Hot Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Wings: Finger-Licking Spicy Citrus Delight

Based on our recipe instructions, it takes about 25 minutes to cook the wings in the air fryer. Preparation time, including cleaning, seasoning, and coating the wings, typically takes an additional 30 minutes. So, in total, you should expect to spend around 55 minutes to make these delicious wings.

You’ll need the following ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup hot sauce, 1 cup honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon lemon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder, 1 cup cornstarch, nonstick cooking spray, 1 lb fresh chicken wings, 1 lime, 2 cups cold water, and 2 cups white vinegar.

To achieve crispy wings, make sure to dry the wings thoroughly after cleaning, coat them well in seasoned cornstarch, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Also, spray the wings with nonstick cooking spray during cooking. Turning them every 5 minutes helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply follow the instructions to melt the butter, mix in the hot sauce, honey, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning, and simmer until smooth. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before tossing with the cooked wings.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings in an oven preheated to 400°F. Place the coated wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for about 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

These wings pair well with a side of fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks. For a refreshing drink, consider serving them with lemonade or limeade, which complements the citrus notes of the wings. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also make a great accompaniment.