Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Wings

If you’re ever craving homemade lemon pepper wings but don’t feel like frying them in oil, these Crispy Baked Wings are for you!

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This comforting meal uses simple ingredients like chicken wings, lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, and baking powder for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Using the oven method to cook wings might sound simpler, but it’s super effective and is great for lazy days when you want crunch without the mess of deep frying.

Just season the wings, put them in the oven, and walk away! It really is that easy and delivers everything you love about traditional wings but with less fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these wings so easy to fall for starts with the texture alone. The skin gets beautifully crisp in the oven without standing over hot oil. Bright lemon flavor keeps each bite fresh while black pepper adds that gentle heat everyone craves. Cleanup stays simple since baking does all the work.

Big flavor payoff: Lemon zest and pepper soak into every wing.

No frying stress: The oven handles the crisping.

Crowd friendly: Great for parties, game days, plus casual dinners.

Easy prep: Simple pantry spices come together fast.

Lighter feel: Baking keeps things less heavy than deep frying.

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Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Lemon Pepper Finish:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
•  Zest of 1 large lemon
•  2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra lemon wedges

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep the Wings

First, the wings get rinsed quickly then dried very well with paper towels. Any extra moisture gets removed since dry skin leads to better crisping. Once dry, the wings get placed into a large bowl where seasoning can coat them evenly.

2. Season for Crispiness

Next, baking powder, salt, pepper, plus garlic powder get sprinkled over the wings. Everything gets tossed gently until each piece looks evenly coated. This step helps the skin puff slightly while baking, giving that fried style crunch without oil.

3. Arrange for Baking

The wings get placed skin side up on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Space stays between each piece so hot air can move freely. This setup allows fat to drip away while the wings crisp on all sides.

4. Bake Until Golden

The oven gets heated to 425°F. Wings bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. By the end, the skin turns deep golden with bubbles and the meat stays tender inside.

5. Add the Lemon Pepper Finish

While the wings bake, melted butter gets mixed with lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked pepper, plus salt. Once wings come out hot, the lemon butter gets brushed generously over them. The heat helps the flavor soak right in.

Tips and Variations

• Let wings rest uncovered in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
• Add cayenne for more heat without overpowering lemon.
• Olive oil works nicely for a lighter finish.
• These wings cook great in an air fryer at 400°F until crisp.
• Wings can be baked earlier then reheated hot before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Wings fit right into so many meals. They shine next to celery sticks, creamy dip, plus a cold drink. A big platter in the center of the table invites everyone to grab one more.

During casual dinners, these wings pair nicely with roasted potatoes, simple salad, plus warm flatbread. For parties, they disappear fast beside sliders, fries, plus crunchy veggies. The bright lemon cuts through rich sides beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen wings be used?

Yes, they can be used after full thawing and drying very well.

Why baking powder instead of flour?

Baking powder helps dry the skin which leads to crisp texture.

Do these stay crispy after cooling?

They stay fairly crisp though best texture comes straight from the oven.

Can lemon pepper seasoning be used instead?

It can be used, though fresh zest gives brighter flavor.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Wings bring bold flavor without complicated steps. The oven does the hard work while lemon and pepper keep things fresh and exciting. Every bite delivers crunch, juice, plus that tangy finish that keeps hands reaching back to the plate.

This recipe fits busy nights, weekend gatherings, plus quiet evenings at home. Once tried, these wings tend to become a regular favorite since they feel indulgent yet easy. A simple bake truly turns into something special here.