Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

They’re juicy, citrusy, peppery, and beyond easy to whip up at home. You can throw this fabulous recipe together in a pinch with just four ingredients. They’re the ultimate appetizer for game days, great for party spreads, and simple enough to make on a random Tuesday. Although they’re not as messy as buffalo chicken wings, they’re still finger-lickin’ good! I’m sure your stomach is growling by now, so let’s dive right in!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

When you think of chicken wings, I’m sure buffalo is the first that comes to mind. But you can prepare wings in so many scrumptious ways, including with lemon pepper seasoning. Lemon pepper wings are an addicting recipe you never knew you needed. They’re healthy-ish, dripping with flavor, and anyone can make them. You just need three pantry staples, a dozen or so chicken wings, a large bowl for coating, and a deep pan for frying. A meat thermometer will also come in handy as it’s the easiest way to ensure each wing gets fried to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are insanely addictive right out of the pan. But if you want to make them even more scrummy, try one of these sides/serving suggestions:

Serve them as a snack with a spicy aioli dipping sauce for your next game night of evening book club.Turn them into a healthy meal with a Caesar salad and a side of rice. Go for something more indulgent and serve them with good old-fashioned mac and cheese!Add a bit of salty-sweet to the peppery-zing and serve them with sweet potato fries. Make it a fun meal for the kids and serve them with waffle fries!

Ingredients

Cooking Oil – You don’t get crispy, juicy fried wings without cooking oil! To make sure the oil doesn’t burn, choose one with a high smoke point, like corn oil or peanut oil.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Different from cooking oil, extra-virgin olive oil will help the seasoning stick to the wings, and it’s full of healthy fats too!

Lemon Pepper Seasoning – To give each wing a citrusy and peppery punch of flavor! This comes readymade* and works really well on fish too.

Chicken Wings – Fresh, store-bought drumettes and wings will cook the fastest. You can use frozen, but make sure they’re defrosted and patted dry.

*If you can find it, lime pepper seasoning is just as citrusy and peppery. I actually think I prefer it since the lime flavor is milder and more sweet.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Pepper Wings

Whether you use fresh or frozen, remove any excess moisture by patting the wings dry with a paper towel. That way, they crisp up nicely.

For a richer flavor, swap out the olive oil for melted butter. Or try another oil, like coconut, if you like.

Coat the wings in flour to make them extra crispy. Cornstarch works really well too!

Have fun with sauces! While these are tasty enough, pairing them with a dipping sauce like blue cheese or garlic aioli can create sensational flavor combinations.

Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil temperature before and during frying. This will ensure every wing is cooked just right – especially since the temperature will drop as you add the wings.

Also, use a meat thermometer to check that the finished wings are fully cooked. You want an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75°C).

Plop those cluckers in the Air Fryer! Air fried chicken wings are healthy, quick, and you don’t have to worry about messing with a vat of hot oil.

How to Store and Reheat

When it comes to lemon pepper wings, I like to make a big batch and store some for later. If you’re thinking the same, here’s what you need to know: They’ll stay really good in the freezer for up to three months. But if they’re airtight, you can go as long as six months. Remember, the sooner you eat them, the better the flavor will be. Of course, they’ll also hold well in the fridge if you plan to eat them within the next few days. Use an airtight container as you would in the freezer, and keep them for three to four days. Ready to eat? Reheat those babies in the air fryer for the best results. Or just toss them in the oven in a single layer until crisp. If they’re frozen, you’ll want to defrost them first. Do that by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or defrosting them in the microwave. Don’t leave them out on the counter!