Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: Zesty Homemade Goodness

Crafting crispy lemon pepper wings at home transforms an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed adventure.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside bold black pepper for an irresistible combination.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-style favorite with just a few simple ingredients.

Bold seasonings create a mouthwatering coating that seals in juicy chicken goodness.

Marinating helps intensify the tangy, spicy profile you’ll absolutely love.

Professional chefs and kitchen novices alike can nail these wings with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of bright, sharp flavors that’ll make you the star of any gathering.

Your taste buds will thank you for mastering this crowd-pleasing recipe that beats takeout every single time.

FAQs

• Why use baking powder for wings?

Baking powder helps break down proteins on the chicken skin, creating a crispier exterior by drawing moisture to the surface and helping it evaporate during baking.

• Can I make these wings spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the lemon pepper butter for extra heat.

• How do I know the wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the wing.

• What's the best way to get extra crispy wings?

Pat the wings completely dry before coating, use baking powder, and make sure they’re spread out in a single layer without touching on the baking sheet.

What Makes Lemon Pepper Wings a Must

• Transform ordinary chicken wings into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary skills, making gourmet meals accessible for everyone.
• Discover the secret baking powder method that guarantees ultra-crispy wings without deep-frying, reducing mess and added oil.
• Prepare a deliciously zesty meal in under an hour, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or feeding hungry families with minimal preparation.
• Enjoy a tangy, peppery sensation that works brilliantly as a game day snack, casual dinner, or party appetizer with minimal ingredient complexity.

What You Need for Lemon Pepper Wings

• Chicken Wings: Fresh wings with crispy potential.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Helps create extra crispy skin.
• Black Pepper, Lemon Zest: Provides signature tangy and spicy flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Optional seasoning for extra depth.

• Butter: Creates rich, glossy coating for wings.

How to Make Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Set your oven to 425°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack inside to ensure crispy wings.

Step 2: Dry the Chicken Wings

Use paper towels to completely dry each wing, removing excess moisture for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Season the Wings

In a large mixing bowl, combine wings with baking powder and salt.

Toss until every wing is evenly and thoroughly coated.

Step 4: Arrange Wings for Baking

Spread wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place wings in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Carefully flip each wing, then continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Create Lemon Pepper Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan.

• Lemon zest
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)

Step 7: Coat Wings with Flavor

Transfer the freshly baked wings to a large bowl.

Pour the lemon pepper butter over the wings and gently toss to ensure each wing is completely covered with the delicious sauce.

Cooking Tips for Juicy Wings with Zing

• Use paper towels to absorb maximum moisture from chicken wings, ensuring ultra-crispy skin during baking.
• Adding baking powder helps create a crispier exterior by breaking down proteins and drawing out surface moisture.
• Arrange wings in a single layer without touching to allow even air circulation and maximum browning.
• Control black pepper intensity by freshly grinding or using pre-ground pepper based on personal heat preference.
• Replace traditional butter with ghee or olive oil for a lighter, diet-friendly version of lemon pepper wings.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Pepper Wings

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 3 minutes to crisp the skin.
• Place wings in the air fryer basket, cook at 375°F for 4-6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.

Favorite Sides with Lemon Pepper Wings

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Ale: Complement the bright lemon pepper flavors with a crisp, citrusy craft beer that enhances the wing's tangy profile and cuts through the richness.
• Serve with Cool Blue Cheese Dip: Balance the spicy, peppery kick with a creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing that provides a smooth contrast and refreshing counterpoint to the wings.
• Match with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh dill, and a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate between bites of zesty wings.
• Accompany with Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Select a crisp white wine with herbaceous notes and citrus undertones that mirrors the lemon pepper seasoning and provides a sophisticated drinking experience.

Twist Ideas for Lemon Pepper Wings

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular baking powder with cornstarch or gluten-free baking powder to ensure the wings remain safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version that maintains the zesty flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the lemon pepper butter for those craving extra heat and a bolder taste experience.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Cook wings in an air fryer at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a quicker and potentially crispier result without using the oven.

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper wings bring Southern-style comfort to your plate with crispy, tangy perfection. Juicy chicken coated in bold spices promises a flavor explosion that satisfies hungry crowds and elevates casual dining for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

Seasoning and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) baking powder (aluminum-free)
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (4 grams) coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) garlic powder (optional)

Finishing and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (5 grams) chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or wire rack for optimal wing placement.
2. Use paper towels to thoroughly blot chicken wings, removing excess moisture to ensure crispiness.
3. Combine wings with baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even coating for maximum crunch.
4. Spread wings in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for consistent cooking.
5. Roast wings for 20 minutes, then carefully flip to promote even browning and continue baking 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. While wings bake, create lemon pepper sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan and incorporating lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and optional garlic powder.
7. Remove wings from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl, then drizzle with lemon pepper butter, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.

Notes

• Ensure wings are completely dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Use aluminum-free baking powder for the best texture and avoid any metallic aftertaste.
• For a healthier version, replace butter with olive oil or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg