These fantastic, lip-smacking lemon pepper chicken wings are my newest obsession.
They’re juicy, citrusy, peppery, and beyond easy to whip up at home. You can make them in a pinch with just four ingredients!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Lemon pepper wings are one of my all-time favorite Wingstop flavors. They’re healthy(ish), dripping with flavor, and anyone can make them.
You only need three pantry staples and about a dozen chicken wings. Plus, a large bowl for coating and a deep pan for frying.
In 20 minutes, your wings are ready!
They’re the ultimate game day appetizer. And yet, simple enough to make on a random Tuesday.
Sure, they’re not as messy as buffalo chicken wings. But they’re still finger-lickin’ good!
Ingredients
Four-ingredients chicken wings sound too good to be true. And yet, it’s totally legit!
Here’s the list of what you need:
- 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
I love how quick and easy it is to make these lemon pepper wings. They’re ready in less than 30 minutes.
Still, there are some things to keep in mind. So here are some tips:
- Pat the wings dry. Fresh or frozen, be sure to pat the wings dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture, so they turn out perfectly crisp.
- Mix up the cooking fat. For a richer flavor, swap out the olive oil for melted butter. Or try coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Make them extra crispy. Coating the wings in flour gives them an extra crunch. Cornstarch works really well too!
- Have fun with sauces! A dipping sauce like blue cheese or garlic aioli can create sensational flavor combinations.
- Check the oil with a kitchen thermometer. 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. It’s the best way to ensure 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 and quick. Plus, you don’t have to worry about messing with a vat of hot oil.
Serving Suggestions
These wings are dangerously delicious right out of the pan. But if you want to crank up the flavor, try these combos.
- Pair with spicy aioli. Serve the wings as a snack with a spicy aioli dipping sauce. It’s a fantastic idea for your next game night or evening book club.
- Make it a well-balanced meal. Turn them into a healthy meal with a Caesar salad and a side of rice.
- Indulge with a comfort food side. Go for something more indulgent and serve them with good old-fashioned mac and cheese!
- Add a side of sweet potato fries. Add a bit of salty-sweet to the peppery-zing and serve them with sweet potato fries.
- Make it a kid-friendly meal. Make it a fun meal for the kids and serve them with waffle fries!
How to Store Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
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, just follow these steps:
To Store: Place the cooled wings in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Let the wings cool down completely. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe. Label them and include the date so you know how long they’ll last. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Thaw frozen wings in the refrigerator overnight. For the best results, reheat the wings in the air fryer. You can also bake them in the oven. Arrange them in a single layer on a sheet pan. Then reheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until crisp and heated thoroughly.
More Finger Lickin’ Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Shake and Bake Chicken
Coca Cola Chicken
Bisquick Chicken Tenders
Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings
Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
12
servings10
minutes10
minutes1181
kcalThese fantastic, lip-smacking lemon pepper chicken wings are my newest obsession. They’re juicy, citrusy, peppery, and beyond easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients
2 cups cooking oil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
12 chicken wings
1 lemon, wedges (optional)
Favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check it’s accurate.
- Mix the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel.
- Drop the wings into the hot oil and fry in batches for about 7-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check each wing reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75°C).
- Place the cooked wings on a wire baking rack and continue frying until all the wings are done.
- While they’re still hot, toss the wings in the lemon pepper and olive oil mixture.
- Serve with lemon wedges and sauce if desired. Then dig in!
How about an air fryer version
Hi Geri! To make these in the air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 425°F.
2. Mix the olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning in a large bowl.
3. Pat the wings dry, then toss them in the seasoning.
4. Air fry in a single layer (work in batches if needed) for 8 minutes, flip the wings, then cook for another 8 minutes.
5. At this point, you can serve them. Or, toss the wings in fresh oil and seasoning and cook for another 3-5 minutes to get a really crispy finish.
Hope this helps. Let me know how they turn out!