This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These lemon pepper wings are baked until crispy and covered with a buttery lemon and pepper sauce. They need little prep and are seriously addictive. Oven or air fryer option.
Table of Contents
My lemon pepper chicken is one of my family’s favorite dinners, so I wanted to replicate it as chicken wings. With just a few tweaks, these lemon pepper wings were born and are a staple for every time we entertain. A cross between oven-baked chicken wings and air fryer chicken wings, they are fast, perfectly juicy (with CRISPY skin), and with a finger-licking lemon pepper sauce.
If you love chicken wing recipes like we do, try my garlic parmesan wings, fried chicken wings, or Korean wings next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Tried this out tonight and it was so good! Quick, easy recipe with ingredients already in your cabinets. We will definitely be re-creating this recipe often.” – Hira
Ingredients needed
- Chicken wings. You can use whole chicken wings and separate them at their joints (to be wingettes and drumettes) or pre-cut wings. My butcher often sells them whole to me, and I just divide them into two portions.
- Baking powder. Fun fact. If you’ve made any of my chicken wing recipes before, you know that this is the secret ingredient I use it to guarantee crispy wings every single time. Don’t fret- you won’t taste anything acidic or metallic.
For the lemon pepper butter sauce:
- Lemon pepper seasoning. A pre-made blend that you can find in any grocery store in the spice aisle. I sometimes make homemade lemon pepper seasoning by combining equal parts dried lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
- Lemon juice. To enhance the flavor and consistency of the sauce. I always prefer using fresh lemon juice versus anything in a bottle.
- Butter. Melted.
- Salt. To taste.
How to make lemon pepper wings
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1 – Prep. Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels and put them in a bowl. Toss the wings with a mixture of baking powder and salt.
Step 2 – Make the lemon pepper sauce. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients. Pour the sauce over the chicken wings and toss to get all the pieces covered.
Step 3 – Bake. Arrange the chicken wings on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken wings. Keep a close eye on them while they cook, as chicken wings dry out quickly. The best way to check when the chicken wings are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check their temperature. Chicken is ready once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Pat dry the wings before you start tossing them with salt and baking powder. This guarantees maximum crispiness.
- Spread the chicken wings on the baking sheet in a single layer to ensure that the wings are evenly cooked and all crispy. If I make a larger serving, I sometimes cook them in batches instead of packing them all on one or two trays.
- If you are using frozen wings, thaw them in the fridge overnight and dry them thoroughly before use.
Storage instructions
To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. They will remain fresh for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled wings in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat: Reheat chicken wings in a preheated oven or air fryer for 10 minutes or until they are heated through.
Frequently asked questions
These chicken wings have a wet coating of delicious and fragrant lemon pepper sauce. The sauce’s butter and lemon juice give the wings a slightly wet finish.
I don’t recommend bottled sauce, as most brands contain excess oil, yielding greasy wings instead of crispy ones.
More delicious chicken dishes to try
- Parmesan crusted chicken
- Chicken Milanese
- Crispy baked chicken thighs
- Hunan chicken
- Marry me chicken
- Or any of these chicken recipes
If you tried this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200/400F.
- Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl, and toss them with baking powder and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, and salt.
- Add the sauce over the chicken wings and coat well.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack on top. Transfer the wings to the top of the rack and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Air fryer instructions
- Once the wings are seasoned, place them in the greased air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published October 2023, updated and republished March 2025
Arman, these lemon pepper wings are sensational- They are equally crispy and juicy and the sauce…no words!
This is good for the summer as lemon is very summer fruit haha.
OMGoodness!! I did a mashup of your lemon pepper AND garlic Parmesan wings and WOW! Flavor overload! So good, my family loved them!!
Love that idea!!!
Very nice. Pepper and lemon is weird combination but interesting.
She who must be obeyed , said quote’ ‘ they were great’ i agreed.
JG.
Hahahaha thank you, JG!
Definitely quick, easy and super delicious. Pro tip: make this with someone so you can blame any spills on them! (definitely didn’t get too carried away while whisking)
Haha love that!
Delicious
Tried this out tonight and it was so good! Quick easy recipe with ingredients already in your cabinets.
We will definitely be re-creating this recipe often.
She easy and yummy!!