These are the best air fryer chicken wings you will ever make. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in just 30 minutes. Choose your flavor, lemon pepper or teriyaki, or make both for the ultimate spread. Served with a creamy ricotta ranch and celery sticks, this is a crowd pleaser that fits your low-carb lifestyle.
Why This Recipe Is Good for You 🥑
If you are looking for the best air fryer chicken wings that are also good for your body, you found them. Chicken wings are a rich source of protein, which supports muscle repair, keeps you full, and helps balance hormones naturally. Cooking them in the air fryer instead of deep frying cuts the added fats without sacrificing that crispy, juicy texture you love. The ricotta ranch adds a dose of calcium and healthy fat from the cream, while celery brings in gut-supporting fiber and a natural crunch. Whether you go lemon pepper or teriyaki, these wings fit right into a low-glycemic, hormone-friendly lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🍓
The juiciest wings you will make at home
Two flavor options so everyone gets what they want
Crispy without deep frying
Ready in 30 minutes
Only 0-5g net carbs depending on the flavor
The ricotta ranch is a creamy, lower-carb swap for store-bought dressing
Great for meal prep, game day, or a casual weeknight dinner
Ingredients
Wings
24 chicken wings
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 pinch black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Flavor Options (pick one or make both)
1 tsp lemon pepper spice blend
2 tbsp teriyaki sauce (such as Panda Express or your favorite brand). Be careful when choosing a teriyaki sauce if your’e trying to keep it low carb and low sugar. You can just use lemon pepper if o a strict keto diet.
To serve
6 celery sticks per serving (18 total)
Ricotta Ranch or your favorite dressing
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for getting that crispy skin with a juicy inside. In a large bowl, toss the wings with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until every wing is evenly coated.
Step 2: Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Flip each wing and cook for another 15 minutes until golden brown, crispy on the outside, and perfectly juicy on the inside.
Step 4: Divide the cooked wings into two batches of 12. Toss one batch with lemon pepper spice blend and the other in a bowl with teriyaki sauce. Coat evenly. If you are only making one flavor, toss all 24 wings with your sauce of choice.
Step 5: Plate 8 wings per serving with 6 celery sticks and 2 tbsp of ricotta ranch on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Dry wings = crispy, juicy wings. Do not skip patting them dry.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Make the Creamy Ricotta Ranch (link) ahead of time so it is ready when the wings come out.
Teriyaki sauce varies a lot by brand, so check the label if you are tracking carbs closely.
Serve with…
Our Creamy Ricotta Ranch (link) for dipping
Cauliflower rice
A simple side salad with olive oil and lemon
Keto coleslaw
Cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Cook and season the wings ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I freeze them? Yes. Freeze cooked wings in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F for 10-12 minutes.
What dipping sauce goes with these wings? Our Creamy Ricotta Ranch (link) is the perfect match. It is low-carb, creamy, and comes together in under 5 minutes.
Can I use a different sauce flavor? Absolutely. Buffalo sauce, garlic parmesan, or honey mustard all work great with this base recipe.
Can I use drumsticks instead of wings? Yes, just adjust the cook time. Drumsticks are thicker and may need an extra 5-8 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Did you make this recipe?
Tell me, how did it go? Share your thoughts and please rate it so more people can make it!
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Lemon Pepper or Teriyaki)
The best air fryer chicken wings, juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, in two flavors. Serve with our Creamy Ricotta Ranch (link) for the perfect low-carb pairing.
Author: Gaby Gonzalez
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: juicy air fryer wings, keto wings, lemonn pepper wings, low carb wings, teriyaki wings, the best air fryer chicken wings
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 3
Equipment
Air Fryer
large mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper
Ingredients
24chicken wings
1tsppaprika
1tspgarlic powder
1tsponion powder
1tspsalt
1pinchblack pepper
2tbspolive oil
1tsplemon pepper spice blend
2tbspteriyaki saucesuch as Panda Express1/3 cup ricotta cheese
6celery sticks per serving18 total
6tbspCreamy Ricotta Ranch, 2 tbsp per serving
Directions
Pat wings dry. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until evenly coated.
Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Flip and air fry another 15 minutes until golden, crispy, and juicy.
Divide into two batches of 12. Toss one with lemon pepper spice and the other with teriyaki sauce. If making one flavor only, toss all 24 wings together.
Make a batch of Creamy Ricotta Ranch while the wings rest.
Plate 8 wings per serving with 6 celery sticks and 2 tbsp ricotta ranch on the side.
Teriyaki sauce adds carbs. Check your brand's label if tracking closely.
Cook wings in batches if needed. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Nutrition
Macros per serving (3 servings):Lemon Pepper Wings (8 wings): 490 cal | 37g protein | 34g fat | 0g fiber | 0g net carbs Teriyaki Wings (8 wings): 515 cal | 37g protein | 34g fat | 0g fiber | 5g net carbs Celery, 6 sticks: 10 cal | 0g fat | 2g total carbs | 1g fiber | 1g net carbsNutrition information is estimated and provided as a courtesy. It may vary based on ingredients and brands used. Always consult a nutrition professional for specific dietary needs.
