Cinnamon Free Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Crispy, golden, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, these air fryer wings are the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears fast. The secret to that satisfying crunch is baking powder in the dry coating — it draws moisture away from the skin so the air fryer can do its thing and deliver serious crispiness without a drop of oil. A quick homemade lemon pepper sauce made with real butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest takes things way beyond anything you'd shake out of a seasoning bottle. Coarsely ground black pepper gives the sauce a bold, slightly rustic bite that plays perfectly against the bright acidity of the lemon. For anyone navigating spice sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of the warm baking spices that sneak into so many wing seasonings and bottled sauces — every ingredient here is clean and straightforward. A finishing scatter of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side makes the whole platter look like something from a restaurant menu. These are best served immediately while the skin is still crackling.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes, tips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the lemon pepper sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- 2
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece — work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding.
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