Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings: A Zesty, Crispy Treat

Lemon pepper wings are a delicious, tangy snack that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep and very little mess. Requiring only a handful of ingredients, this simple recipe is perfect for game day or as an easy dinner. The air fryer's fan ensures even heat circulation, resulting in crispy skin without the added mess of frying oil. The wings are seasoned with lemon pepper and a sauce made from butter, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice, creating a zesty and slightly spicy flavour.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried food at home without the mess of deep frying. They work by circulating hot air around the food, crisping it up and replicating the taste and texture of fried food. When choosing an air fryer, there are a few things to consider:

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most are around $100, so you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good one.

Capacity

Most air fryers are designed to fit neatly on your countertop and have a capacity of around 2-5 quarts. If you're cooking for more than two people, you may need a larger model or be prepared to cook in batches.

Features

Some air fryers have advanced features such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking, which can be useful if you want to save space and combine multiple appliances into one. Others have preset buttons for different types of food, so you don't have to worry about setting the right temperature and time.

Type

There are two main types of air fryers: basket-style and oven-style. Basket-style air fryers are more basic and affordable, but they take up more counter space. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are more similar to toaster ovens and tend to have more functions, but they also tend to be more expensive.

Brand

Some popular brands that make air fryers include Philips, Instant Pot, Cosori, Ninja, and Breville.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider your budget, the amount of space you have, and what types of food you want to cook. Air fryers are a great way to enjoy fried food without the mess and hassle of deep frying, so choosing the right one can make a big difference in your cooking experience.

Preparing the wings

Separate the Wings:

Start by separating the whole wings into individual wings, drumettes, and flats (the middle part of the wing between the drum and the tip). You can also remove and discard the wing tips, or season and cook them if you prefer. Separating the wings ensures even cooking and a crisp texture.

Pat Dry:

Before adding any seasoning, it's important to pat the wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the wings will help the skin crisp up during cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture.

Seasoning:

The key to flavourful wings is in the seasoning. For lemon pepper wings, a combination of lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper is essential. You can use a store-bought lemon pepper seasoning blend, or make your own by mixing dried lemon zest, pepper, and salt. Additionally, you can enhance the flavour by adding other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

To apply the seasoning, place the wings in a large bowl or a gallon-size ziploc bag. Drizzle olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle the seasoning mix generously. Toss the wings or shake the bag to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add the wings directly to the air fryer basket and toss them with the seasoning, as some recipes suggest.

Single Layer in Air Fryer Basket:

To ensure even cooking and crispiness, arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the wings, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent them from getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Preheat Air Fryer:

Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure your wings cook evenly and get that desired crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-425°F for about 5-15 minutes. Check your air fryer's instructions for specific preheating guidelines.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the wings. Place the basket in the air fryer and follow a cooking time and temperature guide, such as:

• Cook for 10 minutes at 380°F.
• Flip the wings and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for a final 3-5 minutes to get the skin perfectly crispy.

Alternatively, you can follow a different temperature and time combination, such as cooking at 400°F for 8 minutes per side, or a total of 16 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the wings.

Your lemon pepper wings are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as is or with your favourite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or blue cheese dressing.

Making the sauce

The sauce for your lemon pepper wings can be as simple or as complex as you like. Some recipes call for just lemon pepper seasoning and butter, while others add cayenne, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, or lemon juice.

If you're looking for a basic sauce, simply melt some butter and mix in lemon pepper seasoning to taste. You can also add a little garlic powder for extra flavour. Toss your cooked wings in this mixture, then return them to the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up again.

If you want something a little more complex, you can make a lemon honey sauce by combining melted butter, honey, and lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add some lemon juice and/or lemon zest to really enhance the citrus flavour. Again, toss your cooked wings in this sauce, then return them to the air fryer for a few minutes.

For an even spicier option, add some cayenne pepper to your sauce. Or, if you're looking for a creamy dipping sauce, try making a yogurt-based sauce with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, spicy brown mustard, and honey.

Remember, if you're making a sauce with butter, you'll want to toss your wings in it and return them to the air fryer for a few minutes so the butter can caramelise slightly.

Cooking the wings

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook your lemon pepper wings! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect crispy wings:

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Before you begin cooking, it's important to prepare your chicken wings properly. If you have purchased whole wings, start by splitting them at the joints and removing the wing tips. You can discard the wing tips or season and cook them along with the rest of the wings. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as dry skin will crisp up better in the air fryer. Place your prepared wings in a large bowl or a gallon-size ziplock bag.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken wings. Then, sprinkle your chosen lemon pepper seasoning generously over the wings. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or black pepper to enhance the flavour. Toss the wings or shake the bag to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to achieve the best results. Set the temperature to between 380-425°F and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Some recipes recommend preheating for up to 15 minutes for a crispier finish. Check your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Place the seasoned wings inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the wings, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Cook the wings for about 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 20-25 minutes. For crispier wings, you can increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an extra 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a clean bowl. If desired, toss the wings with melted butter and additional lemon pepper seasoning to enhance the flavour. You can also serve the wings with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. Serve your lemon pepper wings immediately while they're nice and crispy!

Tips for Success:

• Always pat your chicken wings dry before seasoning to ensure a crispier skin.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
• Experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to find your favourite combinations.
• For an extra crispy skin, you can use cornstarch or baking powder in your dry rub.

Serving suggestions

Lemon pepper wings are a great snack for game day, a party appetizer, or a weeknight dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

Dipping Sauces

You can serve lemon pepper wings with a variety of dipping sauces. Honey mustard is a popular choice to balance the tang of the lemon pepper. Other options include:

• Herbed buttermilk ranch dressing
• Nashville hot chicken dip
• Blue cheese dressing
• Your favourite hot sauce, such as Frank's or Sriracha
• A creamy yogurt-based dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, spicy brown mustard, and honey

Sides

Lemon pepper wings can be served with celery sticks, blue cheese, ranch dressing, or carrot sticks. They also go well with a side salad or some veggies. For a more filling meal, serve them with your favourite rice dish, air fryer potato wedges, or French fries.

Drinks

If serving lemon pepper wings as an appetizer or snack, offer guests a variety of drinks, such as beer, wine, or soft drinks. If serving them as a main course, a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail would pair well.

Frequently asked questions