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Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

A pile of golden brown, crispy air fryer lemon pepper wings seasoned with visible black pepper flakes, served on a white plate.

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Make perfectly crispy, juicy lemon pepper wings in your air fryer without deep frying. This recipe provides simple steps for maximum flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free for best results)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the dried wings with the baking powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry for 18 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time.
  6. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and very crispy.
  7. While the wings finish cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning and lemon zest.
  8. Transfer the hot, crispy wings to a clean large bowl. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the wings and toss gently until every wing is coated.
  9. Serve your perfectly cooked air fryer wings immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure your wings are completely dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents browning.
  • If you prefer a homemade lemon pepper blend, mix 1 tablespoon coarse salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried lemon peel.
  • If you are making a large batch, keep the cooked wings warm in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven while you finish the remaining batches.

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