Lemon Pepper Wings are juicy chicken wings coated with a zesty lemon and pepper seasoning. They are crispy, tangy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any game day or casual get-together!
These wings are my go-to for a tasty treat! I love dipping them in ranch or blue cheese dressing. They disappear fast, so make sure to make enough—trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: For the best flavor, use a combination of flats and drumettes. If you prefer smaller portions, drumsticks work too. You can find frozen wings; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Olive Oil: This helps to make the wings crispy. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: You can use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning for convenience; however, making your own allows you to control the flavors. I love adding extra lemon zest for a fresher taste!
Smoked Paprika: This seasoning gives an added depth of flavor and nice color to the wings. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, feel free to skip it or use regular paprika.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Chicken Wings?
To get crispy wings, start by drying them with paper towels. Moisture leads to steaming, which makes wings soggy instead of crispy.
- Use a wire rack for baking if possible. It allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crisper.
- Cooking at a high temperature is key—425°F (220°C) is ideal. Flip the wings halfway for even cooking.
- If using an air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket. This helps them cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
For Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus optional marinating time of up to 1 hour. Cooking the wings will take about 35-40 minutes in the oven or 20-25 minutes in the air fryer, making the total time roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour and 5 minutes if you choose to marinate them.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Wings:
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help achieve that perfect crispy texture.
2. Make the Seasoning (If Homemade):
In a small bowl, mix together the cracked black pepper, lemon zest, salt, and garlic powder. This seasoning will add a fresh, zesty flavor to your wings.
3. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, combine the wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything well so each wing gets a good coating.
4. Marinate (Optional):
If you want to enhance the flavor even more, cover and let your wings marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This step is optional but highly recommended!
5. Cook the Wings:
– **Oven Method**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the wings in a single layer on the rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking until they are crispy.
– **Air Fryer Method**: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches) and air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until golden and crispy.
6. Add Lemon Juice:
Once the wings are fully cooked, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the fresh lemon juice over the top, and toss gently to coat them in that delicious zesty flavor.
7. Serve:
Arrange your Lemon Pepper Wings on a platter and serve with lemon wedges on the side. You can also sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty wings plain or with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
Enjoy your tangy, crispy, and flavorful Lemon Pepper Wings! They are an absolute delight for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before proceeding with the recipe. Pat them dry to ensure they get crispy!
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning. Adjust to your spice preference for the perfect kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Cook These Wings on the Grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and crispy. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking!
