Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

I’ve been making these crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings on repeat lately, and they never last long. That golden skin coated in buttery lemon pepper glaze says it all. Every bite is juicy, incredibly crunchy, and packed with tangy, savory flavor that makes it impossible to stop at just one.

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I make these for game day gatherings, tailgates, and anytime I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick and tastes like it came from a really great wing spot. They come together faster than the oven version with way less mess. If you happen to have any leftovers, store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer to bring that crispiness right back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Let me walk you through making lemon pepper wings that turn super crispy and golden in the air fryer, from start to finish.

Line and Prep Your Air Fryer Basket

Start by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone air fryer basket liner. This makes cleanup so much easier and keeps the chicken wings from sticking.

Don’t forget to preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when you are.

Toss Wings in Baking Powder and Salt

Place wings in a large bowl and toss them with baking powder and salt until every piece is evenly coated. The baking powder is the key to getting that crispy, golden skin, so don’t skip it.

If you’re using frozen wings, make sure to defrost them first, then pat dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture. Patting the chicken wings dry helps the seasoning mixture adhere well to the meat and makes sure they cook properly.

A large and deep mixing bowl gives you plenty of room to toss everything evenly without making a mess.

Arrange Wings in a Single Layer

Lay the whole wings out in a single layer in the prepared basket. Avoid stacking or overlapping them because the hot air needs to circulate around each piece so they all cook evenly and get that nice, even crunch.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air Fry Until Crispy and Golden

Air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown all over. A good pair of heat-resistant silicone-tipped tongs will make flipping and removing the wings a lot easier throughout the process.

To make sure your air fryer chicken wings are perfectly cooked, a reliable digital meat thermometer is great to have on hand here so you can confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F before pulling them out.

Make the Buttery Lemon Pepper Sauce

While your air fryer lemon pepper chicken wings cook, stir together the melted butter and lemon pepper seasoning in a small bowl. review recipe

If you’re making your own lemon pepper seasoning, first, you need to mix fresh lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. A silicone basting brush makes it easy to coat each crispy wing thoroughly once they come out of the air fryer.

Coat and Garnish Before Serving

Once the hot wings are out of the air fryer, coat them with the butter and lemon pepper mixture right away so the sauce soaks into the hot, crispy skin. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, then serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!

If you’re bringing these crispy chicken wings to a gathering, let them cool slightly before packing them in a portable airtight container or a foil pan covered tightly with foil. They hold their heat well, especially if you tuck them inside an insulated carrier.

It’s best to transport the lemon pepper butter sauce separately in a small jar or container and toss the wings just before serving so the coating stays fresh and the skin doesn’t get soggy in transit. Add any garnishes fresh too, to keep them tasting and looking bright.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the wings cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes, and they’ll crisp right back up like they were freshly made. You can also spread them on a baking sheet if you’re warming them in the oven.

For longer storage, flash-freeze the cooked wings in a single layer on a freezer-safe sheet pan for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer bag or container to prevent them from clumping together.

They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

They’re bold and tangy, so they pair really well with cool, creamy sides or other comfort food that balances out the flavors.

Classic options like carrot and celery sticks with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing or your favorite dipping sauce are always a hit, and a simple coleslaw adds a nice crunch alongside.

If you want to round it out into a fuller meal, serve with fries, roasted corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. A glass of fresh lemon juice, cold lemonade, or iced tea on the side makes the whole spread feel fresh and complete.

More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home

If you love these air fryer wings, you might also enjoy these other air fryer recipes.

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Chicken Casserole
• Air Fryer Cod