MSG Free Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Crispy, tangy, and loaded with bright citrus heat, these air fryer wings are the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears fast. The secret to that shatteringly crisp skin is baking powder — it draws out moisture and promotes browning without any additives or flavor enhancers you'd find in a seasoning packet. That matters here, because store-bought lemon pepper blends are notorious for sneaking in glutamates and "natural flavors" that can be hard to verify. This recipe builds every bit of that bold flavor from scratch: fresh lemon juice, real zest, coarsely ground black pepper, and a simple butter sauce that comes together in minutes. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, circulating hot air around each wing for a deep golden finish that rivals anything fried in oil. A final toss in that homemade sauce coats every piece in glossy, peppery citrus goodness, and a handful of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side make it look as good as it tastes. Clean ingredients, zero compromise on flavor.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!