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Looking for a mouthwatering snack that’s quick and easy? Try my Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings! These crispy, golden wings deliver zesty flavor with every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you’ll impress family and friends with your delicious dish. Ready to learn how to make them? Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives the wings a deliciously crispy skin without the need for deep frying.
- Fresh Flavor: The combination of lemon and pepper adds a refreshing and zesty flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
- Healthy Option: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making these wings a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
Garnish
– Fresh parsley for garnish
When cooking Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings, you need the best ingredients. Start with 2 pounds of fresh chicken wings. These will be the star of your dish! You also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the wings get nice and crispy.
Next, gather your seasoning ingredients. You will use 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright flavor. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a tangy kick. Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of black pepper. This will give your wings a bold taste. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. These add depth to your wings. Finally, use 1 teaspoon of salt to bring all the flavors together.
To make your dish look pretty, have some fresh parsley ready for garnish. It adds color and freshness to your wings. Enjoy these simple yet tasty ingredients as you prepare to make your crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps get that crispy texture. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Chicken Wings
In a large bowl, add the chicken wings. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well. Make sure every wing gets a good coating of the seasoning. This makes the wings flavorful.
Cooking the Wings
Now, take the seasoned wings and place them in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket; this helps them cook evenly. Cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This step is key for crispy skin on both sides. When they turn golden and crispy, they are ready. Remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Crispy Wings
To make sure your wings come out crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. When wings sit too close together, they can steam instead of crisping up. Arrange them in a single layer. This allows hot air to flow freely around each wing.
Flipping the wings halfway through cooking is key. This ensures both sides get that perfect golden-brown color. Use tongs to carefully turn them.
Seasoning Adjustments
You can adjust the lemon and pepper levels to suit your taste. If you love a strong lemon flavor, add more zest or juice. For a bolder pepper kick, simply increase the black pepper.
Feel free to get creative. Adding garlic powder or onion powder gives depth to the flavor. You can also try spices like paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Dipping sauces elevate your wings. Classic choices include ranch or blue cheese. A spicy aioli also works well.
Pair your wings with sides for a full meal. Celery and carrot sticks add crunch. French fries or a fresh salad make great sides, too.
Pro Tips
- Dry Your Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a crispier skin.
- Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the seasoned wings in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix with your favorite spices or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick!

Variations
Classic vs. Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings
You can add a kick to your wings with cayenne or hot sauce. If you love spice, try adding one teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on your wings after cooking. This extra heat will balance well with the lemon flavor. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out!
Baked Lemon Pepper Wings
Not everyone has an air fryer, and that’s okay! You can bake these wings in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy wings too, but be sure to keep an eye on them!
Low-Sodium Lemon Pepper Wings
Want a healthier version? You can make these wings with less salt. Use half a teaspoon of salt instead of one. You can also try using low-sodium soy sauce or broth for flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest will still give you that bright taste without all the salt. Enjoy your wings guilt-free!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
After you cook the wings, let them cool. Place the wings in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are stored well to keep their flavor and texture.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Cook the wings for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps them stay crispy. You can also use the oven at 350°F. Just place them on a baking tray for the same time. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing Options
If you want to freeze the wings, let them cool completely first. Place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long should I cook lemon pepper wings in the air fryer?
Cook lemon pepper wings for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Check for a crispy texture and golden color before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just add extra time to the cooking. Cook them for about 30 to 35 minutes. Make sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What dips pair well with lemon pepper wings?
Lemon pepper wings taste great with many dips. Some popular choices are ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and a zesty garlic sauce. You can also try a sweet chili sauce for an exciting twist.
You learned how to make tasty lemon pepper wings with an air fryer. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to adjust seasonings to fit your taste. Try classic or spicy versions for variety. Store leftovers properly and reheat them for that crispiness. With these easy steps, you can impress your family and friends with delicious wings any time. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Crispy and flavorful chicken wings seasoned with lemon and pepper, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Ensure all wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve crispy skin on both sides.
Once they are golden and crispy, remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
For extra crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Keyword air fryer, chicken wings, lemon pepper
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