Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

If there’s one snack that never fails to impress at gatherings or during a weekend craving, it’s Lemon Pepper Wings. Crispy, golden, bursting with citrusy brightness and a crackle of pepper, these wings hit all the right notes: salty, savory, tangy, and just a hint of buttery richness. Whether you’re making them for game day or a family movie night, they’re guaranteed to become a fast favorite and a repeat request!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Lemon Pepper Wings truly shine thanks to a lineup of simple, everyday ingredients – each one playing its role in delivering crispy skin, juicy meat, and that unmistakable punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each addition matters:

• Chicken wings (2 pounds, separated into drumettes and flats): The star of the show – their small size ensures lots of crispy edges and quick cooking!
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): This secret ingredient helps create that shatteringly crisp skin you crave.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and drawing out extra moisture for maximum crispiness.
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon): A gentle backbone of earthy spice in the dry mix.
• Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the wings so they crisp beautifully in the oven.
• Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Creates a silky, clinging sauce for tossing the wings post-bake.
• Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy fragrance that pops in every mouthful.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a fresh acidity that balances the richness of the butter and chicken.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a gentle savory kick.
• Cracked black pepper (1½ teaspoons): For bold, aromatic spice and gorgeous flecks throughout.
• Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Brightens the whole plate with color and herbaceous freshness.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Wings

Before anything else, make sure your chicken wings are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting that beautifully crispy skin – moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t rush it! Once dry, place them in a large mixing bowl and get ready to coat them with the seasonings.

Step 2: Toss with Seasonings

Add the baking powder, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil to the bowl. Toss everything together until the Lemon Pepper Wings are evenly coated. The baking powder is doing some heavy lifting here, setting you up for the crunchiest bite, while the oil will help the seasonings cling and the skin to crisp in the oven.

Step 3: Arrange for Baking

Set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the rack. The rack allows hot air to circulate all around for even crispness. Don’t skip the foil – it makes for a much easier cleanup later!

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deeply golden, with irresistible crispy edges. Your kitchen will smell fantastic right about now!

Step 5: Make the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce

While the wings are baking, stir together the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is the flavor jackpot – sharp, peppery, and buttery all at once, guaranteed to coat your Lemon Pepper Wings with lip-smacking goodness.

Step 6: Toss and Finish

Once the wings are done, move them to a big clean bowl and pour over the lemon pepper butter sauce. Toss until every nook and cranny of each wing is coated. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and herby freshness, then serve piping hot!

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the top for a flash of green that complements the golden wings. For extra citrusy vibes, serve with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating. A dusting of extra cracked black pepper never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Lemon Pepper Wings are bold enough to stand alone, but they also play well with all kinds of sides. Think of classic celery sticks and cool ranch or blue cheese dip, crispy potato wedges, or even a bright, tangy slaw to cut through the richness. They’re equally fab alongside fries or a simple green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Lemon Pepper Wings the spotlight by piling them high on a rustic wooden platter, with little bowls of creamy dip and extra lemon wedges. For a casual party, tuck them into parchment-lined baskets or set out skewers for easy grabbing. Turn the wings into sliders with soft rolls, or chop the meat and toss it into salads, wraps, or tacos for a fresh spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Lemon Pepper Wings, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Line the container with a paper towel to help keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these wings! Arrange cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months – just remember to freeze them without the sauce for best results, and toss with fresh lemon pepper butter when reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat Lemon Pepper Wings in a 400°F (200°C) oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 10 to 12 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 6 minutes also works beautifully. Microwaving is quickest, but won’t give you back the crispiness you crave.

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Pepper Wings in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic alternative for super crispy Lemon Pepper Wings. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

If you’re out of fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but try to use fresh lemon zest if possible – it gives these wings their signature citrusy aroma. If both are unavailable, a sprinkle of dried lemon peel can work in a bind.

Is baking powder really necessary for crispy skin?

Yes! Baking powder works like magic here, raising the pH of the chicken skin and creating tiny bubbles for extra crunch. Just be sure not to use baking soda by mistake, or you’ll end up with unwanted flavors.

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Great news: Lemon Pepper Wings are naturally gluten-free as written, since there’s no flour or breadcrumbs involved. Just double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free if you’re very sensitive.

Can I add extra spice?

Definitely! If you love a kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne, chili flakes, or even a little hot sauce to the butter mixture. Lemon Pepper Wings are totally customizable to your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a crowd-pleaser that combines zingy lemon, bold pepper, and irresistible crunch, these Lemon Pepper Wings more than fit the bill. They’re so simple to whip up, and every bite is a celebration of bright, finger-licking flavor. Give them a try – you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy wings!

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful twist on classic chicken wings. Baked to crispy perfection and coated in a zesty lemon pepper butter, they make a fantastic appetizer or game day snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Lemon Pepper Butter:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry and toss with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes.
3. Make the Lemon Pepper Butter: Mix melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper in a bowl.
4. Coat the Wings: Toss the baked wings with the lemon pepper butter mixture until well coated.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• For extra crispy wings, refrigerate seasoned wings uncovered on a wire rack overnight before baking.
• You can also air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg