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Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Air Fryer Recipe

lemon pepper chicken wings air fryer - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy chicken wings seasoned with fresh lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and a touch of salt. Perfect for a flavorful snack with a bright, peppery zing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons coarse black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat 2 pounds of chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and garlic powder if using.
  3. Add olive oil to the wings, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  6. Air fry wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. If desired, cook an additional 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness.
  8. Immediately toss the hot wings with fresh lemon juice.
  9. Serve warm, optionally with dips like ranch or blue cheese.

Notes

Pat wings dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Flip wings halfway through cooking for even browning. Toss with lemon juice immediately after cooking to preserve crisp skin. Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. If doubling the recipe, keep cooked wings warm in a low oven while finishing batches. For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wings, lemon pepper wings, air fryer recipe, crispy chicken wings, easy snack, game day food