Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings – Air Fryer Easy Recipes for Crispy Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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These Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a crispy, zesty delight that’s perfect for game nights, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner. Made in the air fryer, they’re super easy to prepare and full of bold lemony flavor. This recipe combines the magic of air fryer easy recipes with the joy of quick and easy recipes, making it a go-to favorite. Whether you’re craving chicken stirfry easy recipe vibes or looking for easy recipes for dinner using rotisserie chicken, these wings hit all the right notes. Pair them with butter swim biscuits easy recipes or end your meal with air fryer cookies easy recipes!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
3) Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
4) How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
5) Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
6) Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
8) Try these Appetizers next!
9) Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

These wings are crispy, tangy, and full of zesty flavor.
They’re made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Using an air fryer makes this recipe easy and healthier.
This is one of those air fryer easy recipes that never fails.
Great for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day appetizers.

2) Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

These Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a bold, zesty flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or just craving crispy wings without the mess of deep frying, this is one of those air fryer easy recipes you’ll keep coming back to. Thanks to the air fryer, these wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. In the first few minutes of cooking, you’ll start smelling the incredible lemon aroma blending with savory spices, making it hard to wait! With just a few pantry staples like lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and butter, you get maximum flavor. This recipe is featured on Lila Cooks (https://www.lilacooks.com), where I, Lila, share my love for fast, flavorful, and fuss-free cooking that works for busy people and food lovers alike.

3) Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings: Use about 2 pounds of chicken wings. You can purchase them already split into flats and drumettes, or buy whole wings and cut them yourself. Wings are the star of this dish, offering juicy, tender meat when air-fried to perfection.

Baking Powder: Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder. This helps achieve that ultra-crispy skin on the wings without altering the flavor. It’s a pro trick that really makes a difference!

Salt: A small amount of salt is used to season the wings and enhance all the other flavors. Kosher salt is preferred for its texture and clean taste.

Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth and complements the lemon pepper seasoning beautifully. It’s subtle, but essential.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This blend of dried lemon zest, pepper, and other spices provides that tangy, citrusy pop. It’s the signature flavor that defines this dish and ties everything together.

Oil: Use a light oil like avocado or olive oil. It helps the seasoning stick to the wings and promotes crispiness during air frying.

Butter: Melted unsalted butter is mixed with lemon juice and seasoning at the end to coat the wings and deliver that rich, flavorful glaze.

Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the citrus flavor of the seasoning mix. It balances the richness of the butter.

Lemon Zest: Optional but highly recommended. A bit of fresh zest gives an extra punch of lemon flavor that takes the wings over the top.

Fresh Parsley: Use it for garnish to add a touch of color and freshness before serving. It’s optional but makes the final presentation pop.

4) How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a good crisp on the outside of the wings right from the start. Preheating is essential in air fryer easy recipes for consistency.

Step 2: Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Then toss the wings with baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl until they’re fully coated.

Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil or brush with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. This allows air to circulate evenly around each piece.

Step 4: Air fry the wings at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get beautifully golden and crisp. Watch closely toward the end to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: While the wings are cooking, melt the butter and mix it with lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, and zest. This buttery lemon glaze is what transforms your crispy wings into flavor-packed bites.

Step 6: Once the wings are cooked through and crispy, toss them in a clean bowl with the lemon pepper butter mixture until evenly coated. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and crispy!

5) Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

For the best results, always pat your wings dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, and this step is especially crucial in air fryer recipes. Don’t skip the baking powder—it’s what gives you that irresistible golden crunch without frying. Use a high-quality lemon pepper seasoning blend that has real lemon zest in it. If your seasoning seems dull, try boosting the flavor with extra lemon zest and a pinch of cracked pepper. To avoid overcrowding the air fryer, cook the wings in batches if necessary. This helps maintain air circulation and gives you evenly cooked, crispy results. Finally, don’t skip the final toss in lemon butter—it seals in flavor and adds a restaurant-quality finish that your guests will rave about. These tips make this one of those easy recipes for dinner you’ll reach for time and again!

6) Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Ahead of Time

You can absolutely make these wings ahead of time! Simply cook them according to the instructions and let them cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also prep the lemon butter glaze in advance and store it separately. Right before serving, reheat the glaze, toss it with the wings, and garnish as desired. This method preserves both the flavor and the texture, making it a perfect solution for parties or weekly meal prep. This strategy also works for other air fryer easy recipes and is a game-changer when you want to save time without sacrificing taste.

7) Storing Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Leftover lemon pepper chicken wings store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results—it revives the crispy texture without making them greasy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soggy. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness. If you’re making a large batch and want to freeze extras, store them in freezer-safe bags after cooling, and they’ll last up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just pop them into the air fryer straight from frozen, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until hot and crispy. These wings are perfect as leftovers and just as tasty the second time around!

8) Try these Appetizers next!

9) Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings