Description
Perfectly crisp, citrusy and peppery wings baked or air-fried with a bold Southern twist. Inspired by Georgia game days, these lemon pepper wings bring a balance of zesty flavor and crunchy skin.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drums, patted dry)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp cracked black pepper
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 385°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack.
3. Pat wings thoroughly dry with paper towels.
4. Toss wings with baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
5. Arrange wings skin-side up on the rack. Bake 20 minutes, flip, then bake 25 more minutes.
6. Combine lemon zest and cracked pepper. Melt butter if using for sauce.
7. Toss hot wings in lemon pepper mix or the butter-based sauce.
8. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
9. For air fryer: cook wings at 385°F for 25–28 mins, flipping halfway.
Notes
For crispier results, thoroughly dry wings before seasoning.
Use freshly cracked black pepper and fresh zest for maximum flavor.
Try adding a touch of smoked paprika or herbs for variation.
Pairs great with ranch, celery, or even garlic mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5–6 wings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: lemon pepper wings, chicken wings, air fryer wings, baked wings, Southern recipe