Air Fryer Buttery Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Introduction
These Air Fryer Buttery Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a game-changer for any wing lover! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a buttery lemon-pepper glaze that’s impossible to resist — all without deep-frying. This quick air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Wings:
2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
Salt to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels — this helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder until evenly coated.
Air Fry the Wings
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the wings in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches).
Air fry for 22–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at the 12-minute mark, until golden and crispy.
For extra crispiness, increase to 400°F (204°C) for the last 3–4 minutes.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Toss and Serve
Transfer the hot, crispy wings to a large bowl.
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the wings and toss well to coat evenly.
Garnish with extra lemon zest, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Tips
For even crispier skin, let the wings rest uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for a stronger flavor punch.
Adjust lemon juice for your taste — more for tanginess, less for buttery richness.
Serve immediately while the wings are hot and the butter is glossy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your wings with:
Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip
A side of garlic bread or potato wedges
A light cucumber salad for balance
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Buttery Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of crispy texture and bright, buttery flavor. With minimal oil and maximum crunch, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Fast, flavorful, and finger-lickin’ good — these wings prove that air frying is the secret to effortless indulgence!