Lemon pepper wings are crispy chicken wings tossed in a zesty lemon and pepper seasoning. They taste bright and fresh, making them a perfect snack for any occasion!
These wings are a crowd-pleaser for sure! I love serving them with a side of ranch—it’s the best way to cool off the tanginess! Who can resist a good wing party? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Skin-on, bone-in wings are perfect for this recipe. You can use frozen wings, but remember to thaw them first for even cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chicken drumsticks or tenders instead.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This is key to the flavor. If you can’t find it, make your own by mixing black pepper, lemon zest, and a little salt. It adds a great zing! I like adding some extra lemon zest for a more robust citrus flavor.
Olive Oil vs. Butter: Both options are great for coating the wings. Olive oil gives a lighter flavor, while butter adds richness. I personally prefer butter for an added creamy taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference compared to bottled. It gives a bright flavor that enhances the wings. If you don’t have lemon on hand, a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch.
How Do You Get Crispy Wings Without Frying?
The key to crispy baked wings lies in moisture and air flow. First, pat the wings dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning. The wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the wings, helping them to crisp up evenly.
- Cook the wings at a high temperature (400°F) to get that nice golden brown color.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispness.
- If you like extra crunch, consider broiling them for a few minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
By following these tips, your lemon pepper wings will come out of the oven crispy, flavorful, and simply delicious!
How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
For the Flavoring:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious lemon pepper wings ready in around an hour—perfect for your next gathering or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top; this will help the heat circulate around the wings for the ultimate crispiness!
2. Dry the Wings:
Take those chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing the moisture is important because it helps them achieve that crispy texture we’re all after.
3. Mix the Seasonings:
In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning. Mix them together so they’re ready to make those wings flavorful!
4. Coat the Wings:
Now, toss the wings in the bowl with the olive oil (or melted butter) until every wing is nicely coated. This helps the seasoning stick and adds great flavor.
5. Season the Wings:
Sprinkle your seasoning mix over the wings and give it another toss until they’re evenly coated. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
6. Arrange on the Rack:
Place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they get golden brown and crispy on both sides. It’s all about that perfect crunch!
8. Mix the Lemon Flavor:
While the wings are baking, combine the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. This will add that bright, zesty kick we love in lemon pepper wings.
9. Toss & Coat:
Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon juice and zest mixture over the wings and toss them well to coat every wing evenly.
10. Garnish & Serve:
To finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your delicious lemon pepper wings with lemon wedges on the side. They’re perfect on their own or dipped in your favorite sauce!
11. Enjoy!:
Dig in and savor your bright, crispy lemon pepper wings! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or perfect for a cozy night in.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken wings overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and soak in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Make Lemon Pepper Wings in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the seasoned wings in a single layer for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness. Just check to ensure they’re cooked through!
What Should I Do with Leftover Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through to keep them crispy.
Can I Adjust the Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
Of course! If you prefer more or less lemon flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add other spices like cayenne for some heat or additional garlic powder for more flavor!
