Name: Lemon Pepper Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, zesty, and incredibly easy to make. Coated in a buttery lemon pepper seasoning, they pack a flavorful punch in every bite. Whether baked or fried, they turn out deliciously golden and are perfect for game days, parties, or just a quick craving fix.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how these wings hit the perfect balance between tangy citrus and bold peppery flavor. The lemon zest brings brightness, while the black pepper adds just the right amount of heat. The best part? I don’t need a deep fryer—oven-baked wings come out just as crispy with much less mess. This recipe is also great because it’s super flexible: I can serve it as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish with sides.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)

For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
I pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps them crisp up nicely.
In a large bowl, I toss the wings with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder until evenly coated.
I spread the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
I bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
While the wings are baking, I mix the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt in a bowl to make the sauce.
Once the wings are done, I transfer them to a clean bowl and pour the lemon pepper sauce over them. I toss to coat evenly.
I serve hot, garnished with extra lemon zest or parsley if I want to make them fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook, for a total time of about 55 minutes.

Variations

Air Fryer Method: I like to cook the wings in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Dry Rub Style: Sometimes I skip the butter sauce and just toss the baked wings with lemon pepper seasoning for a dry, crispy version.
Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon butter for some heat.
Honey Lemon Pepper: I stir a teaspoon of honey into the sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or use the air fryer to crisp them back up. I avoid microwaving them if I want to keep the skin crispy.

FAQs

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

I make sure to pat the wings dry and use baking powder in the seasoning. It helps break down the skin and gives a crispy texture when baked.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but I always thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.

Is lemon pepper seasoning the same as using fresh lemon?

Not quite. Store-bought lemon pepper is usually a dry blend. I prefer using fresh lemon zest and juice for a more vibrant, natural flavor.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

I can bake the wings ahead and store them without the sauce. When ready to serve, I reheat and toss them in the fresh lemon pepper sauce for best flavor.

What can I serve with lemon pepper wings?

I like pairing them with celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dip, fries, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

These Lemon Pepper Wings are one of my go-to recipes when I need something fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Whether I’m hosting friends or just want a satisfying snack, this recipe always delivers crispy, zesty perfection.