Lemon Pepper Wings are a tasty treat that pack a zesty punch! Crispy chicken wings are tossed in a bright lemony seasoning with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for any gathering!
I love these wings because they’re so easy to make, and the flavor is just unbeatable. It’s a great reason to have friends over, or even to enjoy them all by myself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen chicken wings work well here. If you opt for frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before use. You can also use drumsticks as a substitute if you prefer more meat!
Baking Powder: This is key for crispy wings. If you need a gluten-free option, choose a certified gluten-free baking powder. Alternatively, cornstarch can provide a similar crispiness.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work to enhance flavor. I like using butter for extra richness, but olive oil is a healthier alternative. Use coconut oil for a slight twist!
Lemon Zest: Fresh zest gives the best flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute it with lemon juice—just reduce the quantity since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Wings?
A major detail in this recipe is ensuring your wings turn out crispy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- **Dry the Wings:** Pat them dry well before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- **Use Baking Powder:** Coating the wings in a mixture that includes baking powder is key—it helps make them crispy in the oven.
- **Oven Temperature:** Baking at a higher temperature (425°F) is crucial. This helps to render the fat and crisp up the skin.
- **Use a Rack:** Cooking the wings on a wire rack helps air circulate around them, creating even crispiness.
Follow these steps and you’ll have crispy, flavorful wings every time! I’m always amazed at how simple it is to achieve such a great texture.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For The Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper (coarse ground)
For Garnishing:
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes for cooking in the oven. After a little while in the oven, you’ll be rewarded with crispy and zesty wings that your friends and family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This setup will help the wings cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
2. Dry the Wings:
Take your chicken wings and use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly. Removing extra moisture will allow them to crisp up perfectly during baking!
3. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together well.
4. Coat the Wings:
Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the seasoning mix. Toss them thoroughly until they are fully coated with the dry mix. You want every wing to have that delightful flavor!
5. Arrange and Bake:
Lay the seasoned wings out in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure the skin side is facing up. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip the wings over and bake for another 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.
6. Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
While the wings are baking, mix together the olive oil (or melted butter), fresh lemon juice, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce adds that extra zesty kick!
7. Toss the Wings:
Once the wings are done baking, take them out of the oven and carefully transfer them to a large clean bowl. Drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the wings onto a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve them hot and enjoy the zesty, crispy goodness of Lemon Pepper Wings!
These wings are great with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks for a crunchy contrast. Your taste buds will thank you!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before patting them dry and seasoning. The best way to thaw them is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute it with cornstarch, which also helps achieve crispiness. Use the same amount, about 1 tablespoon, in your seasoning mix!
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore some crispiness, or microwave them for a quick warm-up.
Can I Make These Wings on a Grill Instead?
Absolutely! You can grill the wings for a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. Toss them in the lemon pepper sauce right after removing them from the grill.