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Forget the sticky fingers and messy buffalo sauce whiskers, try these super simple, zesty lemon peppery wings. One of the easiest dry rubs that everyone will love. It might just be your new favorite go-to wing recipe.

Lemon Pepper

What is lemon pepper? Personally, I had no idea how common this seasoning is located in just about every grocery store. Lemon pepper is made by taking the zest of a lemon and grinding it with fresh black peppercorns. The oils from the lemon skin cover and seeps into the pepper giving it its zesty flavor. Most commercial mixes also include salt, garlic, and onion powder. The salt content is fairly high which is why I recommend skipping any added salt.

Lemon pepper seasoning is commonly used on seafood but is no stranger to chicken, pasta and even sugar cookies. Lemon pepper can easily be made at home and ‘Jacked Up’ by adding some cayenne pepper if you’re looking for a spicy lemon experience.

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Fresh Lemons

So you got your lemon pepper seasoning from the store, do you need anything else? Yes! lemons. You’ll be adding extra zest (grounds from the lemon skin) on your wings. If you don’t have a zester, get one. I use mine at least once if not twice a week for salad dressings, reductions, and overall seasoning of meats. Also, after your chicken wings are done cooking, a bit of freshly squeeze lemon juice on top really adds to the flavor.

Cooking Method

For these, my recommendation is to either bake them in the oven or even better, use your air fryer if you have one. Why? The lemon seasoning is easily overpowered by the charcoal taste of the grill and deep-frying, most of the seasoning flavor will burn off in the oil.

To achieve Extra Crispy Baked or Air Fried wings, check out the links below. However, ill list the cliff notes below for each method.

Crispy Baked Wings

Crispy Air Fried Wings

Lemon Pepper Seasoning Instructions

These instructions apply to both the baking or air fryer method for about 15 to 20 wings. Simply double if you have more.

1. Pat dry chicken wings to remove as much moisture as possible.
2. Place chicken wings in a large bowl
3. Zest the outside of two full lemons
4. In a small bowl add 2 tablespoons of Lemon Pepper Seasoning, 1 tablespoon baking powder, half the amount of lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and mix.
5. Pour seasoning mix over the chicken wings in the large bowl. Mix the wings with a wood spoon or spatula until all wings are covered
6. For baking, place wings on a wired rack in the oven for 30 minutes at 280 degrees. Then, raise temperature to 425 degrees for 40 minutes or until golden brown
7. If you are cooking in an air fryer, place wings in the basket ensuring they do not overlap each other (as much as possible). Cook them at 280 degrees for 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes then at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown
8. Place cooked wings on serving platter. Sprinkle on remaining lemon zest, and a pinch of lemon seasoning.
9. To finish, cut the lemons you zested into quarters and squeeze a splash of juice over the wings. Place additional lemons on the platter cut. Sprinkle parsley for garnish if you like.

Note: if you want to add some heat to these guys, simply add a teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Warning, too much spice will overpower the lemon flavor. Personally, I feel these are enjoyed best without any heat.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Simple, delicious with a punchy zing for everyone to enjoy. How did these turn out for you? Let us know if you have any suggestions on how we can improve this recipe!