Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings because they bring together the best of all worlds—crispy texture, sweet and citrusy flavor, and a bold pepper kick. The honey adds a glossy finish and sticky sweetness, while fresh lemon juice and zest give a refreshing brightness. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and so good you’ll be making them on repeat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (flats and drumettes, patted dry)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Honey
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Crushed black pepper (for extra heat, optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
5. While the wings bake, prepare the honey lemon glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until the honey is warm and well mixed.
6. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
7. Pour the honey lemon glaze over the wings and toss until fully coated.
8. Garnish with extra lemon zest, freshly cracked pepper, and parsley before serving.

Air Fryer Method:
Cook wings at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, then toss in glaze.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze for extra heat.
• Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Wings: Mix melted butter and minced garlic into the glaze for a richer flavor.
• Air Fryer Version: For a lighter, crispier texture, air fry instead of baking.
• Dry-Rub Option: Skip the honey glaze for a simple, classic lemon pepper dry wing.
• Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for aromatic depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the skin soggy. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week—just reheat gently before tossing with fresh wings.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

Coat the wings lightly with baking powder before baking—this helps them crisp up beautifully.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

What’s the best way to coat the wings evenly?

Toss them in a large bowl with the glaze while they’re still warm so the sauce sticks perfectly.

Can I grill the wings instead?

Yes, grilling gives them a smoky flavor—just brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of cooking.

Are these wings very spicy?

No, they’re more zesty and tangy, but you can add spice to taste.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, bake the wings and prepare the glaze ahead, then toss together right before serving.

What sides go well with honey lemon pepper wings?

They pair great with celery sticks, fries, or a crisp coleslaw.

Can I use chicken drumsticks or thighs instead of wings?

Yes, adjust the cooking time—bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I prevent the glaze from getting too thick?

If it thickens too much, stir in a teaspoon of warm water or lemon juice to loosen it up.

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a deliciously sticky, zesty, and sweet twist on classic wings. With their crispy exterior and bright citrus flavor, they’re the perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with bold taste, these wings are guaranteed to impress every guest at the table.

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

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Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, golden-brown chicken wings tossed in a sweet, tangy, and peppery honey-lemon glaze. Perfectly balanced between zesty citrus and sticky sweetness, these wings are ideal for game day, parties, or any occasion that calls for bold, flavorful snacking.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes, patted dry)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Arrange wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed black pepper. Stir until warmed and smooth.
6. Once wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
7. Pour the honey lemon glaze over the wings and toss until fully coated.
8. Garnish with extra lemon zest, freshly cracked pepper, and parsley before serving.
9. Air Fryer Method: Cook wings at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss in glaze.

Notes

• Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning for extra crispiness.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Add a touch of baking powder to the wings before baking for even crispier results.
• Adjust sweetness or tanginess by changing the honey-to-lemon ratio.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crisp texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 wings
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 95mg