Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey offer the perfect balance of zesty, savory, and sweet flavors that make them absolutely irresistible. The bold citrusy punch of lemon pepper seasoning pairs beautifully with the sticky sweetness of honey, creating a flavor-packed wing that is both tangy and rich.
One of the best things about these wings is their crispy texture. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, the wings turn out golden and crunchy while staying juicy inside. The honey glaze caramelizes slightly, adding a deliciously sticky coating that enhances every bite.
These wings are also incredibly versatile—great for game nights, parties, or a casual family dinner. They pair perfectly with classic dips like ranch or blue cheese and can be served alongside fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Another reason to love them? They’re easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients—chicken wings, lemon pepper seasoning, honey, butter, and a touch of garlic—you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish at home in under an hour.
If you love a combination of sweet, tangy, and crispy, these wings are a must-try. Get ready to lick your fingers because they’re that good!
Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey
Description
Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
These crispy baked or fried chicken wings are coated in a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and finished with a sticky honey glaze, creating an irresistible combination.
The citrusy brightness of lemon pairs beautifully with the peppery heat, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that enhances every bite.
Perfect for game nights, parties, or a flavorful appetizer, these wings are easy to make and bursting with bold flavors.
Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:
Instructions
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Prepare the Wings:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
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Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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In a large bowl, toss the wings with lemon pepper seasoning, salt, baking powder, and olive oil until evenly coated.
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Bake the Wings:
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Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
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Prepare the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
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Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
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Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Toss & Serve:
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Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl and pour the honey lemon pepper glaze over them.
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Toss well to coat evenly.
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Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley if desired.
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Serve & Enjoy!
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Serve hot with ranch, blue cheese dip, or extra honey drizzle.
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Enjoy with celery sticks or a side salad!
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 900kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 46g71%
- Saturated Fat 17g85%
- Cholesterol 210mg70%
- Total Carbohydrate 84g29%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 52g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey – Tips & Serving Tricks
Tips for Perfect Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey
- Use Fresh Chicken Wings
- Fresh wings yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen wings, make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.
- Pat Dry for Maximum Crispiness
- Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings! Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the wings before seasoning and cooking.
- Marinate for Deeper Flavor
- Toss the wings in a mixture of lemon juice, lemon zest, a little olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Baking vs. Frying vs. Air-Frying
- Baked Wings: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow even airflow.
- Fried Wings: Fry in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
- Air-Fried Wings: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, then increase to 400°F (205°C) for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Perfect Lemon Pepper Honey Glaze
- Heat ¼ cup of honey with 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of lemon juice in a pan. Stir in 1-2 tsp of lemon pepper seasoning and toss the crispy wings in the warm glaze for a flavorful, sticky coating.
- Balance the Flavors
- If the glaze is too sweet, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- If too tangy, a little more honey or melted butter can mellow it out.
- Add Extra Crunch
- Toss wings in cornstarch or baking powder before cooking to enhance crispiness.
Serving Tricks for the Best Experience
- Serve Immediately
- Wings taste best hot and crispy. If serving later, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to revive the crispiness.
- Garnish for Extra Appeal
- Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, chopped parsley, or extra lemon pepper seasoning before serving for added color and freshness.
- Perfect Pairings
- Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or garlic aioli complement the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Wing Platter Idea
- For parties, serve Lemon Pepper Honey Wings alongside Buffalo Wings, Garlic Parmesan Wings, and BBQ Wings for variety.
- Keep Them Warm for Parties
- If making a large batch, keep the wings warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while preparing other dishes.
How Many Servings?
- This recipe typically serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size.
- For a party: Plan 5-7 wings per person.
- For a meal: Plan 8-10 wings per person, served with sides.
Enjoy these crispy, tangy, and sweet Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Wings?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the wings instead of frying.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. You can also air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How Do I Get the Crispiest Wings?
For ultra-crispy wings, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking.
Toss them in 1 tablespoon of baking powder (not baking soda) along with salt before frying or baking. This helps draw out moisture and creates an extra crispy texture.
If frying, ensure the oil is at 350–375°F (175–190°C) before adding the wings to prevent sogginess.
Can I Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! The honey lemon pepper sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply mix melted butter, honey, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper in a bowl.
When ready to use, warm it slightly and toss with hot wings for the best flavor. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it slightly reduces.
