If you love bold, tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness, these Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are going to hit the spot. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a luscious honey-lemon glaze, they’re the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zesty. Great for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crispy wings with a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Combines zesty lemon with sweet honey for an irresistible taste.
- Easy to make in the oven, air fryer, or deep fryer.
- Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. Check the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Honey
- Butter
- Fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the wings dry and season them generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Arrange wings on a baking sheet with a wire rack or in your air fryer basket. Cook for 40-45 minutes in the oven (turning halfway) or 20-25 minutes in the air fryer until crispy.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in honey and fresh lemon juice. Cook until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss the cooked wings in the honey-lemon glaze until fully coated. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or cayenne to the seasoning for a flavor boost.
- Double the glaze recipe if you love extra sauce for dipping.
- Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken wings for drumsticks or thighs if you prefer.
- Use agave or maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish.
- Try grilling the wings for a smoky charred flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these wings with a side of celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Pair with a fresh green salad or crispy fries for a full meal. A refreshing drink like iced lemonade or a light beer makes the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked seasoned wings for up to 3 months and bake fresh when needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What’s the secret to crispy baked wings?
Dry the wings thoroughly, use a wire rack for air circulation, and bake at a high temperature.
Can I make the glaze spicier?
Absolutely! Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for some heat.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can mix lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt as a homemade alternative.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are a guaranteed hit, combining the perfect balance of flavors with an irresistible crispy texture. Whether you’re serving them at a party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these wings are always a winner. Enjoy them fresh and hot—your taste buds will thank you!
Recipe Card
(Insert Tasty Recipe plugin details with full ingredients and measurements here.)
Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes (baked) or 10 minutes (fried)
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly tangy, these Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are the perfect balance of zesty and sweet. Whether baked or fried, these wings are coated in a buttery lemon pepper glaze with a touch of honey for a mouthwatering finish. A crowd-pleaser for game nights, parties, or a simple indulgent treat!
Ingredients
- Chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Garlic powder
- Honey
- Fresh lemon juice
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon zest
Instructions
- Prep the Wings:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Toss the wings in olive oil (or melted butter), lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Wings:
- To Bake: Arrange wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- To Fry: Fry wings in batches until crispy and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes over low heat until well combined.
- Coat the Wings:
- Toss the cooked wings in the honey lemon pepper glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon zest for extra flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the honey according to taste.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 wings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg