Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
These air fryer lemon pepper wings are a perfect blend of zesty citrus and black pepper, wrapped in an irresistibly crispy skin! Ready in just 30 minutes, they deliver restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds fresh chicken wings separated into flats and drums
- 1 tablespoon baking powder our secret crispiness weapon!
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Olive oil spray
For the Lemon Pepper Finish:
- 2 fresh lemons zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Wings
- Pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for achieving that gorgeous crispy skin!
- In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, half the pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Toss your dried wings in the mixture until evenly coated
Step 2: Air Frying Magic
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C)
- Arrange wings in a single layer (don't crowd them!)
- Lightly spray with olive oil
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip
- Cook another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy
- For extra crispiness, crank up the heat to 400°F for the final 3-5 minutes
Step 3: The Zesty Finish
- While wings are cooking, mix fresh lemon zest, remaining pepper, and salt
- Transfer hot wings to a large bowl
- Spritz with fresh lemon juice
- Toss with the zesty lemon-pepper mixture while still hot
Notes
- The Dry Factor: The drier your wings are before seasoning, the crispier they'll get. Take your time with the paper towels!
- Temperature Matters: Let your wings sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even crispiness. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Storage Wisdom: These wings stay crispy for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes. Skip the microwave to maintain that beautiful crunch!