You're going to love these flavorful Lemon Pepper Wings! They're super easy to make, whether oven baked or in the air fryer. With lemon pepper, plus lemon juice, and lemon zest, these chicken wings will take your wing night to the next level.
Lemon Pepper Wings are flavor bombs! They're tender inside, with a deep flavored crispy skin.
This recipe is zesty and a little spicy from the pepper. The chicken wings are not only coated in lemon pepper but also lemon juice and lemon zest - for lots of zesty flavors.
They're super easy to make, whether you like them oven baked or made in the air fryer. Instructions for both methods are given below.
These chicken wings are a great option for a delicious and flavorful meal, whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish or the meat for your main course.
The combination of lemon and pepper gives the wings a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit. Plus, they are a healthier option than traditional fried wings when you cook them in the oven or air fryer.
We love a good wing night, and I'm sure you do too! It's so easy and you can make lots of different flavors of chicken wings.
We love Buffalo Bacon Wrapped Chicken Wings as well. Both of them are great with a dipping sauce, such as Lime Crema or Ranch Dip.
Jump to:
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Delicious flavor – Lemon pepper wings have a unique, savory flavor that makes them a hit with any crowd.
- Easy to make – Lemon pepper wings are simple to make and require minimal ingredients.
- Variety of recipes – These wings can be made in a variety of ways, including baked or air fried.
- Versatile – They can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
- Affordable – This recipe is inexpensive to make and can be served in large quantities.
- Protein-packed – Chicken wings are a great source of lean protein, making them a healthy option.
- Customizable – Lemon pepper seasoning can be adjusted to fit individual tastes.
- Crowd pleaser – Lemon and pepper wings are always a hit with family and friends at a party.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings - You'll need 2 pounds of chicken wings. If frozen, thaw them out first.
- Lemon Juice - For extra zingy flavor. You can use fresh or bottled.
- Lemon Zest - Fresh lemon zest adds more flavor.
- Lemon Pepper - I use McCormick's but most supermarkets have a range in the spice aisle.
- Garlic Powder - For more bold flavor.
- Dried Herbs - I use mixed Italian herbs.
- Salt - A little salt brings out the flavors in these chicken wings.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
If using full wings, cut each wing into two pieces (flat and drumette). If the wing has a tip, cut it off and discard it. Place the wings in a deep bowl.
Add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper, garlic, herbs, and salt, to a small bowl and stir to combine.
Pour the lemon mixture over the wings and stir to coat. If you wish, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinade.
To oven bake:
Preheat the oven to 390°F.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Transfer chicken wings to parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes, then turn each one over with tongs and bake for a further 5 minutes or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
To Air Fry:
Place the seasoned wings into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches).
Air Fry at 390°F for 15 minutes, then use tongs to turn each one over and cook for a further 5 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Tip: If the wings are small, do not bake them for a long time, as the meat will become dry.
Dipping Sauces for Lemon Pepper Wings
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Barbecue Dipping Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
- Buffalo Sauce
- Lemon Aioli
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Sriracha Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Dipping Sauce
Recipe Tips
Don't overcook your wings! You need to ensure that they are safely cooked through (the internal temperature should read 165°F with a meat thermometer) but don't overcook any small ones or they could dry out. You can remove the smaller ones from the oven or air fryer early with tongs, once they are cooked through.
FAQ
These chicken wings are so good because they have layers of bold flavor: the spicy pepper and the zesty lemon both taste great together and complement each other perfectly.
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Pepper Wings
Equipment
- bowl
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- If using full wings, cut each wing into two pieces (flat and drumette). If the wing has a tip, cut it off and discard it. Place the wings in a deep bowl.
- Add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper, garlic, herbs, and salt, to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the wings and stir to coat. If you wish, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinade.
To oven bake:
- Preheat the oven to 390°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Transfer chicken wings to parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes, then turn each one over with tongs and bake for a further 5 minutes or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
To Air Fry:
- Place the seasoned wings into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches).
- Air Fry at 390°F for 15 minutes, then use tongs to turn each one over and cook for a further 5 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Jessica
Yessss! I love that these are made in the air fryer!
Kushigalu
Drooling over these lemon pepper wings. Looks perfect. Thanks for sharing
Farah
Yum!! Love lemon pepper and has never thought to add it to wings, thank you so much the whole family loved it!
Sara Welch
Enjoyed these with dinner last night and they were a hit all around the table! Quick, easy and delicious; the perfect balance of flavor!
Sisley
Lemon and pepper is a great flavour on chicken. This was so easy and delicious.