When the craving for something crispy and tangy hits just as you’re winding down after a long day, these Wingstop lemon pepper wings air fryer style come through like a charm. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, turning the wings golden and crunchy without the mess of deep frying. Plus, the bright lemon zest and peppery kick bring a fresh zing that’s irresistible.
I remember the first time I tried making these wings at home. I was juggling a few things — phone buzzing, a half-finished email — and honestly, I wasn’t sure if the air fryer would live up to my expectations. But as soon as that lemon pepper aroma filled the kitchen, I forgot about the distractions. The wings came out perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and that buttery lemon pepper coating? It slapped. I probably ate too many before even sitting down properly. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but doesn’t ask for much effort or attention, which is exactly what I needed.
- The air fryer makes cooking wings less of a hassle, no oil splatters or standing over a stove.
- The lemon pepper seasoning is punchy but balanced, not overpowering — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- It’s quick enough for a weekday snack but tasty enough to share with friends when you want to impress without stress.
If you’re hesitant about getting your wings just right, don’t be. The baking powder trick helps them get super crispy, and tossing them in the lemon butter sauce while still hot locks in that flavor. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket or you’ll lose some crispiness.
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Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings Air Fryer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Wingstop-style lemon pepper wings made quickly and easily in the air fryer. Perfectly seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper coating for a delicious snack or meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
1 tablespoon baking powder, aluminum-free
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat evenly with the dry mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 12 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
While the wings are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the lemon pepper butter sauce over them.
Toss the wings gently until they are evenly coated with the lemon pepper sauce.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen stuff you’ll need is pretty straightforward — just an air fryer and something to toss the wings in. For serving, these wings pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crunchy celery sticks to balance the richness. I’ve tried swapping fresh lime for lemon juice once, which was interesting but not quite the same vibe. You could also experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you’re feeling adventurous. And if you want to keep it lighter, try skipping the butter and just using lemon juice and seasoning — it’s less rich but still tasty.
FAQ
Can I make these wings ahead of time? You can prep the seasoning mix in advance and even toss the wings, but for best crispiness, cook and sauce them right before eating.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Oven baking at a high temperature works too, though it might take a bit longer and won’t be quite as crispy.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days and reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.
Ready to get those wings going? Scroll down, save this recipe, and let the air fryer work its magic. Your taste buds will thank you.