Save to Pinterest My first attempt at lemon pepper wings ended in disaster. I'd used jarred seasoning that was mostly salt with a sad dusting of lemon flavor, and my friends politely picked at them while reaching for the pizza. That night I went home and zested three lemons until my kitchen smelled like a citrus grove, determined to figure out what these wings could actually be.
Last summer my sister came over skeptical about wings for dinner, claiming she wasnt really a wing person. I pulled these from the oven, the air thick with butter and citrus, and watched her eyes widen at first bite. She ate six wings standing at the counter and asked for the recipe before she even grabbed a plate.
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Ingredients
- Chicken wings: Separating flats and drumettes ensures even cooking and makes them easier to eat
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the wings and promotes that golden crispiness
- Garlic powder: Use fresh garlic powder rather than garlic salt for better flavor control
- Unsalted butter: Melting it with fresh lemon juice creates the perfect coating vehicle
- Lemon zest: This is where all the bright flavor comes from, so dont skip it or use dried zest
- Cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked gives you those beautiful flecks and robust heat
- Coarse sea salt: The larger crystals provide occasional bursts of saltiness against the citrus
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Instructions
- Prep your station:
- Heat your oven to 425°F and set up a wire rack over a lined baking sheet for maximum airflow
- Season the wings:
- Toss dried wings with olive oil and the base seasoning until every piece feels evenly coated
- Bake to perfection:
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Make the coating:
- While wings bake, whisk melted butter with fresh lemon zest, juice, pepper, and sea salt
- Toss and serve:
- Immediately toss hot wings in the lemon pepper butter and garnish with parsley if you want them to look fancy
Save to Pinterest These wings have become my go to for unexpected guests because they look impressive but come together so quickly. Last month my neighbor smelled them cooking and texted me asking what I was making, then showed up with a six pack as a negotiation tactic.
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Making Them Extra Crispy
The wire rack method changed my wing game forever. Before that, I baked wings directly on baking sheets where they'd steam in their own juices, leaving me with soggy skin despite my best efforts. Now I never skip this step, even if it means washing an extra piece of hardware.
The Air Fryer Shortcut
When it's just me for dinner, I fire up the air fryer at 400°F for about 22 minutes. The wings come out just as crispy with significantly less heat in the kitchen, though I still finish them with the same butter mixture because that's non negotiable.
Serving Suggestions
Ranch dressing is classic, but a lemon herb aioli takes these wings to another level. The creamy tang balances the pepper heat perfectly. Keep plenty of napkins nearby and maybe reconsider that white tablecloth.
- Celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch between spicy bites
- Extra lemon wedges on the side let guests adjust the acidity
- Make double the coating if you're wing lovers like we are
Save to Pinterest Now you have wings that might just convert the wing skeptics in your life too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get extra crispy wings in the oven?
Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation, and pat the wings completely dry before seasoning. For maximum crispiness, let them air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 hour before baking.
- → Can I make lemon pepper wings in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Toss with the lemon-pepper butter mixture immediately after cooking.
- → What can I serve with lemon pepper wings?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dip are classic pairings. They also pair well with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
- → Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning instead?
Fresh lemon zest and juice provide superior flavor compared to pre-made blends, but you can substitute 2-3 tablespoons of commercial lemon pepper seasoning for the coating mixture if needed.
- → How long do leftover wings stay crispy?
Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore some crunch.
