Are you ready for the ultimate crispy, zesty, and mouthwatering wing experience? These Lemon Pepper Wings are everything you love about crispy chicken wings with a burst of citrusy goodness that’s sure to have you reaching for more. The tangy lemon zest, the peppery kick, and that perfectly crispy skin will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or snacking while binge-watching your favorite show, these wings are always a hit.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Perfection: The secret to crispy wings is all in the cooking technique. These wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Zesty & Flavorful: The lemon pepper seasoning adds just the right amount of tangy zing, making each bite burst with flavor.
Easy & Quick: You don’t need to be a pro to make these wings. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious wings ready in no time.
Customizable: Want extra heat? Add some chili flakes. Prefer a little more zest? Go heavy on the lemon. These wings are easy to tweak to your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, game day, or a casual weeknight dinner, these wings are the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients in Lemon Pepper Wings
Chicken Wings: The star of the show—fresh, bone-in chicken wings, ready to be coated in that crispy, golden skin.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A zesty combo of lemon zest and cracked black pepper. You can buy it pre-made or make your own for a fresh burst of flavor.
Olive Oil: A little oil to help get those wings golden and crispy.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor that balances the lemon and pepper.
Salt: For seasoning, to bring out all the flavors.
Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is squeezed over the wings after they’re cooked for a final zesty kick.
Parsley (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your wings will crisp up perfectly.
Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to getting crispy skin. Then, drizzle them with olive oil and toss with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and any other seasonings you like.
Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
Add the Lemon Zest: Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Toss them to coat evenly.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings
With a Side of Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries are the perfect accompaniment to balance out the zestiness of the wings.
With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette will complement the wings’ citrusy flavor.
With Veggies & Dip: Serve alongside some carrot sticks, celery, and a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip for a classic wing pairing.
As a Snack: These wings are perfect for munching on during movie night or while you’re hanging out with friends.
Additional Tips
Dry the Wings: Drying your wings thoroughly before cooking is the key to getting them extra crispy. The moisture is your enemy here, so pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
For Extra Crispiness: If you want your wings even crispier, you can cook them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier all over.
Make Ahead: You can prep the wings and season them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Adjust the Spice: If you like things spicier, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your seasoning mix.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken wings?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.
Q2: Can I fry these wings instead of baking them?
A2: Absolutely! Frying the wings will make them even crispier. Just make sure the oil is hot enough, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Q3: How can I make these wings spicier?
A3: Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to your wings before or after baking to give them an extra kick.
Q4: Can I make these wings on the grill?
A4: Yes! Grill the wings over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy and cooked through.
Q5: How do I make homemade lemon pepper seasoning?
A5: Combine 1 tablespoon lemon zest with 1 teaspoon black pepper, and add a pinch of salt to taste. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavor!
Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet, as that can prevent the wings from getting crispy.
Q7: Can I bake these wings in advance?
A7: Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat in the oven to crisp them up before serving.
Q8: What dipping sauces go well with these wings?
A8: Ranch, blue cheese, or even a creamy garlic dipping sauce are great choices to balance the zesty lemon pepper flavor.
Q9: Can I use boneless chicken?
A9: You can, but bone-in wings provide the best texture and flavor. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Q10: Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
A10: Yes! Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for crispy, golden wings with less oil.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Pepper Wings are a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful option for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a snack, these wings hit the spot every time. Give them a try, and I’m sure you’ll be hooked!
Print
Lemon Pepper Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for game days, holidays, or anytime you crave a zesty, buttery bite. With homemade lemon butter sauce, they’re a must-try!
Ingredients
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2 lbs chicken wingettes and drumettes, thawed
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1 Tablespoon salt-free lemon pepper seasoning (e.g., True Lemon brand)
For the Sauce:
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1/3 cup unsalted butter
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (+ more for topping)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 Tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep:
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Season the Wings:
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Pat wings dry with a paper towel.
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Place in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning, and toss to coat.
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Bake Until Crispy:
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Arrange wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
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Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
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In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Stir in lemon juice and zest, heating for 1 minute.
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Add garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, stirring for another 2 minutes.
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Coat & Serve:
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Toss baked wings in the lemon butter sauce.
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Sprinkle with extra black pepper and chopped parsley.
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Serve immediately!
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Notes
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Extra Crispy: Patting wings completely dry ensures a crispy texture.
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Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with ranch dressing, celery, or carrot sticks!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 419
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 525
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 155mg