Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these life-changing air fryer hot honey lemon pepper wings! I was skeptical at first – could an air fryer really deliver that perfect crispy skin I crave? But after one bite of these sticky, spicy-sweet wings with that zesty lemon pepper kick, I was absolutely hooked. Now they’re my go-to for game day or when I need a quick flavor fix.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Wings
- Crispy perfection without deep frying – the air fryer gives that golden crunch we all love
- Addictive flavor combo – the sweet heat from hot honey balanced with bright lemon pepper is just *chef’s kiss*
- So easy – no messy oil, just toss, air fry, and sauce (perfect for last-minute cravings!)
- Customizable heat – dial the spice up or down with your favorite hot honey brand
Ingredients for Air Fryer Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with these wings! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken wings – I prefer the whole wing (flats and drumettes) for variety
- 2 tbsp olive oil – helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning – use your favorite brand (I’m partial to Lawry’s)
- 1 tsp salt – kosher salt works best for even seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground adds amazing aroma
- 1/4 cup hot honey – Mike’s Hot Honey is my go-to, but any brand works
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – fresh squeezed gives the brightest flavor (but bottled works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder – adds that savory depth we all crave
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of this already:
- Air fryer (of course!)
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs for flipping
- Small bowl for sauce mixing
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Alright, let’s get these wings from fridge to face in record time! The magic happens in three simple phases – prep, cook, and sauce. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have restaurant-quality wings with way less mess (and way more bragging rights).
Prepping the Wings
First things first – dry those wings! I pat them thoroughly with paper towels (damp wings = sad, soggy skin). Then into a big bowl they go with the olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss like you mean it – every nook and cranny should be coated. Now here’s the key: arrange them in your air fryer basket in a single layer with a little breathing room. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness!
Air Frying Technique
Pop those beauties into your preheated 400°F air fryer. Set your timer for 12 minutes – that’s when the magic starts happening. When the buzzer goes off, flip each wing with tongs (this is when I sneak a peek at that gorgeous golden color developing). Cook another 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy all over and the internal temp hits 165°F. You’ll know they’re done when the skin looks crackly and the meat pulls back from the bones slightly.
Coating with Hot Honey Sauce
While the wings cook, whisk together your hot honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a bowl big enough to toss the wings later. As soon as those crispy wings come out of the air fryer, dump them into the sauce bowl and toss like your life depends on it! The heat helps the sauce cling perfectly to every ridge and crevice. Pro tip: do this while the wings are piping hot for maximum flavor adhesion.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Wings
Oh, you’ve gotta try these wings with a cooling dip – that hot honey spice just begs for balance! My absolute favorite is homemade ranch (the tang cuts through the sweetness perfectly), but blue cheese dressing works wonders too. For a fresh contrast, serve with crisp celery and carrot sticks – their crunch is the perfect textural partner to those sticky wings. And don’t forget plenty of napkins… you’ll need them!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your wings tasting fresh and crispy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (trust me, it turns them rubbery). Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, or use your oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes – just until they’re heated through and crispy again. The sauce might get a little sticky, but that’s half the charm!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates (your exact ingredients may vary slightly). Per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):
- 320 calories
- 18g fat (4g saturated)
- 680mg sodium
- 16g carbs (12g sugar, 1g fiber)
- 24g protein
Not too shabby for wings this delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these irresistible wings:
Can I Use Frozen Wings?
You can, but thaw them first! Frozen wings straight in the air fryer will steam instead of crisp. Pat them extra dry for best texture.
How Do I Make It Less Spicy?
Easy! Use less hot honey or mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne. For super mild, try smoked paprika instead of black pepper.
Best Dipping Sauces?
My top picks: cool ranch, chunky blue cheese, or garlic aioli. The creamy tang balances the sweet heat perfectly!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe – Irresistible!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy and flavorful wings coated in a tangy hot honey lemon pepper sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- In a bowl, mix hot honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust hot honey quantity for desired spice level.
- For extra crispiness, pat wings dry before seasoning.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American