30-Minute Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Crispy air fryer chicken wings seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and served with a rich honey butter dipping sauce. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin in just 18-20 minutes without deep frying. These wings are ideal for game day, casual dinners, or appetizers. The combination of tangy lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and sweet honey butter makes this version stand out from traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings, wingette and drummette separated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup butter or ghee, melted
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from half the zested lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 390℉
- 2
Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel and place in a mixing bowl
- 3
Toss the wings with oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt
- 4
Place wings in an even layer in the air fryer basket
- 5
Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through or shaking basket every 5 minutes
- 6
Prepare lemon pepper sauce by stirring together warm butter, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt
- 7
Serve wings with dipping sauce or toss wings in sauce before serving
Tips
Pat wings completely dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness
Shake or flip wings every 5 minutes to ensure even browning
Keep butter sauce warm for best consistency when serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked wings up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350℉ for 3-4 minutes.
Wings can be seasoned up to 4 hours ahead. Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and rewarmed.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture.
Common Mistakes
Pat wings completely dry to avoid steaming and soggy skin
Don't overcrowd air fryer basket or wings won't crisp properly
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but thaw completely first and pat very dry. Cooking time may increase by 2-3 minutes.
How long do leftovers keep?
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350℉ for best crispiness.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust.