Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Name: Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats; 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, flavorful, and the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. Whether it’s for game night or a casual gathering, these wings will undoubtedly be a hit. The crispy skin and golden-brown perfection, paired with a luscious honey lemon pepper glaze, make them an irresistible snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how this recipe combines two of my favorite flavors: honey and lemon. The sweet and tangy honey lemon pepper glaze is the perfect complement to the crispy chicken wings. What I particularly enjoy is how simple the recipe is to prepare, yet the flavor feels like a treat. The baking method ensures the wings come out crispy, with no deep-frying required, and the glaze adds a delightful, sticky finish that coats each wing beautifully. Plus, the versatility of this recipe makes it ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night at home or a party with friends.

Ingredients

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

2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats

1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.

In a large bowl, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, making sure they are evenly coated.

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The wings should turn crispy and golden brown.

While the wings bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together over low heat until the glaze becomes smooth.

Once the wings are finished, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey lemon pepper glaze over the top. Toss the wings gently to ensure they are fully coated.

Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of black pepper for an added touch.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Spicy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick. The heat will balance nicely with the sweetness of the honey.

Air Fryer Method: If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the wings at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get that crispy exterior.

Honey Mustard Glaze: For a slightly different flavor, substitute the honey lemon glaze with a honey mustard sauce for an extra tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the wings in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 400°F for that crispy texture.

Related Recipes:

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

FAQs

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

I recommend drying the wings thoroughly with paper towels before tossing them with the seasoning. This removes any excess moisture and helps the wings get crispy in the oven. Baking powder also plays a key role in making the skin extra crispy.

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Can I make the honey lemon pepper glaze in advance?

Yes, you can make the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the wings.

Can I deep fry the wings instead of baking them?

Absolutely! If you prefer deep frying, fry the wings at 375°F until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then toss them with the glaze.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer it on low heat for a few extra minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. Just be careful not to let it burn.

Conclusion

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are everything I crave in a snack: crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the sweet honey, tangy lemon, and zesty pepper makes for a memorable bite every time. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become one of your favorite wing recipes too.

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