These lemon pepper wet wings come together in NO time and are SO good! A quick lemon pepper butter paired with crispy wings = the perfect recipe. When I tell you I DREAM of these wings, I mean it. They’re seriously SO tangy, easy and delicious. The flavor on these is unmatched! If you’re looking for more wings recipes, you can also start with our Sticky Coffee Wings with Chive Dip and Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings! Or pair it with Poblano Beef and Bean Chili for game day.

These wings are perfect for an appetizer for game day, or just to have for dinner!

You’ll start off with a simple flour dredge, you can either fry your wings in oil, or use an air fryer, even in the oven (more instructions below!) I love using the air fryer here because they get just as crispy, without the mess of frying, in my opinion.

The lemon pepper sauce is simple: a blend of melted butter, lemon pepper, spice (optional) and lemon juice + zest. All tossed together over crispy wings, like I can’t STOP eating this.

What ingredients do you need for this lemon pepper wet wings recipe?

For Your Chicken

To make your chicken wings, we’ll need chicken wings and we are using FLATS! But you can totally opt for a mixture of party wings, your call.

Tossing with olive oil, all-purpose flour or baking powder, kosher salt and ground black pepper as well as garlic powder.

For Your Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce

To make the lemon pepper butter sauce, it’s simple:

• Lemon pepper seasoning (or just lemon zest and more black pepper!)
• Butter
• Chili powder or cayenne powder
• Lemon zest
• fresh lemon juice
• Kosher alt and black pepper
• Parsley to toss!

For serving, we are dipping in our creme fraiche ranch, which is to DIE for! Other delicious dip ideas are blue cheese dressing, or even just a classic ranch.

Instructions to make these lemon pepper chicken wings

Season your chicken

Dry your chicken. Toss your chicken wing flats with olive oil, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Set aside.

Air fry your chicken

Place your wings in the air fryer in your air fryer basket at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes (depending on your air fryer!) flipping halfway through. I like mine a little more on the crispy side, so I’ll check in on them, give them a toss, and let them crisp up to my liking.

Or FRY your chicken!

Alternatively, you can fry these in oil of your choice if you don’t have an air fryer.

Make your lemon pepper sauce

While your chicken is in the fryer, make your lemon pepper sauce. In a sauté pan, melt butter on low heat (you don’t want browned butter) with lemon pepper seasoning (or lemon zest and pepper), chili powder, lemon juice, salt, pepper and lemon zest until all melted and incorporated.

Toss with your crispy wings and serve!

Toss over your wings until fully coating, finish with chopped parsley and serve.

Tips, Tricks and Substitutions

What if I don’t like spicy?

The recipe calls for a pinch of chili powder or cayenne. But if heats not your thing, just omit this!

What if I can’t find lemon pepper seasoning?

Adjust with more fresh lemon zest and fresh cracked pepper.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

• Oven instructions: Preheat to 400 degrees. Lay your floured/spiced wings on a wire rack (with another sheet or baking sheet underneath) and place in the oven. Turn halfway through and remove when cooked inside and crispy on the outside. Toss with your sauce.
• Stovetop frying instructions: Heat vegetable/canola oil in a deep dutch oven. When ready to fry, take the floured/spiced wings and fry until crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside. Toss with your sauce.

Can I use chicken wings, and not flats for this recipe?

Absolutely!

Some ideas & inspiration to serve with this dish:

• Stone Fruit, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad
• Little Gem Caesar Salad with Panko Breadcrumbs
• Burrata and Steak Crostini

Looking for more chicken ideas? Check Out The Below Recipes!

• Harissa & Sumac Roasted Chicken with Tzatziki
• Spicy Chicken Wontons
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
• Chicken Katsu with Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce

If you do make this lemon pepper wings recipe (first of all, thank you!!), be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and through social media so I can be sure to see what you’re making! If you’d like to stay in touch and get the latest to your inbox, sign up for our Newsletter here as well!

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Watch How To Make This Recipe