How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Wings - Lemon Pepper Chicken Wing Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lb Whole Chicken Wings (Will be cut into drumettes, flats, and tips; tips can be saved for stock)
• 1 Fresh Lemon (Juice of half the lemon for sauce; zest about ¼ tsp)
• 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (Melted for the lemon‑pepper sauce)
• 2 Tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning (Lowry's or any brand you prefer)
• 1 cup Corn Starch (Creates the ultra‑crisp coating)
• 4 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder) (1 tsp each; used in both base seasoning and corn‑starch mix)
• 2 sprays Cooking Spray (Non‑stick spray for the air fryer basket)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
• ¼ tsp Old Bay Seasoning (optional) (Adds a subtle seafood note if desired)

Instructions

1. Cut Whole Wings

   Place the whole wings on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut between the wing tip and flat, then between the flat and drumette at the natural joints.

   Time: PT10M

2. Rinse and Clean

   Rinse the separated pieces under cold running water, pulling away any cartilage or bone fragments. Pat dry with your hands while rinsing.

   Time: PT5M

3. Dry the Wings Thoroughly

   Lay the wings on a sheet of paper towels on a baking sheet and pat them completely dry. The skin must be as dry as possible for crispness.

   Time: PT5M

4. Light Base Seasoning

   Sprinkle the all‑purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) over the wings and toss to coat lightly.

   Time: PT2M

5. Prepare Corn Starch Coating

   In a clean mixing bowl combine 1 cup corn starch with the same all‑purpose seasoning and whisk until evenly distributed.

   Time: PT2M

6. Coat Wings in Starch

   Toss the seasoned wings in the corn‑starch mixture, shaking off excess. Aim for a light, even coating.

   Time: PT5M

7. Make Lemon‑Pepper Sauce

   Squeeze the juice of half a lemon (seeds removed) into a bowl, add about ¼ tsp lemon zest, 3 Tbsp melted butter, 2 Tbsp lemon‑pepper seasoning, and optional ¼ tsp Old Bay. Whisk until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

8. Preheat Air Fryer

   Set the air fryer to 390°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 390°F

9. First Air‑Fry Phase

   Arrange the coated wings on a wire rack inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping at the 6‑7‑minute mark and spraying again.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 390°F

10. Crisp Finish at Higher Heat

    Increase the air fryer temperature to 450°F and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, flipping every few minutes until the wings are deep golden‑brown and crisp.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 450°F

11. Toss in Sauce

    Transfer the hot wings to a large mixing bowl, pour the lemon‑pepper butter sauce over them, and toss until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

12. Garnish and Serve

    Sprinkle chopped parsley over the wings, add lemon wedges on the side, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

500

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

10g

Fat

35g

Fiber

0g