If you’re craving a flavorful twist on classic chicken wings, lemon pepper chicken wings are the perfect choice. They combine the tangy brightness of lemon with the sharp, spicy kick of black pepper, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a tasty dinner, this guide will walk you through making the best lemon pepper chicken wings at home with easy-to-follow steps and tips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Wings
– 2 to 3 pounds of chicken wings (flats and drums)
– Kosher salt
– Lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional: paprika, garlic powder for extra flavor
For the Lemon Pepper Sauce
– 4 to 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Lemon zest (from about half a lemon)
– Fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
– Additional lemon pepper seasoning to taste
– Optional: minced garlic for a buttery garlic twist
For Frying or Baking
– Neutral oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil) or
– Cooking spray for baking or air frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken Wings
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is key to getting crispy skin. Next, season the wings generously with kosher salt and lemon pepper seasoning. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika and garlic powder to the seasoning mix.
2. Choose Your Cooking Method
Deep Frying:
– Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350-360°F.
– Dredge each wing in a mixture of flour and cornstarch seasoned with salt and paprika to help the wings get extra crispy.
– Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
– Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Baking:
– Preheat your oven to 450°F.
– Arrange wings on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray.
– Bake for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until skin is crispy and wings are cooked.
Air Frying:
– Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
– Spray the basket with non-stick spray.
– Arrange wings in a single layer and cook for 12 minutes; flip and cook another 3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 175°F.
3. Make the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a small skillet over low heat. Add lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. For an extra layer of flavor, sauté minced garlic gently in the butter, being careful not to burn it.
4. Toss and Serve
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm lemon pepper butter sauce over the wings and toss well to coat every piece. For an extra zing, sprinkle a little more lemon pepper seasoning on top before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Pepper Wings
– Watch the salt: If your lemon pepper seasoning already contains salt, reduce added salt to avoid oversalting.
– Keep oil temperature steady: When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350°F to keep wings crispy without absorbing too much oil.
– Double lemon punch: Use lemon zest and fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor that really pops.
– Dry wings thoroughly: This step is crucial for crispy skin, especially if you’re air frying or baking.
– Use a thermometer: Check that wings reach an internal temperature of 175°F for safe and juicy results.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon pepper wings are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with classic sides like celery sticks, blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, and a crisp salad. They make a great appetizer or a main course when served with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Lemon pepper chicken wings are a simple yet irresistible dish that combines crispy texture with zesty, peppery flavor. With these easy steps and tips, you’ll be able to make wings that rival your favorite restaurant’s version right at home. Enjoy every juicy, tangy bite!