Lemon Pepper Wings: A Crispy, Zesty Delight
Craving something different from your usual wing flavors? Lemon Pepper Wings offer the perfect balance of tangy zest and crispy goodness. Whether you’re searching for “lemon pepper wings near me” or looking to create your own at home, this recipe is your go-to guide.
Why Lemon Pepper Wings?
Lemon Pepper Wings often fly under the radar compared to their spicy buffalo counterparts. But what they lack in heat, they make up for in bold, citrusy flavor. They’re ideal for those who prefer a tangy kick without overwhelming spice, and they pair perfectly with ranch, blue cheese, or even a squeeze of extra lemon for added zing.
Choosing the Right Chicken
For the best results, opt for split chicken wings, which include both the drumette and the flat. They cook more evenly and save you the hassle of breaking down whole wings. Fresh or frozen wings work fine—just note that frozen ones may need extra cooking time.
The Key to Flavor: Lemon Pepper Seasoning
The seasoning is the heart of this dish. Store-bought lemon pepper can vary in saltiness, so always taste it before using. For an authentic touch, consider making your own blend using freshly ground black pepper, dried lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
Want to take it up a notch? Tossing the wings in a buttery lemon pepper sauce after cooking adds an irresistible richness.
Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which is Better?
Both cooking methods yield deliciously crispy wings, but each has its perks:
- Oven-Baked Wings: A mix of flour and baking powder helps create a golden, crispy skin that rivals deep-fried wings.
- Air Fryer Wings: Quicker, with less prep time, and just as crispy with fewer calories.
No matter which method you choose, flipping the wings halfway through ensures even cooking.
Want Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings?
For those who enjoy a little heat, upgrading to spicy lemon pepper wings is easy! Add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix or butter sauce for an extra kick.
Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making the best homemade lemon pepper wings—crispy, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove minced garlic (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- Kosher salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh thyme & parsley (optional garnish)
For Oven-Baked Wings:
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Oven Method
1️⃣ Prep the Wings – Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2️⃣ Preheat the Oven – Set it to 425°F.
3️⃣ Coat for Crispiness – Toss the wings in flour and baking powder, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4️⃣ Season – In a bowl, mix the wings with olive oil, lemon pepper, lemon zest, and garlic.
5️⃣ Bake – Arrange wings on a baking rack placed over a foil-lined pan. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
6️⃣ Broil for Extra Crunch – Broil each side for 1 minute if you want them even crispier.
7️⃣ Toss in Sauce – Mix melted butter with fresh lemon juice, drizzle over the wings, and sprinkle with extra pepper and salt. Garnish if desired.
Air Fryer Method
1️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer – Set it to 400°F.
2️⃣ Season the Wings – Toss them in olive oil, lemon pepper, lemon zest, and garlic (skip the flour/baking powder).
3️⃣ Cook in Batches – Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Flip & Finish – Turn them over and cook for another 10 minutes or until crispy.
5️⃣ Butter & Lemon Finish – Toss in melted butter and lemon juice, then season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh thyme. Serve immediately!
The Best Lemon Pepper Wings are in Your Kitchen!
Still searching for “the best lemon pepper wings near me”? Now you can make them yourself, anytime you crave that perfect combination of crispy, buttery, and zesty goodness.
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