A simpler, lighter option for wing night that’s sure to become a favorite!
I am a big fan of my air fryer during any season, but I especially consider it to be the MVP of my kitchen in the summer months. Not only does it allow me to cook a wide range of dishes without turning on my oven, but it also helps me to cut down significantly on oil use. And since summer is when I tend to spend a lot of time in swimwear, either at the beach or pool, I fully appreciate being able to chow down on healthier versions of typically indulgent dishes.
Take these lemon pepper chicken wings, for example. Wings are often deep-fried in oil in order to get them nice and crispy. However, the air fryer can reproduce this delicious crispy texture with just a bit of cooking spray. And you know how sometimes wings can be so heavily sauced that you can’t really taste the chicken? Here, the flavor of the chicken takes center stage, and the lemony seasoning augments it with a light and refreshing taste.
This dish also couldn’t be easier to make. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering platter of wings on the table. It’s great to serve on game day, at BBQs, or even a regular meal in the middle of the week!
Are Air-Fryer Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings Healthy?
This is a relatively healthy way to cook chicken wings. They’re not fried, breaded, or coated in a sugary sauce like your typical chicken wings. If you’re going to use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully. If you’re worried about the additives in store-bought lemon pepper seasoning, it’s really easy to make your own with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This is also a great way to manage the sodium levels and make sure you’re not getting any chemical fillers or preservatives that can be in commercially prepared seasonings.
Make Your Own Lemon-Pepper Seasoning
Making your own lemon-pepper seasoning is very easy, and you don’t need a fancy dehydrator either. Simply grate the rind of four to six lemons into a small bowl (depending on how lemony you’d like it to be). Dry out the lemon zest by either baking it on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven for an hour or microwave it on a paper towel-lined plate for 30-second increments, stirring it in between, until dry (about two minutes). Next, mix the zest with two tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper and two tablespoons of your favorite salt. Bonus points if you use coarse Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt, as they have a more complex flavor than regular table salt. You can also add a little garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the mix. Give it a good stir, and then transfer it to a jar with an airtight lid, where it’ll keep for a few months.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
These wings are best eaten right out of the air fryer, but you can store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let them cool completely first, and keep them stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The best way to reheat is to place the wings back in the air fryer at 380°F for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
What are chicken wings without a great dip? Try serving them on a platter with this ultra-flavorful Chicken Wing Dip alongside some raw veggies like carrots and celery. A few other classic dip choices include Buffalo Sauce, Avocado Ranch Dressing, Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, and Blue Cheese Dip. If you’re looking for other crowd-pleasing appetizers to serve as part of a bigger spread, consider pairing these wings with Cheeseburger Sliders, Pigs In A Blanket, and Mac And Cheese Bites.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken wings (tips removed and wings separated)
- 1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh lemon zest (optional)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with the lemon-pepper seasoning until they're evenly coated. You can also grate some fresh lemon zest over the wings.
- Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer. Cook them at 380°F for 10 minutes, and then flip them and cook for another 10 minutes. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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