Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful twist on classic chicken wings, offering a zesty and flavorful experience that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion. This recipe combines the bright citrusy taste of fresh lemon with the savory kick of pepper, resulting in wings that are bursting with flavor. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make these irresistible wings from scratch, along with tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture and variations to suit different dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings – look for meaty ones
- Cornstarch – for crispy wings
- Salt
- Butter – salted or unsalted will work
- Lemon – fresh, of course
- Lemon pepper seasoning – the fresher, the better
- Honey
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Coat with Cornstarch: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help create a crispy exterior when baked.
- Season the Wings: Sprinkle the wings with salt and lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring that each wing is well seasoned.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings are baking, prepare the lemon pepper sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the juice and zest of one lemon, along with a generous amount of lemon pepper seasoning to taste. Stir in honey to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked through and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Grilled Wings: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the wings instead of baking them. Simply grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the lemon pepper sauce for a spicy kick.
- Breading Options: If you prefer a thicker coating on your wings, you can use breadcrumbs or panko instead of cornstarch for extra crunch.
Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options:
- Almond Flour Coating: Substitute almond flour for cornstarch to make the wings keto-friendly and low in carbs.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of honey to reduce the carb content of the lemon pepper sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
2. How can I make the wings extra crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, you can bake the wings on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, resulting in a crispier texture.
3. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings in batches for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
With their tangy lemon flavor and crispy texture, Lemon Pepper Wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as the main event, these wings are guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch of these delicious wings in no time. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of Lemon Pepper Wings!
