Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and zesty! The honey provides a natural sweetness, while the lemon adds brightness and the pepper brings just the right amount of heat. These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish!Here’s a simple recipe for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings:
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Wings:
- 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (or adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for crispier wings.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help make them extra crispy.
- Toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. Make sure each wing is well coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Wings:
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. You can also broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes to get them extra crispy.
- Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you want an extra kick, add the cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.
- Toss the Wings in Sauce:
- Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings, tossing them gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings immediately. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color.
Tips:
- Air Fryer Option: You can also make these wings in an air fryer for a quicker and even crispier result. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your wings a little sweeter, add a bit more honey, or if you prefer them tangier, increase the lemon juice.
- Garnish: Garnishing with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley will add a nice touch of freshness and color to the dish.
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a flavorful, finger-licking treat that’s perfect for game day, a party, or just a tasty weeknight dinner. The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper makes them a crowd favorite!
Would you like to add any extra ingredients or make them spicier?
