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Golden, crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings made with simple ingredients and big flavor! Perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight meals. 🏈🍋

Hand dipping a crispy lemon pepper chicken wing into ranch dressing with celery and carrots in the background.

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Lemon Pepper Wings

If you love crispy chicken wings packed with flavor, this lemon pepper wings recipe is just what you need. Making wings at home doesn’t have to be complicated, and the air fryer keeps things quick and easy.

Whether you’re searching for a recipe for lemon pepper wings for game day or a simple weeknight meal, these wings deliver big flavor in under 25 minutes.

Many people wonder how to make lemon pepper wings that are crispy without frying in oil. The secret is using a dry rub lemon pepper wings method in the air fryer, which locks in flavor while giving you that golden, crunchy skin.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy wings without deep frying
  • Zesty, buttery flavor with minimal ingredients
  • Ready in less than 25 minutes
  • Perfect for parties, snacks, or dinner
  • Simple lemon pepper wings recipe with easy clean-up
Overhead shot of raw chicken wings in a glass bowl with small bowls of cornstarch, seasoning, melted butter, and olive oil on the side.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • chicken wings – use drumettes, flats, or a mix
  • salted butter, melted – substitute with olive oil
  • lemon pepper – store-bought or homemade seasoning blend
  • salt – adjust to taste
  • garlic powder
  • cornstarch – helps wings crisp up, can substitute with baking powder
  • olive oil spray (optional)

✨ Variations

  • Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
  • Kid-friendly – Serve with honey mustard dip.
  • Deluxe – Toss cooked wings in garlic butter and fresh herbs with lemon zest.
  • Try dry rub lemon pepper wings in the oven or on the grill for different textures.
Raw chicken wings in a glass bowl with melted butter, seasoning mix, and cornstarch in small bowls nearby.
Raw chicken wings drizzled with melted butter in a clear mixing bowl.
Close-up of a small bowl holding lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt seasoning.
Chicken wings in a bowl sprinkled with lemon pepper seasoning mix.
Chicken wings coated with seasoning and dusted with cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
Seasoned and coated raw chicken wings tossed together in a mixing bowl.
Uncooked seasoned chicken wings arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Golden brown lemon pepper chicken wings cooking in an air fryer basket.
Close-up of crispy air fryer lemon pepper chicken wing held with tongs over the basket.

🔥 Tips

  • Pat wings dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket – air circulation is key for crispy wings.
  • Wondering how to make your wings extra flavorful? Add fresh lemon juice after cooking.
  • Use parchment liners made for the air fryer to make cleanup easier.

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Are these wings spicy?

No, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.

What dips go best with these wings?

Ranch, blue cheese, BBQ sauce, or avocado ranch pair perfectly with these wings.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, cook and refrigerate, then reheat in the air fryer to crisp them back up.

Do I need to flip the wings while cooking?

Yes, flipping halfway helps the wings cook evenly and ensures crispy skin on all sides.

Can I make these without cornstarch?

Yes, but the wings may not get quite as crispy. Baking powder is a good alternative.

What’s the difference between dry rub lemon pepper wings and sauced wings?

Dry rub wings are coated in seasoning before cooking, while sauced wings are tossed in a wet sauce after cooking. This recipe is for dry rub lemon pepper wings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches. Overcrowding the basket will prevent the wings from crisping properly.

Can I use boneless wings instead?

Yes, but adjust the cook time since boneless wings are smaller and may cook faster.

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🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Crispy air fryer lemon pepper chicken wing being dipped into creamy ranch dressing.
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Servings: 4 servings

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

By Jamie Sherman
Crispy and flavorful, these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings cook in under 25 minutes for the perfect appetizer or easy dinner!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 17 minutes
Total: 22 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • olive oil spray, optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
  • Place chicken wings in a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour melted butter over the wings and mix to coat evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
  • Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the wings. Toss with 2 large spoons until well coated.
  • Arrange wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each for air circulation.
  • Lightly spray wings with olive oil.
  • Air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes.
  • Flip wings and cook an additional 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 175-185°F.
  • Serve hot with your favorite dips or sides.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

♨️ REHEATING

  • Air fryer: 4-5 minutes at 350°F
  • Oven: 8-10 minutes at 350°F
  • Microwave: 1-2 minutes (skin will be less crispy)
  • Skillet: reheat over medium heat until warmed through

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Pat wings dry with paper towels before seasoning for crispier skin.
  • For extra flavor, add lemon zest after cooking.
  • Adjust lemon pepper and salt to taste.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Oven: Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Grill: Cook over medium heat 18-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  • Broiler: Broil 5-6 minutes per side until crispy.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Chop leftover wings and add to salads or wraps.
  • Shred meat for quesadillas, tacos, or flatbreads.

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 109mg, Sodium: 716mg, Potassium: 211mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.02g, Vitamin A: 360IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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