Zingy Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: Crispy Homemade Joy

Crispy lemon pepper wings bring a zesty punch to your weeknight dinner game.

Bright citrus notes dance with sharp black pepper for an irresistible flavor combination.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this crowd-pleasing dish, but you can master it at home.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in perfectly seasoned coating and precise cooking technique.

Simple ingredients create magic when mixed with smart preparation methods.

Wing lovers will appreciate how quickly these can come together in a home kitchen.

Ready to impress everyone with restaurant-quality wings that taste better than takeout?

Lemon Pepper Wings With Crispy Tangy Flavor

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal steps and basic kitchen tools make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can create delicious wings without stress.
• Burst of Flavor: Lemon pepper seasoning and zesty butter sauce deliver a tangy, bold taste that transforms ordinary chicken wings into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with excitement.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these wings will impress guests with minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.
• Healthier Baking Option: Oven-baked method reduces excess oil compared to deep-frying, providing a lighter alternative that doesn't compromise on crispiness or taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Lemon Pepper Wings

• Chicken Wings: Fresh, meaty wings that create the base of this delicious dish.

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A zesty blend that adds tangy and peppery flavor to the wings.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the wing's flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the lemon butter sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy notes that complement the wings.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal freshness.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent wings from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Aluminum Foil: Assists with easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Paper Towel: Used for drying the wings before seasoning.

How to Cook Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil.

Give the foil a quick spritz of non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Prepare Wing Magic

Grab your chicken wings and give them a good pat-down with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Toss the wings into a mixing bowl and shower them with lemon pepper seasoning. Tumble the wings around until every inch is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for 35-40 minutes.

Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown deliciousness. They’re done when they look crispy and are fully cooked.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Butter Sauce

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and dance together.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pull the wings from the oven and immediately toss them in the warm, tangy butter sauce. Sprinkle with extra black pepper and freshly chopped parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Pepper Wings Every Time

• Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in flavor.
• Use aluminum foil and non-stick spray to make cleanup easier and stop wings from clinging to the baking sheet.
• Adjust lemon butter sauce by adding more zest for brightness or extra black pepper for a spicy kick.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use gluten-free seasoning to make the recipe allergen-friendly.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach 165°F internal temperature for safe and juicy results.

Flavor Variations to Try on Lemon Pepper Wings

• Honey Glazed Lemon Pepper Wings: Replace part of the lemon butter sauce with honey for a sweet and tangy flavor profile that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Spicy Citrus Wings: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix and sauce for a fiery kick that complements the zesty lemon pepper base.
• Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings: Skip the oven and cook wings on a preheated grill, using direct and indirect heat methods to achieve crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Herb-Infused Wings: Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary into the lemon butter sauce for an aromatic and sophisticated take on classic lemon pepper wings.

Pairing Suggestions With Lemon Pepper Wings

• Pair Zesty Citrus Beer: Choose a crisp wheat beer or light lager that complements the bright lemon flavors, cutting through the richness of the wings with its refreshing citrus undertones.
• Serve Cool Ranch Dip: Create a creamy ranch dressing with fresh herbs like chives and dill to balance the tangy wing seasoning, providing a smooth counterpoint to the zesty lemon pepper profile.
• Match Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with orange segments and a simple vinaigrette to echo the wing's citrus notes, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the meal.
• Complement Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with high acidity that mirrors the lemon's brightness and helps cleanse the palate between wing bites.

Storing Lemon Pepper Wings for Maximum Freshness

Store leftover wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they’re sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.

Preheat oven to 350F. Spread wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place wings in air fryer basket, set temperature to 375F. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy texture.

FAQs

• What makes lemon pepper wings different from other wing flavors?

Lemon pepper wings offer a tangy, zesty taste with a bold pepper kick that combines citrusy brightness with savory spice, creating a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional hot or barbecue wings.

• Is lemon pepper seasoning spicy?

Lemon pepper seasoning is not traditionally spicy. It’s a blend of dried lemon zest and cracked black pepper that provides a bright, zesty flavor with a mild peppery heat, making it appealing to people who don’t enjoy intense spiciness.

• Can I use fresh lemon instead of lemon pepper seasoning?

While fresh lemon adds great flavor, lemon pepper seasoning provides a concentrated, balanced taste. If using fresh lemon, you’ll need to add additional pepper and salt to achieve the same depth of flavor in the wings.

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy lemon pepper wings bring zesty Southern comfort to your plate, celebrating bold flavors with perfect crunch. Home cooks can elevate game day snacks or weekend gatherings with this simple yet irresistible wing recipe that promises delicious satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wingettes and drumettes, thawed

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon salt-free lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by setting the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lightly coat with non-stick spray.
2. Thoroughly dry chicken wings using paper towels to ensure crisp exterior.
3. Transfer wings to a mixing bowl and generously coat with lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring even distribution by gently tossing.
4. Spread wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, creating space between each piece for optimal crispiness.
5. Roast wings in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, rotating the pan midway to promote uniform browning and thorough cooking.
6. While wings bake, craft the complementary sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Incorporate fresh lemon juice and zest into the melted butter, allowing flavors to meld for one minute.
8. Enhance the sauce with garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously for an additional two minutes.
9. Once wings are golden and crisp, remove from oven and immediately transfer to a large mixing bowl.
10. Drench wings with the prepared lemon butter sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
11. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of black pepper and finely chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
12. Serve hot, presenting the wings immediately to maintain their crispy texture and warmth.

Notes

• Pat wings thoroughly to ensure maximum seasoning adherence and crispiness.
• Arrange wings with space between each piece for even air circulation and consistent browning.
• Use fresh lemon zest for an intense citrusy flavor burst that elevates the entire dish.
• Consider alternative cooking methods like air fryer or grilling for different texture and faster preparation time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg