Name: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 Chicken wings, wings and drums separated; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper; ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning; ½ tablespoon Seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter; ½ cup Hot sauce; ¼ cup Honey; 1 whole Lemon, juiced; 1 teaspoon Lemon pepper seasoning; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

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If you’re craving a chicken wing recipe that hits all the right notes — sweet, tangy, and with just the perfect amount of spicy kick — then you are going to adore this Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer that takes classic wings to a new level of flavorful excitement while keeping things quick and simple with the magic of the air fryer. Crispy, juicy, and coated in a luscious hot honey lemon pepper sauce, these wings are perfect for cozy nights in, game day feasts, or anytime you want to impress guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds five ingredients arranged neatly: a clear glass bowl with bright red hot sauce in the top left, a clear glass bowl with different colored seasonings stacked in layers including light brown, yellow, dark brown, and reddish-orange in the top right, a small white bowl filled with dark golden honey just below the hot sauce, a whole bright yellow lemon positioned to the left of the honey bowl, and a clear glass bowl with a square piece of pale yellow butter in the bottom right. Each ingredient is labeled clearly in white text above or beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in layering bold flavors and creating a crispy, juicy texture that’s simply irresistible. From the zesty lemon pepper seasoning to the rich butter and sticky honey that forms your wing sauce, every item contributes to an iconic balance that will keep you reaching for more.

12 Chicken wings (wings and drums separated): The perfect bite-sized base for crispy, flavorful wings.
2 tablespoons Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes that crispy outer texture in the air fryer.
1 tablespoon Lemon pepper: Brings bright citrus notes with a peppery punch to every drum and wing.
½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds a subtle spicy warmth underneath the sweetness.
½ tablespoon Seasoned salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes your wings savory and balanced.
1 teaspoon Black pepper: Provides a sharp, aromatic heat to complement the sauce.
1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Adds a hint of savory depth that melds perfectly with citrus and spice.
2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted): The base fat that makes the sauce rich and silky.
½ cup Hot sauce: The hot in the hot honey – choose your favorite for the right heat level.
¼ cup Honey: Creates the essential sweet counterbalance to the spice and lemon.
1 whole Lemon (juiced): Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a natural tang and brightness to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper seasoning: Reinforces the citrus pepper flavor in the sauce layer.
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Adds complexity and a little smoky spice to finish off the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels — this step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin in the air fryer. Next, toss them in a large bowl where you’ll drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mixing everything well ensures every piece is beautifully coated with flavor.

Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spray your air fryer tray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and lay the wings in a single layer without overlapping. Depending on your air fryer size, you may want to cook in batches for even crispiness. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10 minutes, then flip the wings and continue cooking for another 15 minutes. By the end, you’ll have wings that are irresistibly golden and crisp on the outside while juicy inside.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

While the wings cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add your hot sauce, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Stir vigorously and let the sauce simmer gently for about two minutes — it will thicken and become beautifully glossy, ready to glaze those wings.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce

When your wings are done cooking, immediately toss them in the skillet with the hot honey lemon pepper sauce or transfer the sauce to a bowl and give the wings a thorough coating. This final step ensures each bite bursts with that perfect blend of sweet, citrusy tang and spicy heat that makes this Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe unforgettable.

How to Serve Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe

A white plate covered with parchment paper holds nine grilled chicken wings with a shiny, sticky orange-brown sauce, showing some charred spots. The wings form three uneven rows across the plate, with the sauce pooling slightly underneath. Around the wings are a few lemon wedges positioned at the top left and bottom right corners, and on the right side there is a half lemon with grill marks visible. At the top center, a clear small cup filled with reddish-orange dipping sauce is placed. All items sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe even more, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions on top. Not only will this add a pop of color, but also a fresh herbal contrast that brightens the dish. A light dusting of extra lemon pepper seasoning is another great way to amp up flavor at serving time.

Side Dishes

Pair these wings with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a classic combination that cools the palate against the heat. Creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing make excellent dippers. For something heftier, a simple side of garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve your Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces to create a casual finger food experience? Or arrange them over a bed of shredded lettuce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation that will wow guests at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your wings, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their crispy, sauced magic when properly covered.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked wings. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen wings last up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To bring your Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe back to life, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crispy skin intact.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with the quick crisping power of an air fryer, you can bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, deep-frying will also work if you’re after extra crunch.

How spicy are these wings?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but the honey and lemon juice mellow the heat beautifully. You can always adjust the amount of hot sauce or use milder varieties if you prefer less heat.

Is it okay to use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking so they can crisp up properly in your air fryer or oven.

Can I double the sauce for extra coating?

Definitely! If you love sticky, saucy wings, feel free to double the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper sauce ingredients. Toss wings generously, then serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

What sides go best with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings?

Crisp veggies like celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dips are classics. You can also try coleslaw, baked potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the wings’ rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully comforting about Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe that makes it impossible not to fall in love with. The combination of flavors, the crispy, juicy texture, and how easy it all comes together in just 30 minutes make this recipe a total winner in my book. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite wing recipe to serve anytime the craving strikes or guests come knocking.

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Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need