Lemon Pepper Wings

Name: Lemon Pepper Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated); 2 tsp cracked black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1.25 tsp kosher salt; lemon wedges (optional for serving)

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Bold, zesty, and endlessly snackable, lemon pepper wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This dry-rubbed wing recipe delivers crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy blend of lemon zest and cracked black pepper. Whether you’re planning game day eats, an easy dinner, or a casual get-together, these wings are a guaranteed hit.

If you’re craving a no-sauce, no-fuss wing with explosive flavor, this lemon pepper wings recipe is for you. It uses pantry staples and takes minimal prep, making it perfect for beginner cooks or weeknight cravings.

What Is the Lemon Pepper Wings?

Lemon pepper wings are a style of chicken wing coated in a mixture of lemon zest and coarse ground pepper. The seasoning is either a dry rub or blended into a light sauce, but in this version, we focus on the dry-rub method for ultimate crispiness.

Unlike saucy buffalo wings, lemon pepper wings don’t require messy coatings. Instead, they rely on the bold citrusy tang of lemon paired with the heat and sharpness of black pepper, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and savory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy perfection: Baking or air frying gives these wings a crunchy outside with juicy meat inside.
Bold and simple: The dry rub highlights just a few ingredients—but they pack serious punch.
Crowd favorite: Ideal for parties, tailgating, or finger-food dinners.
Quick prep: Minimal ingredients and steps make this super beginner-friendly.
Customizable: Prefer more heat? Add cayenne. More lemon? Zest away.

Overhead shot of lemon pepper wings on a white plate, surrounded by lemon slices and garnished with cracked pepper and parsley.

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Wings

2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Optional: extra lemon wedges for serving

How To Make the Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Pat wings dry using paper towels to remove moisture—this helps them crisp.

Step 2: Season

In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil. Then sprinkle in lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss again until evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry

Place the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket in a single layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes (or air fry for 20-24 minutes), flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra lemon zest or lemon wedges for added zing.

What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon pepper wings are versatile and go with nearly everything. Pair them with celery sticks and ranch dip for a classic wing experience, or go bolder with mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, or even a fresh avocado salad.

Want a carb boost? Serve alongside cornbread muffins or crispy waffle fries. Craving freshness? A citrusy slaw or cucumber tomato salad balances the spice beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Pepper Wings

Dry thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat wings completely dry before seasoning.
Use fresh zest: Grating fresh lemon zest (not bottled) gives a brighter, cleaner flavor.
Don’t overcrowd: Space wings evenly in the oven or air fryer for even browning.
Flip halfway: Turn wings over midway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy.
Zest at the end: Add a little extra zest after cooking for a pop of citrus.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Reheat: Re-crisp in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it softens the skin.

Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

What do I need for lemon pepper wings?

You’ll need chicken wings, olive oil, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic and onion powder, and salt.

What is in lemon pepper sauce?

This dry-rub recipe doesn’t use sauce, but traditional lemon pepper sauce includes butter, lemon juice, and pepper seasoning.

Is lemon pepper at Wingstop a dry rub?

Yes, Wingstop uses a dry rub for their lemon pepper wings, similar to this recipe.

What flavor are lemon pepper wings?

Zesty, citrusy, with a bold black pepper finish. They’re tangy and savory with a crispy texture.

Can I use lemon pepper seasoning as a dry rub?

Absolutely! This recipe is built entirely on a dry rub base and delivers maximum flavor.

Are lemon pepper wings wet or dry?

They can be either, but this recipe keeps them dry and crispy—perfect for those who want no-mess wings.

Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

You might also like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, a buttery, crispy treat filled with melty cheese.

Or try Taco Ranch Bites for a bold twist on finger food.

If you’re craving handhelds, check out Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes and Air Fryer Taquitos too.

You can pin this recipe for later or print it out for your next wing night.

If you try these Lemon Pepper Wings, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you go with oven-baked or air-fried? Did you sneak in extra lemon zest?

Your tips and tweaks help others too, so don’t be shy.

📌 Save this to your ‘Game Day Snacks’ board so it’s ready when you need it. Follow for more on Pinterest.