Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful combination of tangy lemon and spicy pepper, creating a flavorful and crispy dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day, having a casual dinner, or simply craving something tasty, these wings are sure to be a hit. They can be prepared using an air fryer or oven, making them versatile and easy to cook. Garnished with fresh thyme and parsley, these wings not only taste great but also look appealing on the plate.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds Chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Lemon pepper (Note: Some brands might be too salty, so taste and adjust accordingly)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Lemon zest
- 1 clove Minced garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh thyme and parsley (optional for garnish)
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons Melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
For Oven-Only Method:
- 1 tablespoon Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Clean and Dry the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy wings.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, lemon pepper, lemon zest, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the Wings: Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Wings: Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Oven Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
- Coat with Flour and Baking Powder: If using the oven method, in a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Toss the seasoned wings in this mixture until evenly coated. This step helps to achieve extra crispy wings.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings on the prepared rack in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
4. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and mix well.
- Toss the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the lemon pepper wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cooking Notes
1. Adjusting Seasoning
- Lemon pepper seasoning can vary in saltiness depending on the brand. Taste the seasoning before using and adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
2. Achieving Crispy Wings
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispy texture.
- The baking powder and flour mixture used in the oven method also contributes to extra crispy wings.
3. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic wing experience.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Variations
1. Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for an extra spicy kick.
2. Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings
- After tossing the cooked wings in the lemon butter sauce, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and additional minced garlic for a savory twist.
3. Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into the lemon butter sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
4. Herb Lemon Pepper Wings
- Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil to the seasoning mixture for a herby twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2. How do I store and reheat leftover wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
3. Can I use drumsticks or chicken thighs instead of wings?
Yes, you can use drumsticks or chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as larger pieces of chicken will take longer to cook through.
4. What dipping sauces pair well with lemon pepper wings?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, garlic aioli, or a simple lemon garlic sauce pair well with lemon pepper wings.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that your lemon pepper seasoning and baking powder are gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
6. Can I use an outdoor grill to cook the wings?
Yes, you can grill the wings over medium heat, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and crispy.
Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon and spicy pepper, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you choose to cook them in an air fryer or oven, they are easy to prepare and customize to your liking. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the crispy texture of these homemade lemon pepper wings!