Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. This recipe combines zesty lemon, cracked black pepper, and garlic with tender chicken wings that bake up perfectly golden. Finished with a buttery lemon drizzle, these wings are an irresistible appetizer, party snack, or game-day favorite. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, they’re simple to make and always deliver bold flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• For Oven Method Only: 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
2. For oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. Toss wings with flour and baking powder, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4. Coat wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and garlic.
5. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Arrange wings on the rack and bake for 20 minutes. Flip and bake an additional 15 minutes until crispy.
7. Optional: Broil for 1 minute per side for extra crispiness.
8. Mix melted butter with lemon juice. Toss hot wings in this mixture until fully coated.
9. Season with extra pepper, salt, and fresh parsley if desired.
10. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Serving and Storage Tips

Lemon Pepper Wings are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven or fryer for maximum crunch. Serve them with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch, or blue cheese dip. For a heartier spread, pair them with fries, onion rings, or mac and cheese. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the wings soggy. If freezing, store cooked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Variations

1. Air Fryer Wings – Cook wings at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for ultra-crispy results with less oil.
2. Fried Lemon Pepper Wings – Deep fry wings in hot oil at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden, then toss with lemon butter for restaurant-style flavor.
3. Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings – Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red chili flakes to the butter and lemon juice mixture for a fiery kick.
4. Garlic Parmesan Lemon Wings – Mix grated Parmesan into the butter sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a cheesy twist.
5. Breaded Lemon Pepper Wings – Coat wings in seasoned flour or panko before baking or frying for a crunchier exterior.
6. Boneless Lemon Pepper Bites – Swap wings for chicken breast chunks, coat them the same way, and bake or fry for boneless bites.
7. Citrus Blend Wings – Add orange zest along with lemon zest for a sweeter, citrusy flavor profile.
8. Healthy Version – Skip the butter drizzle and just squeeze fresh lemon juice over baked wings for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, but thaw and pat them dry completely before seasoning for best results.
2. How do I make wings extra crispy? Pat them dry, use baking powder, and cook on a rack to allow airflow.
3. What dipping sauces go best with lemon pepper wings? Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli pair perfectly.
4. Can I grill lemon pepper wings? Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 20–25 minutes, turning often for a smoky flavor.
5. What’s the difference between lemon pepper seasoning and lemon zest? Lemon pepper is a dry blend, while zest provides fresh citrus flavor. Using both makes the wings more flavorful.
6. Can I make these ahead of time? Bake or fry, refrigerate, then reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
7. Can I use drumsticks or thighs instead of wings? Yes, adjust cook times since larger cuts need longer to cook through.
8. Can I make my own lemon pepper seasoning? Mix lemon zest, black pepper, and salt, then dry in the oven at a low temp.
9. How long do wings take to cook in the oven? About 35–40 minutes at 425°F, plus optional broiling for crispiness.
10. Can I make them dairy-free? Yes, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

These Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect mix of tangy, savory, and crispy. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re ideal for parties, family dinners, or game-day spreads. With a bright lemony kick and buttery finish, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite every time.

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