Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
The wings had such good flavor! 10/10
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Ingredients
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Chicken Wings
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Coating & Finish
Method
Prepare Wings
- 1
Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing surface moisture ensures crisp skin.
- 2
If wings are whole, separate at the joint to make drumettes and wingettes; discard tips or reserve for stock.
- 3
Place wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper over wings and toss to distribute evenly.
- 4
Add 1 tsp baking powder and 2 tsp cornstarch to the wings. Toss until wings are evenly coated. The baking powder helps crisp the skin; cornstarch adds extra crispness.
Bake or Air-Fry Wings
- 5
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack with space between pieces. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip wings and bake another 15–20 minutes until skin is deep golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 6
Air-Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange wings in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Air-fry for 10 minutes, shake or flip, then air-fry another 8–10 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 7
While wings cook, combine 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl. The fresh juice will mingle with zest to bloom the lemon aroma.
- 8
To the lemon mixture add 1 1/2 tsp coarse cracked black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp dried parsley (if using). Stir to combine into a loose paste.
- 9
Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter to the lemon-pepper mixture; whisk until emulsified. The fat helps the seasoning cling to the wings and mellows the pepper.
Toss and Finish
- 10
When wings are done and very hot, transfer them to a clean large bowl. Pour the lemon-pepper sauce over the wings.
- 11
Toss vigorously but gently to coat every wing evenly. Taste one piece and adjust: add a squeeze of extra lemon juice or a pinch more coarse black pepper if desired.
- 12
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or chopped fresh parsley.