Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of zesty flavor—Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings are one of those easy go-to recipes that never disappoint.
If you’re craving something flavorful and crunchy without deep frying, this one’s for you. They take less than 30 minutes to make, and there’s zero mess from oil splatter. Just toss, air fry, and enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something about lemon pepper wings that hits every craving at once—salty, zesty, and crispy. I made these for a small get-together once and they were gone in minutes. Everyone thought I deep-fried them. Nope—just the air fryer doing its thing!
- Super fast (done in under 30 minutes)
- No oil splatter or mess
- Crispy texture with no deep frying
- Big flavor from just a few ingredients
- Perfect for game night or a lazy dinner
Servings and Time
Makes: 3–4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for butter
- Microplane or zester
- Tongs
- Plate or bowl for serving
Pro Tips
- Use baking powder: This helps wings crisp up without any breading.
- Dry the wings really well: Extra moisture = soggy wings.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give them space to get crispy.
- Toss in butter + seasoning after cooking: That’s when the flavor really shines.
- Zest your lemon before cutting it: It’s way easier that way.
Substitutions and Variations
- No lemon pepper seasoning? Mix black pepper, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- No butter? Use more olive oil.
- Want it spicier? Add ½ tsp cayenne to the seasoning mix.
- Boneless option? Use boneless chicken thighs or tenders.
Make Ahead Tips
You can season the wings and let them sit in the fridge (uncovered) for up to 8 hours before air frying. This actually helps dry them out for crispier skin!
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Dry and Season the Wings
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats, patted dry with paper towels)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Toss everything until the wings are well coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Wings
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 2 minutes. Place the wings in a single layer in the basket.
Air fry at 390°F for 22 minutes, flipping halfway at 11 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Toss
While wings are finishing, melt:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Add: - Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning (optional boost)
Stir to combine.
Step 4: Toss Wings in Lemon Butter
Transfer hot wings to a clean bowl. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the top and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Place wings in a round white plate or shallow bowl. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freezer: Not ideal—skin loses its crispness.
Macros (Per Serving — makes 4)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Baking powder breaks down proteins on the chicken skin and raises the pH, which helps it crisp up more in dry heat.
- Air fryer works like a mini convection oven, circulating hot air for max crisp with minimal oil.
- Tossing in butter after cooking keeps the skin crispy while adding rich flavor.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the baking powder – It’s key for crispy skin.
- Overcrowding the basket – This traps steam and makes soggy wings.
- Not flipping halfway – You’ll get uneven cooking.
- Using cold wings – Let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before cooking.
What to Serve With
- Crisp coleslaw
- Garlic butter corn
- Sweet potato fries
- Mac and cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
FAQ
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning.
Is lemon pepper seasoning salty?
Some brands are. Taste yours first and adjust added salt.
Do I need to oil the air fryer basket?
If your basket isn’t non-stick, lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes—425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 40–45 mins, flipping halfway.
Final Thoughts
These lemon pepper wings are crispy, zesty, and seriously addictive. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. If you give them a shot, I’d love to hear how they turned out or answer any questions you have. Drop a comment and let’s talk wings!