Ah, Lemon Pepper Wings! Just the thought of them makes my mouth water. I can still remember the first time I tried this dish at a friend’s summer barbecue. The sun was shining, the grill was sizzling, and those wings were cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with zesty flavor. Ever since that day, I’ve been on a quest to perfect my own recipe, and let me tell you, this one does not disappoint!
What I love about these Lemon Pepper Wings is how simple they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game night, a summer picnic, or even just a cozy night in. The way the lemon and pepper complement each other is magic, leaving you with a delightful taste you’ll want to savor again and again. So, let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish!
What’s in Lemon Pepper Wings?
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! I prefer using fresh, high-quality wings; the flavor really shines through.
Olive Oil: This is what helps the seasoning stick to the wings while adding a touch of healthy fat. I always opt for extra virgin olive oil for that robust flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is the way to go. It adds that perfect zing!
Lemon Zest: To elevate the lemony flavor, we’re using zest too! It gives you that bright, citrusy aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Black Pepper: This ingredient gives the wings a spicy kick. Adjust it according to your taste; I love a generous sprinkle!
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those flavors.
Garlic Powder: Who doesn’t love a little garlic? It adds depth without overpowering the lemon.
Onion Powder: Another layer of flavor. It’s mild but oh so essential!
Smoked Paprika: This is optional, but I like adding it for that subtle smokiness—perfect for flavor lovers.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish. It might just be the magic touch that makes your dish pop!
Lemon Wedges: These are for serving and squeezing over the wings—my favorite part!
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Essential for dipping; choose your favorite.
Is Lemon Pepper Wings Good for You?
Absolutely! Well, in moderation, of course.
Chicken Wings: They provide protein and offer some essential nutrients. Lean meat is a great addition to any diet, just be mindful of portion sizes.
Olive Oil: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, it’s a great cooking oil choice!
Lemon Juice and Zest: These are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for your immune system.
That said, keep in mind that wings can be high in calories depending on how they are prepared and the sauces you choose to accompany them. Baking or air frying is a fantastic way to keep the calorie count lower compared to frying. And, if you go easy on the dressings, you can enjoy them guilt-free!
Ingredients
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Serves: 4
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Give it a good mix!
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them well, making sure each wing is evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Arrange the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. If baking, cook for 40-45 minutes or until the wings are crispy and golden brown, flipping them halfway through. If using an air fryer, set it to 380°F (190°C) and cook for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven or air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve the wings hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Little Extras for Your Lemon Pepper Wings
– For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
– Want an extra crispy wing? After baking, pop them under the broiler for a few minutes!
– Pair these wings with a fresh salad or sautéed veggies for a complete meal.
– Try experimenting with different dipping sauces like sriracha mayo or a zesty garlic aioli.
And that’s it! I’m telling you, once you have a plate of these zesty, lemony wings in front of you, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. I hope you give this recipe a try; I promise it’ll become a new favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
