Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

💛 Why You’ll Love These Lemon Pepper Wings

• Quick & Convenient – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Made with just 5 simple ingredients, but loaded with bold lemon-pepper goodness.
• Tried & Loved – A reader-favorite recipe that consistently delivers on taste and texture.
• Crispy, Juicy, and Perfectly Seasoned – Each wing is coated in a well-balanced blend of spices, resulting in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat every time.
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve them for game day, parties, or an easy dinner — they always impress!

Do you put the lemon pepper on before or after cooking the wings?

For the best flavor and texture, add the lemon pepper seasoning after cooking. Once the wings are done in the air fryer—crispy and golden—immediately toss them in melted butter, then sprinkle on the lemon pepper seasoning while they’re still hot. The butter helps the seasoning cling evenly to the wings, resulting in a tasty air fried wing!

Ingredients you'll need

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Chicken Wings: I like to use a mix of drummettes and wingettes for variety in both texture and presentation. Drummettes offer more meat and are easy to grab, while wingettes have crispier skin and soak up seasoning beautifully.
• Butter: It adds richness, tones down any sharp heat, and helps the lemon pepper seasoning stick to the wings—creating a flavorful coating and a beautifully browned exterior.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: It adds a bright, citrusy tang balanced by the bold kick of black pepper, creating a vibrant, well-rounded flavor. I like using Lawry’s Lemon Pepper for its convenience and consistency, but feel free to use your favorite homemade lemon pepper recipe blend if you prefer.
• Flour: A light dusting of all-purpose flour helps the chicken wings develop a crispy, golden exterior in the air fryer by absorbing surface moisture and allowing the seasoning to stick.

How to make lemon pepper wings in the air fryer?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

1 & 2. Stir together all-purpose flour, salt and pepper in a large bowl , add chicken wings, and toss until thoroughly combined.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 15 minutes. When ready, place wings in a single layer and cook. When done, increase the cooking time to 400 degrees and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to develop browning.

4. Transfer hot chicken wings into a large bowl and drizzle in melted butter.

5. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning. Stir until evenly combined and serve hot.

What to serve with lemon pepper chicken wings?

These air fried chicken wings are zesty, bold, and flavorful — so they pair well with a variety of sides that balance or complement their spicy flavor. Here are some tasty options to serve with them:

• Celery & Carrot Sticks – Classic wing bar sides that offer a cooling crunch justa s they serve at the Wingstop.
• Coleslaw – Creamy slaw balances the citrusy spice and adds texture.
• Mac and Cheese – The creamy, cheesy richness is the perfect contrast to the bright, zesty heat of the wings. I love serving them with my easy one-pot mac and cheese or with the baked mac and cheese cups — always a hit with the kids!
• Garlic Fried Rice – Absorbs flavor and balances the wings' boldness.

What sauce to eat with lemon pepper wings?

The chicken wings pair perfectly with a variety of sauces that complement their bold, zesty flavor. Classic choices like creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing provide a cool, rich balance to the citrusy spice. For something a bit different, garlic parmesan sauce adds a flavorful, garlicky creaminess, while honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy contrast. If you’re craving extra heat, spicy mayo or sriracha mayo, which I used to spread in the spicy shrimp sandwich, will bring a delicious kick.

How to make ahead for a party or a gathering?

Air fry the chicken wings in advance and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. When ready to serve, reheat or toss the wings with freshly melted, hot butter, then sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning and toss to coat evenly. This keeps the wings flavorful and crisp without overcooking.

✅ Tips for Perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

• Pat Dry – Always pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming in the air fryer.
• Two-Stage Cooking – Cook the wings at 350°F to cook through, then finish at 400°F to get that crispy, golden skin without breading.
• Single Layer Only – Arrange wings in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
• Season Generously – I use 2 tablespoons of Lawry’s lemon pepper seasoning for 2 pounds of wings, but adjust to your taste or use your favorite brand.
• Don’t Overcook – Remove wings as soon as they reach 165°F internally. Overcooking dries them out—look for tender meat and a golden-brown exterior.
• Using Whole Wings – If using whole wings, separate the drumette and flat and discard the wing tip for even cooking.
• Air Fryer Size Matters – I used a 6-quart Instant Vortex and fit 2 pounds in one batch. Smaller fryers may require cooking in two rounds.
• Toss While Hot – Toss the wings in hot melted butter and seasoning immediately after cooking so they soak up all the flavor.