Go Back
–+ servings

Air Fryer Wet Lemon Pepper Wings

These wings are the perfect mix of a crispy dry-rub base and a silky, buttery lemon pepper glaze. Made in the air fryer for a healthier crunch, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Print Tweet Pin Share
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Wings, Easy Chicken Recipe, Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, Lemon Pepper,, Wet Wings
Prep Time: 8 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: 644kcal

Ingredients

Chicken Wings:

  • 2 lbs. chicken wings (flats and drumsticks separated)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • Cooking Spray

Dry Rub

  • 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 2 tsp baking powder (for the crisp!)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (just a little heat to wake it up)

Wet Sauce

  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • q½ tsp fresh lemon zest
  • ⅓ tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions

  • Prep the Chicken: If you’re starting with whole wings, go ahead and separate the flats from the drums. I usually toss the tips, but you can save them for a nice stock later.
  • The Dry Down: This is the most important part! Take some paper towels and pat those wings until they are bone-dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
  • Seasoning: Toss the wings in a bowl with a teaspoon of salt and the oil until they're coated.
  • Pro Tip: If you’ve got the time, let these sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes (or even overnight). It helps the skin dry out even more, which means a better crunch later.
  • The Coating: Whisk your dry rub ingredients together. Toss the wings in the mixture until they’re lightly dusted.
  • Air Fry Time: Lightly spray your air fryer basket. Arrange the wings in a single layer—don't crowd them, they need room to breathe! Cook at 400°F for about 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • The Toss: While the wings are getting crispy, whisk your melted butter, lemon juice, zest, and seasonings in a large bowl.
  • The Finish: As soon as those wings come out hot, toss them straight into the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 50g | Sodium: 1677mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g