Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
These Air Fryer lemon pepper wings have crackly skin, a punch of citrus and plenty of black pepper. They need just 5 minutes of prep and are ready to serve straight from the basket, whether it’s game day or a quick dinner.
Just like my Air Fryer steak bites, these are perfect to make when you don't want to turn on the oven, and are just cooking a small serving.
I actually tried making Air Fryer lemon pepper chicken legs sometime back for a party I was hosting, and they turned out SO good. This time, I thought of trying a similar approach, but with some chicken wings that I had at hand.
They're versatile enough to be a party snack (especially paired with my jalapeno honey mustard sauce), but can still work well as a weeknight dinner.
Quick Look: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
- 🔪 Prep time: 5 minutes.
- ⏲️ Cook time: 20–25 minutes.
- 👪 Servings: 2.
- 📋 Main ingredients: Chicken wings, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning and parsley.
- ♨️ Cooking method: Pat dry → season → air fry, turning halfway.
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy.
- 🥣 Serving ideas: With a creamy dip, crunchy vegetables or lemon Parmesan lettuce salad.
Jump to:
- Quick Look: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
- What's So Great About the Recipe?
- Recipe Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
- 💭 Top Tip
- Tips & Tricks to Nail the Recipe
- How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
- Troubleshooting and FAQs
- More Chicken Dinner Recipes
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
What's So Great About the Recipe?
- Four ingredients: Lemon pepper seasoning brings citrus and pepper to the wings in one step.
- Crackly skin: A dry surface and space in the basket help the wings brown and crisp.
- Easy to serve: Put them out with black pepper aioli for snacking or add a salad to make dinner for two.
Recipe Ingredients
Chicken wings: Flats and drumettes are easy to arrange in a single layer and turn halfway through cooking.
Olive oil: A light coating helps the dry seasoning cling to the skin.
Lemon pepper seasoning: This brings the lemon flavor and peppery bite. I love using my homemade lemon pepper seasoning here along with a pinch of citrus salt.
Parsley: Chop it finely so it coats the wings evenly when you toss them. I used Air Fryer dried parsley whenever I can't find fresh parsley.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the oil: Avocado oil works in place of olive oil. You can also use an infused oil like lemon infused oil for extra tanginess or habanero infused oil for some heat.
- Adjust the salt: Use a salt-free lemon pepper blend if you prefer to season the wings with salt separately.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Toss the wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning and chopped parsley until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. If using a liner, use one approved for your air fryer and add it with the wings so it stays weighed down.
Step 4: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is golden and crisp and the thickest part reaches at least 165°F (74°C) without touching the bone.
💭 Top Tip
Leave a little space between each wing. If they barely fit in one layer, split them into two batches so hot air can reach the sides and the skin can crisp evenly.
Tips & Tricks to Nail the Recipe
- Dry every side: Blot the wings before adding oil, paying attention to the folds around the joints.
- Check the seasoning label: Salted lemon pepper blends usually provide enough seasoning on their own.
- Turn halfway through: Use tongs so both sides get time facing the hot air. I always do this when I make Air Fryer bang bang cauliflower too.
- Check the largest pieces: Use a thermometer in the thickest part, away from the bone. Cook a little longer if they haven’t reached 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Serve the wings hot with celery sticks, cucumber and cottage cheese ranch dip. For dinner, add oven roasted cabbage wedges or serve with Anna potatoes.
I personally love teaming these up with my one pan broccoli and cheese rice or homemade Rice a Roni.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Moisture on the skin and a crowded basket are common culprits. Pat the wings dry, leave space between them and cook in batches if needed.
Yes. Separate the flat and drumette at the joint so the pieces sit evenly in the basket. Remove the tips if they’re still attached.
Thaw them in the refrigerator before following this recipe. Pat them dry before seasoning so the coating sticks and the skin can crisp.
Refrigerate cooked wings in an airtight container within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer in a single layer until the wings reach 165°F (74°C) again.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes
If you tried this air fryer lemon pepper wings or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients
- 1 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Add to a bowl along with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning and chopped parsley. Toss well to combine.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. If using a liner, use one approved for your air fryer and add it with the wings so it stays weighed down.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is golden and crisp and the thickest part reaches at least 165°F (74°C) without touching the bone.
Notes
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the skin turn golden and crispy.
- Use a mix of flats and drumettes of similar sizes so the wings cook evenly.
- Check whether your lemon pepper seasoning contains salt before adding any extra seasoning.
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil, or use lemon-infused oil for a stronger citrus flavor.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the wings reaches at least 165°F (74°C), without touching the bone.
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer until crispy and heated through to 165°F (74°C).
