Quick & Zesty Hot Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe for Spicy Fans

Crispy and zesty hot lemon pepper wings dance with incredible flavor combinations that spark culinary excitement.

Tangy citrus notes mingle perfectly with peppery undertones, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Restaurants can’t compete with homemade magic like these wings.

Incredibly simple ingredients come together in minutes, promising restaurant-quality results.

Marinating techniques unlock deep, complex tastes that will impress everyone at your table.

Spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this irresistible recipe.

Prepare to become the ultimate wing master in your kitchen.

FAQs About Hot Lemon Pepper Wings

• What makes lemon pepper wings different from regular chicken wings?

Lemon pepper wings are unique because they combine tangy lemon flavor with spicy black pepper, creating a zesty and bold taste profile that sets them apart from traditional wing seasonings.

• Can I make these wings spicier?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by increasing the amount of hot sauce in the lemon pepper mixture or choosing a spicier hot sauce brand to match your preferred spice tolerance.

• Is this recipe suitable for air fryer cooking?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for an air fryer by cooking the wings at 380F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispy cooking.

Why Hot Lemon Pepper Wings Are Bursting With Zesty Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Deliver a flavor explosion with zesty lemon pepper seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken wings into a mouthwatering sensation.
• Quick Kitchen Win: Prepare these wings with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious restaurant-style dish without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Guaranteed to be a hit at game day parties, family gatherings, or casual weekend get-togethers, these wings offer a tangy and spicy profile that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Healthy Cooking Approach: Bake instead of deep-fry for a lighter protein option that doesn't compromise on taste, making it a smarter choice for health-conscious food lovers.

Ingredients for Hot Lemon Pepper Wings

• Chicken Wings: Fresh wings that provide the main protein and crispy texture for this dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat the wings for even cooking and adds a subtle richness.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the wings.

• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor to the wings.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Provides a zesty and peppery kick to the wing coating.
• Hot Sauce: Brings additional heat and depth to the wing flavor profile.

How to Prepare Crispy Hot Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it completely with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Wings

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the wings until every inch is perfectly coated.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread the seasoned wings onto the foil-lined baking sheet. Slide them into the hot oven and let them sizzle for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the wings to ensure they get golden and crispy on all sides.

Step 4: Create Zesty Lemon Pepper Sauce

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Hot sauce

Mix these ingredients until they’re well blended and ready to coat the wings.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

Once the wings are cooked through and beautifully crisp, pull them out of the oven. Immediately toss the hot wings in the lemon pepper sauce, making sure each wing gets a generous coating. Serve right away while they’re steaming and packed with flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Lemon Pepper Wings

• Ensure wings are pat dry before seasoning to achieve crispy exterior and prevent sogginess.
• Allow wings to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to promote even cooking.
• Use fresh lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing wings from sticking.

Flavor Variations to Try With Hot Lemon Pepper Wings

• Zesty Citrus Herb Wings: Replace hot sauce with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme, adding orange zest for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky BBQ Pepper Wings: Swap hot sauce with smoky barbecue sauce, incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning mix for a deep, rich taste experience.
• Asian-Inspired Chili Wings: Substitute hot sauce with sriracha, add ginger powder and sesame oil to create a spicy, tangy Asian-style wing variation.
• Caribbean Jerk Wings: Replace hot sauce with jerk seasoning, mix in coconut milk and lime juice for a tropical, spicy wing version with authentic Caribbean flair.

Pairing Suggestions for Hot Lemon Pepper Wings

• Citrus-Infused Craft Beer: Complement the tangy lemon pepper wings with a hoppy, citrusy IPA that echoes the bright, zesty flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Cool White Wine Spritzer: Balance the spicy heat with a crisp, chilled white wine spritzer that refreshes the palate and provides a light, effervescent contrast.
• Cooling Blue Cheese Dip: Create a creamy counterpoint with a homemade blue cheese dip that calms the wing's heat and adds a smooth, tangy dimension.
• Sparkling Lemonade Cocktail: Mix a refreshing spiked lemonade with vodka or gin to mirror the lemony notes and provide a cooling accompaniment to the spicy wings.

How to Store Hot Lemon Pepper Wings Properly

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Restore crispiness by placing wings on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil, and warming at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Quickly reheat wings in an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes, which helps maintain their original crispy texture.
• As a last resort, microwave wings for 1-2 minutes, but expect softer skin and potentially less appetizing results compared to oven or air fryer methods.

Hot Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling hot lemon pepper wings bring zesty Southern-style magic to your dinner table. Crispy, tangy chicken pieces deliver bold flavor that sparks excitement in casual gatherings and game nights you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Liquids and Oils:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup and even heat distribution.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring each wing receives an even, flavorful layer of seasoning.
3. Arrange seasoned wings on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out to allow proper air circulation and prevent steaming.
4. Roast wings for 35-40 minutes, carefully turning them midway through cooking to promote uniform browning and crisp texture.
5. While wings are roasting, whisk together fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon pepper seasoning, and hot sauce in a separate bowl to create a vibrant, tangy coating.
6. Once wings reach a golden-brown color and are fully cooked, immediately transfer them to the prepared lemon pepper sauce.
7. Gently toss wings in the sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly glazed with the bright, spicy mixture.
8. Plate the wings promptly and serve hot, allowing guests to enjoy the crisp exterior and bold, citrusy flavor profile.

Notes

• Opt for fresh chicken wings to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness, avoiding pre-frozen options when possible.
• Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• For extra crispy wings, place a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation and promote even browning during baking.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for perfect heat level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 307 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg