If you’re searching for the ultimate game day snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe. These wings are crispy, juicy, and packed with zesty lemon flavor balanced by a peppery kick, making them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees to delight your taste buds and leave everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken wings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple staples can transform humble chicken wings into a show-stopping snack. Each ingredient in this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe has a purpose, adding a layer of flavor, texture, or brightness that really makes these wings shine.
- Chicken Wings: Go for party wings split at the joint for the best ratio of crispy skin to juicy meat.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes a golden, crispy texture in the oven.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors and ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Black Pepper: Adds that signature peppery warmth that pairs so well with lemon.
- Garlic Powder: A subtle background note that adds savory depth without overpowering the lemon.
- Paprika: Lends a hint of smoky color and flavor, making the wings extra appealing.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the luxurious base for the lemon pepper coating and keeps the wings juicy.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The star of the show, offering bold citrusy flavor and a peppery punch.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy finish that lifts all the other flavors.
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma for extra zing in every bite.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A vibrant garnish that provides a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set up a wire rack on top to help air circulate around the wings. This step is key for achieving that irresistible crispy skin without deep frying.
Step 2: Dry and Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is a game-changer for crunchiness. Toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until they’re evenly coated and glistening with flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Spread the wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching for maximum crispiness on all sides. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are deeply golden and the skin is crackling.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Pepper Coating
While the wings bake, whisk together the melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. This luscious sauce is what takes the Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Once the wings are done, immediately transfer them to the bowl with the lemon pepper coating. Toss thoroughly so every wing gets bathed in that zesty, buttery goodness. Pile onto a platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve piping hot.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a splash of color and a whisper of freshness, while a few extra grates of lemon zest make the aroma pop. If you’re feeling extra, try a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving.
Side Dishes
Classic crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks are a must, especially when paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a heartier spread, serve your Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe with crispy fries, a simple slaw, or even a bright green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the wings high on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges tucked around for squeezing. For parties, arrange them in mini baskets lined with parchment, or skewer them for easy grab-and-go bites. However you serve them, these wings are sure to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store your Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste amazing the next day, especially if you know the best way to reheat them.
Freezing
These wings freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the wings before tossing in the final lemon pepper coating, then reheat and toss when ready to serve.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy texture, reheat your Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until hot and sizzling. The air fryer works wonders too! Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the wings soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry the wings at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking or turning them halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through. Then toss with the lemon pepper butter as directed.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy wings?
Patting the wings super dry is the first key, but for extra crunch, let them rest uncovered in the fridge overnight before baking. This dries out the skin even more, ensuring your Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is seriously crispy.
Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes, store-bought works great! If you want to customize the flavor, try mixing your own with dried lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper. Either way, you’ll get that signature zesty kick.
Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your seasonings to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to serve them for a party?
Arrange the wings on a big platter with lots of lemon wedges, a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and plenty of napkins. You can also thread them onto skewers or serve in paper cones for a fun, mess-free party snack.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade wings can be. They’re tangy, peppery, and utterly addictive every single time. Gather your friends, fire up the oven, and enjoy the zestiest wings you’ve ever tasted!
Print
Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Pepper Wings recipe offers crispy, flavorful chicken wings coated in a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for game day or a savory appetizer, these wings combine fresh lemon juice, aromatic spices, and melted butter for a tangy, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
Seasoning and Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set up a wire rack to allow air circulation. This will help your wings cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Dry and Season Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until all wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispness. The wings should turn golden brown and crispy when done.
- Make Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings bake, whisk together melted unsalted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. This will be your flavorful coating for the wings.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: After removing the wings from the oven, immediately transfer them to the bowl with the lemon pepper sauce. Toss well until each wing is fully coated with the tangy buttery mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally with classic sides like ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
- For even crispier wings, pat them dry and leave uncovered in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- This recipe can also be adapted for air frying: cook the wings at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve with classic accompaniments such as ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a delicious combination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
