Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner or game day snack with these incredibly Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. This recipe promises perfectly crispy wings, enveloped in a tangy, savory glaze made from rich melted butter, aromatic garlic, and bright, fresh lemon juice. They’re quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, making them an absolute must-try for any chicken wing enthusiast!
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When it comes to the diverse world of chicken wings, I truly feel I’ve found my culinary calling. From sweet to spicy, every single flavor profile holds a special place in my heart, but the classic combination of lemon and pepper is simply unbeatable. If you’re a fan of a little heat, you might also enjoy my Hot Lemon Pepper Wings recipe, which adds an exciting kick to this beloved flavor combination.
The Allure of Lemon Pepper Wings
Lemon pepper chicken wings are a timeless classic for a reason. The vibrant citrus notes of lemon combined with the pungent kick of black pepper create a flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s about texture too. Achieving that coveted crispy skin, whether baked in the oven or air-fried to perfection, is key to an exceptional wing experience. Our recipe ensures you get that delightful crunch with every bite, followed by the juicy, tender chicken underneath, all coated in a buttery, garlicky, lemon-infused glaze that will have you reaching for more.
They are incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual family dinner, a lively party appetizer, or a delicious snack while watching your favorite game. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with common pantry staples. Forget complicated marinades or lengthy preparation times; these wings are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
- **Effortlessly Delicious:** With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can master this recipe.
- **Customizable Crispy Perfection:** Whether you prefer the oven or an air fryer, we provide instructions for both, ensuring a perfectly crispy outcome every time.
- **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of a savory dry rub and a bright, buttery lemon pepper glaze delivers an unforgettable taste.
- **Versatile Meal Option:** Ideal as a standalone meal, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fantastic addition to any gathering.
- **Quick Prep Time:** Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying these zesty wings.
Choosing the Best Chicken Wings for Crispiness
For this recipe, I highly recommend using “party wings,” which are chicken wings that have already been split into drumettes and flats. These separated pieces are ideal because they cook more evenly and crisp up beautifully, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. While whole chicken wings can certainly be used, be aware that they may require a longer cooking time and might not achieve the same uniform crispiness. If you opt for whole wings, consider splitting them yourself for optimal results. Always pat your chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning; this crucial step helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier skin during cooking.
Mastering the Lemon Flavor Perfectly
Achieving that signature bright and zesty lemon flavor in these wings comes from a two-pronged approach. First, we infuse the chicken meat itself with a high-quality dry rub. You’ll need an excellent lemon pepper seasoning to penetrate the chicken with flavor during the initial cooking phase. I’ve also found that Lemon Garlic Seasoning, particularly the one from Trader Joe’s, adds another layer of depth if you have it on hand.
To prepare the chicken, you’ll create a simple yet effective breading using a blend of lemon pepper seasoning, flavorful smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a touch of all-purpose flour. This coating not only adds a foundational layer of flavor but also contributes significantly to the wings’ desirable crispiness once baked or air-fried.
The second layer of lemon flavor comes from our irresistible glaze. After the wings are crispy, you’ll prepare a luscious mixture by combining fresh lemon juice, aromatic lemon zest (don’t skip this for concentrated citrus punch!), rich butter, and savory garlic powder in a saucepan. Heat this until the butter is perfectly melted and all ingredients are beautifully incorporated. This warm, tangy, and savory glaze is then drizzled generously over the hot, crispy wings, creating an explosion of lemon pepper goodness with every bite. A quick return to the oven or air fryer after glazing helps the sauce meld into the skin, deepening the flavor and ensuring the wings remain wonderfully crisp.
Crafting the Crispy Coating with Flour (or Alternatives)
The secret to super crispy chicken wings often lies in their coating. For this recipe, a light dusting of all-purpose flour mixed with the seasonings helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust. The flour absorbs moisture from the chicken skin, contributing to that satisfying crunch we all love. It also helps the dry rub adhere evenly, ensuring every part of the wing is seasoned perfectly.
However, if you’re looking for alternatives or following a specific diet, there are excellent substitutes for flour. You can use 1-2 tablespoons of baking powder instead of flour to achieve a similar crispiness. Baking powder reacts with the moisture and heat, creating tiny bubbles that expand and make the skin incredibly crackly. Just ensure it’s enough to fully coat the chicken for the best effect. Alternatively, for a truly low-carb option, you can completely omit the flour and baking powder to make delicious “naked” chicken wings. While they won’t have the exact same breaded texture, they will still crisp up nicely, especially in an air fryer, allowing the pure lemon pepper flavor to shine through.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Crafting these delectable lemon pepper chicken wings is a simple process, whether you choose to bake them in the oven or crisp them up in an air fryer. The key is in the layering of flavors and ensuring that perfect crispy texture. The exact measurements and full detailed instructions for both methods can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below. However, here’s a quick overview to give you a taste of how easy it is:
- **Prepare the Wings:** Start by thoroughly patting your chicken wings dry. This is a crucial step for achieving maximum crispiness.
- **Season Generously:** In a large bowl or plastic bag, toss the chicken wings with a mixture of all-purpose flour (or your chosen substitute), lemon pepper seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Make sure each wing is evenly and fully coated.
- **First Cook for Crispiness:**
- **For Oven Baking:** Arrange the seasoned wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spritz lightly with cooking oil. Bake in a preheated oven until they begin to crisp and brown. Flip them once halfway through cooking and spritz again with oil.
- **For Air Frying:** Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Spritz with cooking oil. Air fry at a high temperature, flipping them once during cooking and spritzing again, until golden brown and crispy.
- **Prepare the Lemon Pepper Glaze:** While the wings are in their final stage of crisping, prepare the irresistible glaze. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and a touch of garlic powder. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and all ingredients are well incorporated and fragrant.
- **Glaze and Finish:** Remove the crispy wings from the oven or air fryer. Generously drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over all the wings, ensuring an even coating. If necessary, use a brush or tongs to help distribute the glaze.
- **Final Bake/Air Fry (Optional but Recommended):** For maximum flavor infusion and to ensure the wings retain their crispiness while soaking up the glaze, return them to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step allows the glaze to set slightly and adhere beautifully to the chicken skin.
Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These wings are a guaranteed hit and a fantastic way to enjoy a burst of fresh, tangy flavor.
Reheating for Maximum Crispness
One of the best things about these lemon pepper chicken wings is how well they reheat, allowing you to enjoy leftovers without sacrificing that delicious crispiness. For optimal results, I highly recommend using an air fryer. Simply place the leftover wings in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-6 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crisp again. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the number of wings you’re reheating, so always test for warmth.
If you don’t have an air fryer, reheating in a conventional oven also works wonderfully. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet, ideally with a wire rack underneath for airflow, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy once more. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as this will result in soggy wings, losing all that delightful texture you worked hard to achieve.
Freezing Lemon Pepper Wings for Later Enjoyment
These lemon pepper chicken wings are so good, you might want to make a double batch! They freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping or having a delicious appetizer ready at a moment’s notice. To freeze leftover cooked wings, allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a few months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, you have a couple of options. You can defrost the wings overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them using the methods described above (air fryer or oven). Alternatively, for a quicker solution, you can reheat the chicken directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the reheating time until they are piping hot and crispy throughout. This makes them a fantastic, convenient option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
More Irresistible Chicken Wing Recipes
If you’re a true connoisseur of chicken wings like me, you’ll love exploring other flavor possibilities. Here are some of my other favorite wing recipes, spanning both delicious dry rubs and savory sauced options:
Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipes:
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
- Naked Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- How to Grill Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
- Cajun Chicken Wings
Sauced and Flavored Chicken Wing Recipes:
- Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Mango Habanero Chicken Wings
- Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Honey BBQ Wings
- Thai Chili Chicken Wings
- Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
Complementary Sides and Dishes
Lemon pepper chicken wings are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right side dishes. The bright, tangy flavor of the wings complements a variety of salads and comforting sides. Here are some perfect accompaniments to complete your meal:
- Southern Macaroni Salad: Creamy and rich, a classic pairing.
- Lemon Pepper Fish: For an extra lemony seafood kick.
- Southern Coleslaw Recipe: Crisp and refreshing, balancing the richness of the wings.
- Air Fryer Hush Puppies: A delightful, crispy cornmeal treat.
- Southern Potato Salad: Hearty and flavorful, a perfect comfort food side.
- Easy Spaghetti Salad: A unique and satisfying pasta salad option.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, cutting through the richness.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A hearty main course to serve alongside.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: For a full-on lemon-themed feast.
- Honey Hot Wings: If you want to offer a contrasting spicy option.
You may also enjoy our other lemon pepper inspired dishes like Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Lemon Pepper Steak for a complete flavor experience.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Cosori Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings I use drummettes.
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- cooking oil spray I use olive oil.
Lemon Pepper Glaze
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Oven and Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag.
- Add the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt to the chicken. Toss or shake vigorously until the chicken is fully and evenly coated.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned wings on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching, which helps them crisp. Spritz the chicken wings lightly with cooking oil.
- Bake the wings for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, open the oven, carefully flip each wing, and spritz them again with cooking oil. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the glaze: Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic powder to the saucepan.
- Cook the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted and all ingredients are well incorporated into a fragrant sauce. Remove from heat.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce generously over all the crispy wings. Ensure each wing is coated thoroughly; if needed, use tongs to toss them gently. Add additional lemon juice if necessary to fully coat all the wings to your preference.
- Return the glazed chicken wings to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and soak into the skin, intensifying the flavor and maintaining crispiness. Serve hot!
Air Fryer Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag.
- Add the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt to the chicken. Toss or shake vigorously until the chicken is fully and evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary). Spritz the chicken with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Open the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken wings. Spritz them again with cooking oil. Continue to air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the wings are in their final stage of air frying, prepare the glaze: Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
- Cook the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted and all ingredients are well incorporated into a fragrant sauce. Remove from heat.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer. Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce generously over all the crispy wings. Ensure each wing is coated thoroughly; if needed, use tongs to toss them gently. Add additional lemon juice if necessary to fully coat all the wings to your preference.
- Return the glazed chicken wings to the air fryer. Air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), allowing the glaze to set and soak into the skin, intensifying the flavor and maintaining crispiness. Serve hot!
Notes
- I like to put the wings back into the oven or the air fryer after drizzling the lemon butter sauce so that it soaks into the skin of the chicken. You can wait to do this step immediately upon serving the wings if you wish. This also helps if you’re finding some wings do not have lemon flavor (because they weren’t properly drizzled), you can drizzle them with extra lemon juice once fully cooked.
- If you are having trouble spraying the wings with oil because of the flour breading, you can allow them to cook for about 5 minutes first, and then spritz the oil. This will prevent the breading from coming off and ensure a more even coating.
- To make this recipe low carb, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for baking powder. I usually only use a tablespoon of baking powder for a standard batch, but adjust as needed to lightly coat your wings.
- You can use actual whole wings (instead of pre-split drumettes and flats) if you wish, but you may need to adjust the amount of ingredients needed to fully coat your wings and increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.
- Do not overcrowd your baking sheet or air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which prevents crispy skin.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.