Description

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings offer a zesty, crispy snack or meal that perfectly balances the bright citrus of lemon with the bold, spicy warmth of freshly cracked black pepper. These wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or appetizers, this versatile recipe is easy to customize for any palate and cooking method, including baking and air frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

2 lbs chicken wings

Seasonings

1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Others

2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch or baking powder for extra crispiness

Instructions

Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin when cooked.
Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. If using, sprinkle cornstarch or baking powder for extra crunch and mix well to coat evenly.
Let Them Marinate: Place the seasoned wings in the refrigerator and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse and tenderize the meat.
Cook the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly in the air fryer basket for even cooking. Bake or air fry for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Final Toss and Serve: Once cooked, toss the wings again with a little fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper to enhance the fresh citrus and peppery heat, then serve immediately.

Notes

Dry Wings Thoroughly: Ensure wings are completely dry before seasoning for best crispiness.
Use Fresh Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper delivers the best flavor punch.
Don’t Skip Marinating: Even a short marinate significantly improves flavor penetration.
Space Out Wings: Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Adjust Lemon Amount: Add lemon juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering the dish.
Double Season After Cooking: Season wings again after cooking for layered flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4-5 wings)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: lemon pepper, chicken wings, crispy wings, baked wings, air fryer wings, appetizer, game day snack, gluten free