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These lemon pepper wings are crispy, buttery, and full of bold, zesty flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make at home—no takeout required.
My top tip: The air fryer is a game-changer for getting that ultra-crispy skin with minimal mess. Just make sure the wings are patted dry and spaced out in the basket for the best crunch. No air fryer? No problem! The oven version still gets beautifully crispy—just be sure to bake on a rack to let the heat circulate evenly.
Think restaurant-quality wings are hard to make at home? Think again.
With a few easy steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll be pulling off crispy, buttery lemon pepper wings like a pro.
Wings shouldn’t feel like a project—and they definitely don’t need to be complicated. With pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal fuss, you can skip the takeout and still get that crave-worthy finish right in your own kitchen.
My secret? It’s all in the perfect blend of zesty lemon pepper seasoning and a buttery finish that clings to every bite. Once you try these, I promise—you’ll be making them on repeat. I always have to make a double batch because they get devoured every single time!
Lemon Pepper Wing Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | What It Does | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings (wingettes and drumettes) | The star—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor | Full Wing, boneless thighs, or cauliflower florets (cook time will change) |
| Lemon pepper seasoning | Brings a bold, zesty, peppery punch | Homemade mix: lemon zest, black pepper, and salt |
| Lemon zest | Adds fresh, vibrant citrus flavor | Bottled lemon zest or a tiny splash of lemon extract |
| Minced Garlic | Adds savory depth and warmth | Garlic powder (½ tsp), shallot powder |
| Avocado oil | Helps wings crisp up beautifully | Olive oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil |
| Butter | Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the wings | Ghee, dairy-free butter |
| Lemon juice | Brightens and balances the seasoning | White wine vinegar or lime juice |
| Salt & pepper to taste | Enhances and rounds out the flavors | Sea salt, seasoned salt, cracked pepper |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | Offers a fresh herbal note and a pretty finish | Thyme, rosemary, or skip it altogether |
For the Oven Method Only
| Ingredient | What It Does | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Helps dry out the wings’ surface for a crispier texture | Gluten-free all-purpose flour, rice flour |
| Cornstarch | Adds extra crunch and helps with browning | Potato starch, arrowroot powder |
| Baking powder | Creates a light, airy crust by reacting with moisture | Double the cornstarch (if needed), skip if sensitive |
Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe Variations
Switch things up or use what you have on hand; these variations are perfect for keeping dinner interesting or tailoring to your crew’s taste!
- Crispy Naked Wings: Skip the lemon butter toss for a dry-rub style wing. Just serve with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a squeeze of extra lemon.
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat. A drizzle of hot honey at the end? Chef’s kiss!
- Garlic Parmesan Lemon Wings: Mix in grated Parmesan with the melted butter and sprinkle a little extra on top before serving. Adds a rich, cheesy twist!
- Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: Stir a teaspoon of honey into the butter-lemon sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze that balances beautifully with the peppery kick.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up beautifully during cooking.
- Air Fryer Method: No flour coating needed—make sure the wings are dry and ready for seasoning.
For the Oven Method Only – Coat Wings in Flour Mixture:
After drying, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a large bowl.
Then toss the wings in the flour mixture.
This little trio helps give oven-baked wings that crave-worthy, golden crunch. Let the wings chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes—this helps the coating set. I like to place them on a baking rack or platter.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
Toss the wings in this mixture until they’re evenly coated.
Air fryer method without the flour mixture:
Oven method after being tossed in the flour mixture:
Step 3: Cook ‘Em Up
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10 minutes and flip.
- Then cook for another 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Wings Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top of it. Spray the rack with cooking spray.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 15–25 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
- For extra crunch, broil for 1 minute per side at the end.
Step 4: Toss in Lemon Butter Sauce
In a large bowl, melt butter and fresh lemon juice.
Toss the hot wings in the lemon butter mixture right after cooking.
Then season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley or fresh herbs for a little extra flair, if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy. These wings are perfect on their own, or alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or even as the main dish with some roasted veggies or rice.
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Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
- Don’t Skip the Butter Sauce: That quick toss in buttery lemon sauce at the end takes the flavor from good to restaurant-worthy. It adds richness and helps everything stick to the wings.
- Dry The Wings Well: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing moisture is key to getting that crispy skin, especially when using the air fryer or oven.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The zest gives you that fresh-from-the-lemon pop that bottled seasoning just can’t match. It really wakes up the whole dish!
- Give the Oven Wings a Rest: If baking, let the wings sit in the fridge after tossing them with flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. That chill time helps the coating adhere and crisp up better in the oven.
- Air Fryer = Crispier with Less Fuss: For the crispiest finish without oil or deep frying, the air fryer is a dream. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket—circulating air is what makes the magic happen.
What to Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
These crispy, zesty wings are the star of the show, but the right sides can turn them into a full and satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
Classic & Crowd Favorites
- Celery & Carrot Sticks – Keep it classic with crunchy veggies.
- French Fries or Potato Wedges – Oven-baked or air-fried, you can’t go wrong with crispy potatoes.
- Macaroni & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy comfort food that balances the zing of the wings.
Lighter Options
- Garden Salad – A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a bright, simple side.
- Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, zucchini, or green beans tossed in olive oil and roasted until golden.
- Coleslaw – A cool, creamy classic slaw adds a nice crunch and helps balance the spice. Or try my Blue Cheese Slaw or Mexican Cabbage Slaw.
For Game Day or Appetizer Night
- Sliders or Mini Sandwiches – Pair with BBQ chicken or pulled pork sliders for a fun finger food combo.
- Chips & Dips – Serve up a tray of tortilla chips with salsa, guac, or queso for a party feel.
- Deviled Eggs – Southern charm meets game day—these are always a hit!
Best Dipping Sauce for Lemon Pepper Wings
Lemon pepper wings are full of bold, zesty flavor on their own—but if you’re craving a good dipping sauce, ranch and blue cheese are go-to classics. They’re creamy, cool, and perfect for balancing that citrusy kick.
Feeling a little fancy? Try a garlic aioli or tzatziki sauce for something bright and refreshing. Want to turn up the heat? Hot honey or spicy mayo brings a sweet, fiery contrast that pairs beautifully with the savory lemon pepper. A little dip really does go a long way!
How to Store Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Make-Ahead:
- You can season the wings (with oil, lemon pepper, zest, and garlic) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a covered bowl or a zip-top bag in the fridge. This gives the flavors more time to soak in, making dinner time even easier!
- For the oven method, coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder before refrigerating.
- If you’re entertaining, you can even air fry or bake the wings ahead of time, then reheat right before serving, and then toss in the butter-lemon finish to bring them back to life.
Storage:
- Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back the crisp—air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes or oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Freezing:
- You can freeze cooked wings! Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Next, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag.
- To reheat from frozen, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, reheat at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through and the skin is crisp again. Toss with a little fresh lemon butter sauce to bring them back to life!
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How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
Wing Seasoning
- 2 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, I tested with Lawry’s
- zest from 1 lemon, about 1 ½ teaspoons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons avocado oil
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt & pepper to taste
FOR THE OVEN METHOD ONLY
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions (No flour mixture needed)
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Prep the wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Season: In a bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Toss the wings to evenly coat.
- Air Fry: Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may have to work in batches depending on the size of the air fryer) and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the wings and cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes or until crispy.
- Toss in Lemon Butter Sauce: In a large bowl, add melted butter and then stir in lemon juice. Toss hot wings in the butter mixture. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs if you'd like.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prep the wings: Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Then toss the wings to coat. Place on a baking rack or plate. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes; this helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Season: In a bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Toss the wings to coat.
- Set up your pan: Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and spray the rack with cooking spray.
- Bake: Arrange wings in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake another 15 -25 minutes, or until golden and crisp. If you like them extra crispy, broil for 1 minute on each side at the end of cooking time.
- Toss in Lemon Butter Sauce: In a large bowl, add melted butter and then stir in lemon juice. Toss hot wings in the butter mixture. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs if you'd like.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
Pat the wings dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd your air fryer or baking rack. For oven-baked wings, the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder coating makes a big difference!
No worries! The oven method delivers super crispy results, too. Just follow the instructions and bake on a rack for the best texture.
They’re not spicy—just zesty and savory! Want heat? Add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey to spice them up.
I can’t believe how simple it was to make these in the air fryer. They were crispy – big flavor. My only suggestion is to start with a double batch – a single batch won’t be enough if your husband gets to them first. I speak from experience.
Haha—I love this so much! I’m so glad you found them easy and delicious! And yes, doubling the batch is a very wise move… husbands do have a way of making them disappear fast. 😄 Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing your experience!