Wings
Lemon Pepper Wings
Lemon pepper wings lean on a generous, coarse black pepper and lemon zest seasoning, finished with a butter-lemon toss right after baking for that glossy, wing-shop-style coating. It's a punchy, tangy alternative to the usual buffalo or BBQ.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Bold, tangy flavor without a sugary sauce
- Crispy baked skin, no frying
- Fresh lemon butter toss right at the end
- A favorite alternative to buffalo wings
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Toss the wings with the baking powder, 1 tsp pepper, 3/4 tsp salt, garlic powder, and half the lemon zest.
- Arrange in a single layer on the rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal).
- While the wings bake, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, remaining lemon zest, remaining pepper and remaining salt.
- Toss the hot wings in the lemon butter mixture right after baking.
- Serve immediately, with extra cracked pepper if desired.
Tips for success
- Use coarsely cracked black pepper rather than fine pepper — the texture is part of what makes this style distinctive.
- Zest the lemons before juicing them; it's much easier to zest a whole lemon than a juiced one.
- Toss the wings in the lemon butter right after baking so the sauce clings while the skin is still hot and crispy.
- For extra tang, add a bit more lemon zest to the final toss.
Frequently asked questions
What gives lemon pepper wings their flavor?
A generous amount of coarsely cracked black pepper combined with fresh lemon zest, finished with a butter and lemon juice toss.
Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes, substitute about 2-3 tablespoons of a store-bought lemon pepper blend for the pepper, salt and zest in the dry rub.
Why toss in butter instead of just the seasoning?
The butter-lemon toss adds richness and helps the seasoning cling to the wings, similar to how a sauce works with buffalo wings.
What should I serve with lemon pepper wings?
Ranch dressing and celery sticks are classic, though a garlic aioli also pairs nicely with the citrus notes.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 362 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Sugar | 0g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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