This quick and easy air fryer Lemon Pepper Wings recipe will not only satisfy your craving for crispy wings but also infuse them with the vibrant essence of citrus and balanced with the subtle heat of freshly cracked black pepper.
Why Your Whole Family Will Love These
- Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
- Easy. Create a tasty coating, toss in the air fryer until cooked and crispy, and serve!
- Low Carb. Tons of flavor is packed into these wings that are still only 1 net carb per serving.
- Gluten Free. Made with gluten-free ingredients, these wings can be enjoyed by those that have a gluten allergy.
With the air fryer as your trusty culinary ally, you can effortlessly achieve wings that boast both crunch and zest.
So, next time you're seeking a culinary adventure that promises to delight your palate, let the duo of lemon and pepper take center stage with these irresistibly crispy wings.
Why Are Lemon Pepper Wings Popular?
Lemon pepper wings offer a delightful combination of flavors that cater to diverse tastes, making them a popular choice for those seeking a unique and mouthwatering culinary experience.
Their combination of zest, spice, and crispiness continues to capture the hearts and taste buds of wing lovers everywhere.
Do Lemon Pepper Wings Taste Like Lemon?
Yes, lemon pepper wings do have a distinct lemon flavor, but the lemon flavor is typically not overpowering.
Lemon pepper seasoning is a blend of ground black pepper and dried lemon zest. The lemon zest provides a citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the spiciness of the black pepper.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken Wings
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Ground Black Pepper
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
How To Make Lemon Pepper Wings
- Prepare the Wings. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Drying the wings will contribute to their crispy texture in the air fryer. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.
- Zest and Juice the Lemon. Add the lemon zest to the bowl. Follow this with the juice of the lemon to infuse the wings with a burst of tangy flavor.
- Season them Up. In a separate bowl, create the lemon pepper seasoning blend. Combine freshly ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Coat and Marinate. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning blend over them. Toss the wings gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the lemony and peppery goodness. Allow the wings to marinate for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat and Place the Wings. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the marinated wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.
- Air Fry the Lemon Pepper Wings. Slide the basket into the air fryer and let the magic unfold. Cook the wings for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Garnish and Serve. Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some valuable tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer lemon pepper wings turn out perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor:
- Start with Dry Wings. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning them. Moisture on the wings can hinder crispiness.
- Use Fresh Lemon Zest. For the best lemon flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest rather than pre-packaged lemon pepper seasoning. This imparts a more vibrant and authentic citrus taste.
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
Variations
Here are some exciting variations you can try to elevate your air fryer lemon pepper wings and create an array of flavors:
- Garlic Lover's Delight- Enhance the savory profile by incorporating minced garlic or garlic powder into the lemon pepper seasoning. The combination of garlic and lemon is a classic and delicious pairing.
- Sriracha Lemon Pepper Wings- For a spicy kick, mix a small amount of sriracha sauce into your lemon pepper seasoning blend before coating the wings. This adds heat and depth to the flavor.
- Honey Lemon Twist- Drizzle honey over the wings before air frying to create a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the lemon pepper seasoning.
What To Serve With Lemon Pepper Wings
Lemon pepper wings are a burst of zesty and savory flavor, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some delectable options to serve alongside them:
- Burrata Salad- A crisp and refreshing salad provides a perfect contrast to the bold flavors of these air fryer wings.
- Roasted Vegetables- Oven-roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus complement the wings with their earthy flavors and slightly caramelized edges.
- Corn on the Cob- A buttery and charred corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness to the meal, balancing out the tangy zest of the wings.
- Coleslaw- Creamy coleslaw is a classic side that can provide a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the wings. The creamy texture and tangy dressing create a harmonious balance.
How Long Do They Last?
If you have leftover wings or want to double up the recipe to make ahead to enjoy later, they can be easily saved and enjoyed.
Cooked wings can typically last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Them?
To extend their shelf life further, you can freeze these citrusy wings. Allow the wings to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe container or airtight bag.
Properly frozen wings can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.
More Delicious Wing Recipes
- Korean Chicken Wings
- Breaded Chicken Wings
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Baked Chicken Wings
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Drying the wings will contribute to their crispy texture in the air fryer. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.
- Zest and Juice the Lemon. Add the lemon zest to the bowl. Follow this with the juice of the lemon to infuse the wings with a burst of tangy flavor.
- Season them Up. In a separate bowl, create the lemon pepper seasoning blend. Combine freshly ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Coat and Marinate. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning blend over them. Toss the wings gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the lemony and peppery goodness. Allow the wings to marinate for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat and Place the Wings. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the marinated wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.
- Air Fry the Lemon Pepper Wings. Slide the basket into the air fryer and let the magic unfold. Cook the wings for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Garnish and Serve. Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
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And don't forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer, and Air Fryer Revolution.
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