Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love crispy, flavorful wings, you are in the right place. These lemon pepper chicken wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold citrusy flavor.
And guess what? I have a secret step that makes them even crispier without deep frying. I will show you how to get the best wings right in your kitchen.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional but recommended)
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Basting brush (for butter sauce)
Important Info
- Servings: 12 wings (about 2-3 servings)
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe will cost about $10-$12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories per serving: 230
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Perfect for any season
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCarbDiet
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe Recipe
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (helps with crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken wings | Chicken drumsticks or thighs |
| Baking powder | Cornstarch |
| Butter | Ghee or olive oil |
| Lemon zest | Lemon extract (few drops) |
| Lemon pepper seasoning | Black pepper + extra lemon zest |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry using a paper towel. This is important for crispiness.
- Mix the dry seasoning—baking powder, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, garlic powder, and onion powder—in a bowl.
- Coat the wings in the dry seasoning mixture. Toss them well so every piece is covered.
- Arrange the wings on the wire rack, spacing them out so they cook evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- While the wings bake, melt the butter and mix in the lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning.
- Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the butter sauce.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the wings dry before seasoning. This helps them crisp up.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda, for extra crunch.
- A wire rack is key to allow airflow for even cooking.
- For extra crispy wings, broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving so the seasoning sticks better.
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe Recipe
These wings pair well with:
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Garlic parmesan fries
- A fresh side salad
- Coleslaw
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve these wings on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side. You can also sprinkle extra lemon zest or lemon pepper seasoning on top for more flavor.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Game nights – They are crispy, easy to grab, and full of flavor.
- Parties – Make a big batch and watch them disappear.
- Picnics – Easy to pack and eat with your hands.
- Family dinners – Serve with a side of veggies for a balanced meal.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftover wings in a covered dish for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and they need to be refrigerated.
Refrigeration
- Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
Freezing
- Place the wings in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They will turn out crispy without extra oil.
Do I have to use baking powder?
No, but it helps create a crispy skin. If you skip it, the wings may not be as crunchy. You can use cornstarch instead.
Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes, but homemade is fresher and more flavorful. Store-bought blends may contain extra salt, so adjust accordingly.
What dipping sauce goes best with these wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli work great with these wings.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
Yes. Grill over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Then toss in the lemon pepper butter sauce.
