Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings (Dry Rub)

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings are so flavorful and crispy! Whether it be for a game day snack, holiday appetizer or just a weeknight dinner, everyone will thank you for your efforts when you serve these air fryer chicken wings with dry rub. They are absolutely irresistible and you won’t believe how easy they are to make! Instructions for baked wings also included below so if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these lemon pepper wings.

Crispy Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

I wanted an air fryer to make crispy chicken wings. It has not disappointed! I’m a huge fan of wings but not soft skin. In the past I’ve baked my wings then broiled them the last few minutes with moderate success.  While I like taste of frying in oil, I don’t like the mess, smell in my kitchen or the extra fat included.  Air fryers are the easy and healthier way to achieve that crispy texture I love. I’m excited to share this air fryer chicken wing recipe with you because everyone in my family loves these wings!

Lemon Pepper Wings Ingredients

These air fryer chicken wings only require a few basic ingredients.

• fresh chicken wings 
• olive oil
• lemon pepper seasoning 
• garlic powder
• paprika
• sea salt 
• freshly ground pepper

For this recipe I used Mrs. Dash lemon pepper seasoning, but it is salt-free. So if your lemon pepper seasoning includes salt you may want to reduce the salt in this recipe. If you love lemon pepper seasoning, try my lemon pepper tilapia. So good!

I recommend using already split and trimmed chicken wings (wingettes) to greatly reduce the time it takes to prepare this recipe. This recipe has not been tested with frozen wings.

Lemon Pepper Dry Rub

It took three tries to make what I think is the perfect lemon pepper dry rub seasoning for wings. Each time I tried the wings just got better. I started off with just using the lemon pepper seasoning by itself and the lemon flavor was a little overpowering and they were slightly bland. The color was also a bit lackluster. But once I added in some additional sea salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, it made these chicken wings amazing!!! I love the flavor and color that the paprika adds to these wings.

This lemon pepper dry rub is full of flavor but does not have a super strong lemon flavor. If you really want the lemon pepper to stand out more you can increase the lemon pepper ratio to the rest of the spices. But I do encourage you to try it as listed first because they are really delicious.

How to Make Wings in Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.  In a small bowl add all spices and stir to evenly mix. If you have whole chicken wings, you’ll want to split them at the joint and and remove the tips. If you have already split wings (wingettes) you are ready to go.  Pat your chicken wings with paper towel. This is an important step to remove any moisture and get crispy skin! Place your wings in large bowl or gallon size ziploc bag.

Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings, then sprinkle seasoning mix. Toss chicken wings to evenly coat. (If using a bag, be sure to seal, then shake).

Coat the inside of air fryer with nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush with a little olive oil. Add chicken wings in a single layer, not overlapping.

Cook for 10 minutes. Turn over and cook for additional 8 to 12 minutes or until fully cooked and desired crispiness is achieved. Repeat if necessary, depending upon the size of your air fryer.

Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing or your favorite dipping sauce if desired. These lemon pepper wings taste great by themselves too! 

I think this is might be my new favorite chicken wing. Which is saying a lot since I love wings! Spicy wings like these air fryer buffalo wings are so good but have been doing a number on my stomach. So to avoid those issues, these lemon pepper chicken wings satisfy me without all the heat. It also makes them super kid friendly and a nice option for those who just don’t like spicy foods.

While I love a good hot wing, sometimes these non-spicy crispy lemon pepper chicken wings in the air fryer are just what the doctor ordered. 

How to Make Baked Lemon Pepper Wings

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem. Cook your wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings) If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don’t overcook. They won’t be as crispy as the air fryer but they will still be delicious.

Reheat Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

Can you reheat chicken wings in the air fryer? Yes! I reheat all my chicken wings in the air fryer, even when we get take out from Buffalo Wild Wings. Those take out wings often taste just as good if not better the next day. I simply preheat my air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the wings in and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved again. Make sure you turn them over or shake the basket half way through cooking.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

This recipe works great for getting you out a dinner rut. Serve it up with your favorite rice dish, air fryer potato wedges or french fries along with a salad.  Chicken wings also make a great snack to serve for tailgating. Whether for a big game get together or just for you while you cheer on your team any given Sunday, these are sure to be good fan fuel. Serve them up with cheesy bacon pull apart bread! Having a party? Whether a holiday potluck or birthday celebration, these air fryer chicken wings are a great appetizer option.  Offer them to guests with some black bean corn salsa or hot bacon spinach dip.

4.57 from 32 votes

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Chicken wings in the air fryer gives you crispy wings the easy way! These lemon pepper wings are a flavorful option but not spicy, making them a family favorite for all tastes! Works great for game day or a party appetizer or to help you out of a dinner rut.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Keyword air fryer appetizer, air fryer chicken, air fryer recipe, air fryer wings, appetizer recipe, appetizers, chicken recipes, chicken wings, game day, lemon pepper, tailgating

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 390 kcal

Author Emilie at findingzest.com

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds of fresh chicken wings approximately 20 wingettes
• 2 - 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small bowl add all spices and stir to evenly mix.
3. If you have whole chicken wings, you'll want to split them at the joint and and remove the tips. If you have already split wings (wingettes) you are ready to go.
4. Pat chicken wings with paper towel to remove any moisture and place in large bowl or gallon size ziploc bag.
5. Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings, then sprinkle seasoning mix. Toss chicken wings to evenly coat. (If using a bag, be sure to seal, then shake).
6. Coat the inside of air fryer with nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush with a little olive oil.
7. Add chicken wings in a single layer, not overlapping.
8. Cook for 10 minutes. Turn over and cook for additional 8 to 12 minutes or until fully cooked and desired crispiness is achieved. Repeat if necessary, depending upon the size of your air fryer.
9. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Recipe Notes

How to Bake Lemon Pepper Wings in the Oven: 
Cook your wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings) If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don't overcook.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Amount per Serving

Calories

390

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

29

g

45

%

Saturated Fat

 

8

g

50

%

Trans Fat

 

1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

6

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

13

g

Cholesterol

 

118

mg

39

%

Sodium

 

403

mg

18

%

Potassium

 

267

mg

8

%

Carbohydrates

 

1

g

0

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

1

g

1

%

Protein

 

28

g

56

%

Vitamin A

 

270

IU

5

%

Vitamin C

 

3

mg

4

%

Calcium

 

25

mg

3

%

Iron

 

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I hope you love these Air Fryer Chicken Wings as much as we do! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try and what you think of the results.