Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air fryer lemon pepper chicken wings made with a dry rub are versatile and very quick and easy to cook. Air frying means they will be perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for an easy snack or appetizer.

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How to cook crispy lemon pepper chicken wings in an air fryer

Lemon pepper chicken wings are so easy to make in an air fryer. Quick prep time, and also very quick to cook, you can whip this delicious snack or appetizer up in no time at all. Perfect for game day!

My family all love air fried chicken. It is so quick and easy, and air frying is so great for getting really crispy skin that everyone loves on chicken! Some of our favorites are air fried chicken legs, air fryer chicken breast, and roast chicken.

🧂 Seasoning

This recipe uses a dry rub for seasoning. You can use either a store made lemon pepper seasoning, or make your own simple one from ground black pepper, lemon zest and garlic salt (or kosher salt and garlic powder).

When using a dry rub, pat the wings dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the dry rub onto the wings, and then rub the seasoning in with your hands. I have found that you can just about get away with using silicone tongs if you are squeamish about touching raw chicken.

You can also make air fryer chicken wings using regular seasoning (mixed with a little oil), a marinade, or sauces to flavor them.

⏲️ Cooking times

These chicken wings take approximately 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, though the exact cooking time depends on many factors including exactly how big the chicken wing pieces are, and how powerful your air fryer is. See this recipe for cooking whole chicken wings in an air fryer (they take a bit longer).

The important thing with getting the cook times right with chicken is always to ensure that the internal temperature in the center of the thickest part is 165°F (74°C) or higher.

Use an instant-read thermometer at the end of the cook time to check the temperature in the center of the thickest part, and add a couple of minutes cooking time if it is not quite done.

🔪 Method

1. Season the chicken wings. Pat chicken wings dry and place in a large bowl. Add dry rub on top, then use your hands (or silicone tongs) rub the seasoning into the chicken. Try to ensure that every surface is covered and the seasoning is well rubbed in.
2. Place chicken wings in the air fryer. The chicken wings should be placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is OK if they are touching, but try to ensure there is space around them so the hot air flow can reach all surfaces of the wings.
3. Cook the wings. Air fry the wings at 355°F (180°C) for twenty minutes flipping them over half way through the cooking time.
4. Remove wings from the air fryer. When wings are golden brown and have reached 165°F (74°C) or higher in the thickest part remove from the air fryer. Toss with your favorite sauce and enjoy!

How to serve chicken wings

Chicken wings are best served with a great dipping sauce, and something fresh and crunchy on the side. Ranch sauce with celery and carrots on the side is a classic, but blue cheese sauce with cos, or jerk sauce with sliced bell peppers are also great combinations!

Storing and reheating

Store any leftover chicken wings in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and use within 3 days.

You can reheat the chicken wings in the air fryer, air fry for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, 1-2 minutes on high.

📋 Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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