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Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

A pile of crispy, golden brown Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings seasoned with visible black pepper on a white plate.
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Make perfectly crispy, zesty lemon pepper chicken wings using your air fryer. This recipe focuses on a dry rub for maximum crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for tossing after cooking, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon extra lemon pepper seasoning (for tossing after cooking, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning. Mix well.
  3. Add the dried wings to the spice mixture. Drizzle with the oil and toss until every wing is evenly coated with the dry rub.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 15 minutes.
  7. Flip the wings. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  8. Continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Total cook time is usually 25 to 30 minutes depending on your air fryer.
  9. Remove the wings from the air fryer.
  10. If you prefer a sauced finish, place the hot wings in a clean bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with the extra lemon pepper seasoning. Toss quickly to coat.
  11. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Notes

  • Drying the wings thoroughly is the most important step for achieving a crispy exterior without deep frying.
  • Do not skip the baking powder; it helps raise the pH level of the skin, promoting browning and crisping.
  • If you are using frozen wings, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning.
  • For bone-in wings, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to 175°F for the best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/air-fryer-lemon-pepper-wings-recipe/