don’t like the mess, smell in my kitchen or the extra fat included. Air fryers are the easy and healthier way to achieve that crispy texture I love. I’m excited to share this air fryer chicken wing recipe with you because everyone in my family loves these wings!
Lemon Pepper Wings Ingredients
These air fryer chicken wings only require a few basic ingredients.
- fresh chicken wings
- olive oil
- lemon pepper seasoning
- garlic powder
- paprika
- sea salt
- freshly ground pepper
Lemon Pepper Dry Rub
It took three tries to make what I think is the perfect lemon pepper dry rub seasoning for wings. Each time I tried the wings just got better. I started off with just using the lemon pepper seasoning by itself and the lemon flavor was a little overpowering and they were slightly bland. The color was also a bit lackluster. But once I added in some additional sea salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, it made these chicken wings amazing!!! I love the flavor and color that the paprika adds to these wings.
This lemon pepper dry rub is full of flavor but does not have a super strong lemon flavor. If you really want the lemon pepper to stand out more you can increase the lemon pepper ratio to the rest of the spices. But I do encourage you to try it as listed first because they are really delicious.
How to Make Wings in Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl add all spices and stir to evenly mix. If you have whole chicken wings, you’ll want to split them at the joint and and remove the tips. If you have already split wings (wingettes) you are ready to go. Pat your chicken wings with paper towel. This is an important step to remove any moisture and get crispy skin! Place your wings in large bowl or gallon size ziploc bag.
Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings, then sprinkle seasoning mix. Toss chicken wings to evenly coat. (If using a bag, be sure to seal, then shake).
Coat the inside of air fryer with nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush with a little olive oil. Add chicken wings in a single layer, not overlapping.
Cook for 10 minutes. Turn over and cook for additional 8 to 12 minutes or until fully cooked and desired crispiness is achieved. Repeat if necessary, depending upon the size of your air fryer.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing or your favorite dipping sauce if desired. These lemon pepper wings taste great by themselves too!
I think this is might be my new favorite chicken wing. Which is saying a lot since I love wings! Spicy wings like these air fryer buffalo wings are so good but have been doing a number on my stomach. So to avoid those issues, these lemon pepper chicken wings satisfy me without all the heat. It also makes them super kid friendly and a nice option for those who just don’t like spicy foods.
While I love a good hot wing, sometimes these non-spicy crispy lemon pepper chicken wings in the air fryer are just what the doctor ordered.
How to Make Baked Lemon Pepper Wings
Don’t have an air fryer? No problem. Cook your wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings) If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don’t overcook. They won’t be as crispy as the air fryer but they will still be delicious.
PrintAir Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds of fresh chicken wings approximately 20 wingettes
- 2 – 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
In a small bowl add all spices and stir to evenly mix.
-
If you have whole chicken wings, you’ll want to split them at the joint and and remove the tips. If you have already split wings (wingettes) you are ready to go.
-
Pat chicken wings with paper towel to remove any moisture and place in large bowl or gallon size ziploc bag.
-
Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings, then sprinkle seasoning mix. Toss chicken wings to evenly coat. (If using a bag, be sure to seal, then shake).
-
Coat the inside of air fryer with nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush with a little olive oil.
-
Add chicken wings in a single layer, not overlapping.
-
Cook for 10 minutes. Turn over and cook for additional 8 to 12 minutes or until fully cooked and desired crispiness is achieved. Repeat if necessary, depending upon the size of your air fryer.
-
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
How to Bake Lemon Pepper Wings in the Oven:
Cook your wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings) If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don’t overcook.
