These air fryer lemon pepper wings are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and juicy. The tangy lemon pepper seasoning elevates the wings, making them a hit for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a snack, or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, these wings are sure to please. They are healthier than traditional deep-fried wings but still pack the same satisfying crunch. Serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have a snack everyone will love.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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10 chicken wings
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Lemon wedges for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
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In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
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Once crispy and golden brown, remove the wings from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate.
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Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Why Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings?
One of the main advantages of using an air fryer to make lemon pepper wings is the ability to achieve that perfect crispy texture without the excess oil. The air fryer uses hot air to circulate around the wings, crisping the skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The secret to achieving that crispy skin is the addition of baking powder, which helps to draw moisture out of the skin, allowing it to crisp up as it cooks. With minimal oil, these wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, while still providing that satisfying crunch.
Lemon pepper seasoning is the star of this dish. The combination of tangy lemon zest and pepper creates a bold, refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the rich, savory chicken wings. By adding a touch of honey and cayenne pepper to the lemon butter sauce, the wings achieve a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
The Benefits of Air Frying
Air frying has gained popularity in recent years due to its convenience and ability to produce crispy, healthier dishes. Traditional deep frying requires large amounts of oil, which increases the fat and calorie content of your meal. In contrast, air fryers use hot air to cook food, reducing the amount of oil needed and making it a healthier alternative for those looking to cut back on calories and fat intake.
Another key benefit of air frying is the speed at which it cooks food. Air fryers preheat quickly, and meals are often ready in less time than traditional cooking methods. For example, air fryer lemon pepper wings are ready in under 40 minutes, including both prep and cooking time. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings where you want to serve something quick yet impressive.
Ingredients That Elevate the Flavor
The key ingredients that make these air fryer lemon pepper wings so irresistible are the lemon pepper seasoning, honey, and the lemon butter sauce. Using McCormick’s Perfect Pinch Lemon & Pepper Seasoning adds a balanced flavor to the wings, but you can always use your preferred brand for a custom twist. The lemon butter sauce combines the richness of butter with the bright tanginess of lemon, enhanced by the sweetness of honey and the warmth of cayenne pepper.
What sets this recipe apart is the way the seasoning and sauce meld together. The seasoning gives the wings an initial zesty kick, while the lemon butter sauce adds depth and a slight sweetness. The hint of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that ties everything together, making these wings a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy bold, flavorful dishes.
Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Pepper Wings
To make sure your air fryer lemon pepper wings turn out perfectly, follow these simple tips:
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Dry the Wings Thoroughly: Before seasoning the wings, it’s important to pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture, which is key to achieving crispy skin.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you overcrowd the basket, the wings will not cook evenly, and they won’t crisp up as nicely. It’s better to cook the wings in batches if necessary.
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Use Baking Powder: The addition of baking powder is a crucial step to achieving crispy skin. It works by drawing out moisture from the chicken skin and promoting even browning.
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Test the Temperature: To ensure your wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF. This guarantees that the wings are both crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
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Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the lemon butter sauce depending on your preference for heat. If you like things extra spicy, you can even add a little extra heat to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer lemon pepper wings are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides and dips. Consider pairing them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re serving them as an appetizer or snack, offer some dipping sauces on the side, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese, or a tangy barbecue sauce. For a fun twist, serve the wings with some crispy sweet potato fries or a cold, refreshing coleslaw to add texture and contrast to the rich, buttery wings.
Why You’ll Love These Wings
These air fryer lemon pepper wings are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving a flavorful snack. The combination of tangy lemon, zesty pepper, and rich butter sauce is irresistible, and the air fryer ensures that the wings come out crispy and golden brown every time. With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, these wings are a quick and easy meal that will impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to make these wings. By using just a few key ingredients and an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, flavorful wings that rival those from your favorite restaurant. Plus, the healthier cooking method makes these wings a guilt-free option for indulging in your love of crispy, savory snacks.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy chicken wings, air fryer lemon pepper wings are a must-try. They offer the perfect balance of crispy texture, zesty flavor, and rich butter sauce. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these wings are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing them for a game day party, a family dinner, or a snack for yourself, air fryer lemon pepper wings will always deliver a satisfying and delicious experience.
Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks, this recipe is a game changer when it comes to wing preparation. The air fryer makes it easier than ever to create perfectly crispy wings, while the lemon pepper seasoning and buttery sauce take them to the next level of flavor. So why wait? Grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a batch of irresistible lemon pepper wings that everyone will love.