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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

These Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack that combines crispy, juicy chicken wings with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are healthier than traditional fried wings without sacrificing flavor. The addition of fresh thyme and parsley gives these wings a fragrant, savory finish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Marinade and Seasoning

  • lb chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp lemon pepper (salt free is best)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp fresh or dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply run it empty for about 3-5 minutes. Optionally, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the wings from sticking.
  2. Toss Wings with Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with olive oil (or avocado oil), lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Toss well to make sure all wings are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  3. First Cooking Cycle: Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F.
  4. Flip and Cook Further: After the first 10 minutes, flip each wing over carefully to promote even crisping. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
  5. Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: While the wings are cooking, melt the butter and combine it with the lemon juice to create a tangy and buttery sauce.
  6. Toss Wings with Sauce and Season: Once wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with the lemon butter sauce. Season generously with salt, extra black pepper to taste, fresh or dried thyme, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and aroma.
  7. Serve: Serve the wings hot as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal.

Notes

  • Using salt-free lemon pepper allows you to control the saltiness of the wings better.
  • For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry before tossing with oil and seasoning.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
  • Check your air fryer’s capacity to avoid overcrowding the basket, which could affect crispiness.
  • Leftover wings can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.