These wings are coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a spicy kick and a punch of fresh lemon. The flavor is bold, the skin is crispy, and the whole thing comes together in a way that makes you want to grab another, fast. Whether you’re air frying or baking, these cowboy butter chicken wings are a guaranteed crowd favorite.

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They’re perfect for game day, backyard hangs, or anytime you want a finger-licking appetizer that stands out. The lemon, Dijon, and red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter give these wings a bright kick that cuts through the richness. Once you try these, regular wings just won’t hit the same.

Helpful Tips

Coat with cornstarch first: This is key for getting that crispy, golden crust in the oven or air fryer.
Don’t skip the second cook: Basting the wings in cowboy butter and then cooking again helps the flavor soak in and the texture get extra crispy.
Use the extra butter sauce: A final toss or drizzle after cooking takes the flavor over the top.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

These wings are coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a spicy kick and a punch of fresh lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 527 kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter softened
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons lemon + zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon chives chopped
1 teaspoon EACH salt and pepper divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cooking oil spray
2 pounds chicken wings

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the butter, garlic lemon juice, half of the zest, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, chives, and half the salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large ziptop bag, mix the cornstarch, remaining salt and pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bag and toss until all pieces are well coated.
Spread the wings on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and spray with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Baste with the cowboy butter mixture. Turn the wings over. Baste them on the other side. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
If using the air fryer, place the chicken wings in the basket, spray with cooking oil, and air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking halfway. Place half of the cowboy butter in a large bowl. Transfer the wings from the air fryer into the bowl and toss until the butter melts and completely coats the wings. Place the wings back into the air fryer and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, until the wings are crisp.
When the wings are done, toss them or baste them with more of the cowboy butter sauce. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 23gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 879mgPotassium: 233mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 1302IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg

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