Zesty Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day

Crispy lemon pepper chicken wings dance between tangy zest and crunchy perfection.

Bright citrus notes blend seamlessly with bold pepper seasoning.

Classic comfort food meets gourmet sophistication in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each wing promises a flavor explosion that makes taste buds sing.

Salt and pepper create magic when combined with fresh lemon juice.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to make these wings again and again for every gathering.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken wings turn out crispy?

Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Use a high-temperature oven or air fryer, and make sure wings are in a single layer without overcrowding to help them crisp up nicely.

• Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Thaw chicken wings completely before marinating and cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that crispy exterior.

• What if I don't have fresh lemon?

You can substitute fresh lemon with bottled lemon juice or even add a bit of lemon pepper seasoning. However, fresh lemon zest provides the most vibrant flavor for the wings.

• Is this recipe spicy?

This lemon pepper chicken wing recipe is not spicy. It offers a tangy, zesty flavor from the lemon and a mild pepper kick, but it won’t be hot or burn your mouth.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings That Stay Crispy

• These wings deliver an irresistible crunchy exterior that'll make your taste buds dance with pure joy.
• Easily prepare a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious results.
• Zesty lemon and bold black pepper create a tantalizing combination that elevates ordinary chicken wings into a gourmet experience.
• Choose between oven-baking or air frying, giving you flexibility to make these wings no matter your kitchen equipment.

Ingredients in Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings

Main Ingredients:

Chicken: Fresh chicken wings that will be the star of this crispy and flavorful dish.

Lemon: Bright and zesty citrus fruit that adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the chicken.

Black Pepper: Spicy and aromatic seasoning that provides a bold, sharp taste to the wings.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus elements that bring a fresh, bright flavor and help tenderize the meat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Savory and aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Paprika: Classic seasonings that add depth and a warm, slightly sweet undertone to the wings.

• Olive Oil: Helps bind the seasonings and promotes even coating and crispiness.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers an extra burst of citrus flavor and brightness when serving.

Cooking Steps for Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab those chicken wings and give them a thorough pat-down with paper towels.

We want these wings super dry for maximum crunch factor.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Paprika
• Olive oil

Whisk everything together until you’ve got a mouthwatering marinade.

Toss the chicken wings in this zesty mixture, making sure each wing is completely coated.

Let the wings soak up all those incredible flavors for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Oven Method:

Spread the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Flip the wings halfway through to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness.

Air Fryer Method:

Crank your air fryer to 375F (190C).

Arrange wings in a single layer in the basket.

Cook for 18-22 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out those golden, crispy wings and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve with bright lemon wedges on the side.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips to Get Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings

• Pat chicken wings completely dry before marinating to achieve maximum crispiness and avoid steaming instead of roasting.
• Let wings marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator, to allow seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Arrange wings in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure each piece gets direct heat and crisps uniformly.
• Use parchment paper or a wire rack on the baking sheet to help excess fat drip away, creating extra-crispy skin.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, reducing or increasing for milder or bolder flavor profiles.

Store Lemon Pepper Wings for Crunch Later

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Seal wings in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll keep well for 2-3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm wings at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flip halfway to ensure even heating and crispy texture.
• Warm wings at 375F for 3-5 minutes. Arrange in a single layer without overcrowding. Shake basket midway to restore original crispiness.

Serve Lemon Pepper Wings with These Sides

• Crisp Citrus Companion: Pair with a chilled wheat beer or Belgian-style white ale to complement the zesty lemon notes and cut through the wing's richness.
• Cool Dipping Delight: Serve with a tangy tzatziki or herb-infused ranch dressing that balances the pepper's heat and adds creamy contrast to the crispy wings.
• Fresh Side Kick: Combine with a light Mediterranean salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette to enhance the citrus undertones and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Zesty Beverage Match: Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or a bright, acidic cocktail like a gin and tonic to echo the wing's bright, peppery flavor profile.

Creative Takes on Lemon Pepper Wings

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular spices with certified gluten-free seasonings and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified. Check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Reduce salt content by using herbs like thyme and rosemary instead of salt. Swap regular salt with a low-sodium herb blend for enhanced flavor without excess sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use skin-on chicken wings for higher fat content. Replace paprika with cayenne pepper for extra heat and maintain low-carb profile. Skip sugary marinades and focus on high-fat, low-carb seasonings.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are dairy-free. Use olive oil as the primary marinade base. Check that no dairy-based ingredients are accidentally included in the seasoning mix.

Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1216 1x

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Description

Zesty crispy lemon pepper chicken wings bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table with irresistible crunch. Tangy spices and golden-brown exterior promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll devour in moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Liquids and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary equipment for crispy lemon pepper chicken wings preparation.
2. Pat chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness during cooking.
3. Create a vibrant marinade by blending lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and olive oil into a smooth, aromatic mixture.
4. Thoroughly coat chicken wings in the prepared marinade, massaging the seasonings into the meat to enhance flavor penetration.
5. Allow wings to marinate at room temperature for 25-30 minutes, enabling spices to infuse deeply into the chicken.
6. For oven method, arrange wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding, maintaining space between pieces.
7. Bake wings at 400F (200C) for 30-35 minutes, rotating the tray midway to promote even browning and crispiness.
8. For air fryer method, preheat appliance to 375F (190C) and arrange wings in a single layer in the basket.
9. Air fry wings for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure uniform crispness.
10. Verify wings are fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) and exterior appears golden and crispy.
11. Transfer cooked wings to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and brightness.
12. Accompany wings with fresh lemon wedges to allow guests to adjust citrus intensity according to preference.

Notes

• Ensure chicken wings are completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Marinate wings for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing overall taste profile.
• For gluten-free option, verify all spice powders are certified gluten-free and use alternative olive oil if needed.
• Adjust cooking time based on wing size and individual oven/air fryer performance to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (Baking) or 20 minutes (Air Fryer)
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1216
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg