Name: Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed; 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder

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Bright, bold, and utterly irresistible, Lemon Pepper Wings are an absolute classic that never fails to steal the show at any gathering. With their shatteringly crisp skin and zingy, buttery citrus coating, these wings strike the perfect balance between comfort and excitement. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a casual get-together, or just craving a flavorful snack, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings right from your own oven. Trust me, once you try these Lemon Pepper Wings, they’ll become a permanent fixture in your snack rotation!

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Pepper Wings comes from just a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to deliver crave-worthy results. Each component is chosen not only for its flavor, but for the special role it plays in texture, aroma, and that signature tangy finish.

Chicken wings (2 lbs, split and tips removed): The star of the show, perfect for soaking up all the citrusy, peppery flavor.
Baking powder (1 tbsp, aluminum-free): The secret to ultra-crispy skin without frying—don’t skip this!
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning the wings and drawing out moisture for that crispy bite.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle kick and enhances the savory notes in every wing.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning in the oven.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, melted): Forms the rich, velvety base of the lemon pepper sauce.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Provides the fresh, mouth-puckering tang that defines these wings.
Lemon zest (2 tsp): Intensifies the citrus flavor without adding extra liquid—zest is where the magic happens!
Lemon pepper seasoning (1 tbsp): The classic blend that gives these wings their signature punch.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle savory depth that rounds out the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with a wire rack. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they get gorgeously crisp all over. If you don’t have a wire rack, use parchment paper, but the rack really ramps up that crunch factor.

Step 2: Dry the Wings Thoroughly

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier the skin—so don’t be shy! This simple step makes all the difference and sets the stage for that irresistible texture Lemon Pepper Wings are famous for.

Step 3: Coat with Seasonings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, and black pepper until every piece is evenly coated. Baking powder is the unsung hero here, helping to break down proteins on the skin and encouraging maximum crispiness as they bake.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on your prepared rack. Pop them in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden brown, super crispy wings that practically beg to be sauced!

Step 5: Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce

While the wings are getting golden, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This aromatic sauce is the soul of Lemon Pepper Wings, bursting with bright citrus and buttery richness.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over the top. Toss until every wing is glossy and coated with flavor. Serve hot and enjoy every zesty, peppery bite!

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings

Garnishes

For a pop of color and freshness, shower your Lemon Pepper Wings with extra lemon zest, chopped parsley, or thin lemon wedges. These little touches add vibrant presentation and a hint of extra flavor that makes each wing even more tempting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Pepper Wings with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks, carrot batons, or a tangy blue cheese or ranch dip. For something heartier, try roasted potatoes, a crisp slaw, or even a fresh garden salad to balance the zesty heat.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your wings high on a platter lined with parchment, or serve them in individual baskets for a nostalgic, diner-style vibe. Want to get fancy? Stack them around a small bowl of sauce for dipping, or skewer them for a fun, party-ready presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Lemon Pepper Wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll retain their flavor and can be revived to near-original crispiness with the right reheating method.

Freezing

To freeze, let the wings cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy Lemon Pepper Wings whenever the craving hits!

Reheating

For best results, reheat wings in a 400°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.

FAQs

Can I use whole chicken wings instead of split?

Absolutely! You can use whole wings, but splitting them ensures even cooking and more surface area for that irresistible lemon pepper sauce. Just adjust bake time as needed for larger pieces.

What’s the difference between lemon pepper seasoning and just using lemon and pepper?

Lemon pepper seasoning is a blend of dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and sometimes other spices or salt. It delivers a concentrated citrusy flavor with a peppery punch, which is the key to authentic Lemon Pepper Wings.

Can I make these wings in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! Simply air fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result is just as crispy and delicious, with a slightly shorter cook time.

How do I make my wings even crispier?

For extra crispiness, let the wings air dry uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. This helps dry out the skin even more, giving you that sought-after crunch when they come out of the oven.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or a little extra olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that lovely citrus-pepper kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about homemade Lemon Pepper Wings—the bright citrus, the crackly skin, the savory butter sauce. They’re a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for any party. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite!

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

This recipe for Lemon Pepper Wings features crispy, oven-baked chicken wings tossed in a tangy lemon pepper sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or game day snack, these wings combine the zest of lemon with savory seasoning for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Lemon Pepper Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with a wire rack. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispiness.
Coat the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with the aluminum-free baking powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. This mixture helps create a crispy texture when baked.
Bake the Wings: Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings bake, combine melted unsalted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings have finished baking, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the prepared lemon pepper sauce over the wings. Toss to ensure each wing is coated evenly with the sauce.
Serve Hot: Serve the wings immediately while hot and enjoy as a zesty appetizer or snack.

Notes

For extra crispy wings, air dry them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking.
Alternatively, you can air fry the wings at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American