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Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

air fryer lemon pepper wings - featured image

These crispy air fryer lemon pepper wings are quick, flavorful, and perfect for easy party snacks. Paired with a creamy homemade ranch dip, they deliver a tangy, peppery crunch that’s addictive and fuss-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split at the joint and tips removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for ranch)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Add lemon zest, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and smoked paprika if using. Toss until wings are well coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
  5. Flip wings using tongs and continue cooking for another 10-13 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp and wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. While wings cook, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir in chopped chives or parsley if desired. Chill until serving.
  7. Transfer cooked wings to a serving platter, taste and adjust seasoning with extra cracked black pepper or lemon zest if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with the creamy ranch dip on the side.

Notes

Pat wings dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking. Flip wings halfway through cooking. For extra crispiness, add 2-3 minutes at the end. Ranch dip flavors improve after chilling. If no air fryer, bake wings at 425°F for 40-45 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer wings, lemon pepper wings, crispy wings, party snacks, easy wings recipe, homemade ranch dip