There’s nothing like the citrusy and peppery flavor of Baked Lemon Pepper Wings. Whether you’re hosting a casual group for dinner or are serving Chicken Wings for game day, these easy-baked wings are sure to please. Juicy and crispy with a fraction of the fat of fried versions!
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Baked Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Lemon pepper wings are often overlooked in favor of classic Baked Chicken Wings, or Buffalo Wings, but they are truly just as good. I find that zesty lemon pepper flavor completely irresistible on the crispy skins. Instead of reinventing the wheel and making your own lemon pepper seasoning, simply grab a shaker of the premade stuff to make prep a no-brainer. Then, you’ll let the oven work its magic and make a perfect crispy wing.
Lemon Pepper Wings Ingredients
- Chicken Wings – For the most even-cooking, opt for chicken wings that have been broken down into drumettes (the ones that look like mini chicken legs) and wingettes (the oblong wing pieces). You can use full chicken wings, but they’ll take a bit longer to cook and you’ll need to trim off the wing tip.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil – Either high-quality avocado oil or olive oil are neutral enough and great for high-heat cooking. Avoid using canola or vegetable oil, as they don’t have the best flavor for baking and are more common for deep-frying.
- Unsalted Butter – Opt for unsalted butter since you’ll be using a salty, lemon pepper seasoning. Feel free to adjust the salt levels to taste as you wish though!
- Lemon-Pepper Seasoning – Our favorites are Lawry’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning or McCormick Lemon Pepper Seasoning if you need a solid recommendation. This is the seasoning I use for my Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe. Lemon Pepper typically has salt in it. If you use a salt-free version, make sure to add salt to taste.
Natasha’s Seasoning Tip:
There’s no need to season the wings before you toss them in the oven. The lemon pepper coating at the end is flavorful enough on its own!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings
- Prepare the Chicken Wings – Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel, place them into a large bowl, and drizzle them with oil.
- Assemble the Chicken Wings – Place on a baking sheet with a bit of space in between each one. Don’t overcrowd the chicken wings, or else they won’t have enough space to get crispy!
- Bake the Chicken Wings – bake for 40 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce – Melt the butter in a medium size bowl and stir in lemon pepper seasoning. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until well-coated then serve.
Pro Tip:
If you like the extra smokey flavor, feel free to grill the wings instead! To do so, preheat the grill to 425°F and place the chicken wings onto the grill grates. Cook the wings on each side for about 7-10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Can I make lemon pepper wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Place the wings in the air frying basket, spacing them evenly. Air fry at 400˚F for 8 minutes per side, or a total of 16 minutes, or until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside. Check out our Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe.
Why do some people use baking powder on their baked chicken wings?
Some people use baking powder on their baked chicken wings as a secret ingredient to make them even more crispy. Baking powder dries the skin out a bit and brings them closer to the crispiness of deep-fried wings. I use this trick for my Baked Chicken Wings Recipe.
Ways to Serve
Whether you want to eat a healthy low-carb meal or are in the mood for something more decadent and comforting, try these tasty sides with your ultra-crispy chicken wings:
- Potato Dishes – Pair the wings with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potato Wedges, or Roasted Potatoes if you want some classic comfort food.
- Salads – If you want to keep things light, serve the wings alongside a Caesar Salad or a Classic Wedge Salad.
- Appetizer with Dips – If you want to whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or a potluck, pair them with Jalapeño Ranch or some blue cheese dressing.
These Baked Lemon Pepper Wings are always a hit at parties and gatherings. I also think it’s super fun to have a variety of wings on the menu for game day, and this is probably my easiest of all and is packed with flavor. Let me know your favorite way to serve chicken wings in the comments below.
Baked Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lb chicken wings, separated into wingettes and drumettes
- 3 tbsp extra light olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning, *
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken wings into a large bowl and drizzle them with oil.
- Place wings on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake the chicken wings for 40 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Melt the butter in a medium size bowl and stir in lemon pepper seasoning. Add the wings to the butter mixture and toss until the wings are evenly coated in the seasoning. Serve while the wings are still warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerate: To keep your lemon pepper chicken wings for up to 4 days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- To Reheat: Pop them back in the oven on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the basket of an air fryer if you have one. Avoid microwaving the wings, as they will lose their crispy texture.