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No Super Bowl or game day party is complete without a finger-licking plate FULL of baked chicken wings.

Garlic Parmesan Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings, Thai Chicken Wings, or this lemon pepper variation – I’m not picky!

However, chicken wings sort of get a bad rap for being bad for you and difficult to make.

What Makes these Wings Special?

But can I let you in on a little secret?

They can actually be A LOT healthier for you if you bake the chicken wings in the oven instead of deep-frying them!

What-the-what?! How could baking them in the oven create such crispy and crunchy skin?

And you’ll also learn how to easily prep them ahead of the big day so they can be popped in the oven when the game begins!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, you can jump to the recipe.

Chicken wings, oil, cornstarch, garlic, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt are the ingredients for this recipe.
  • Wing Portions. You’ll need roughly 2 pounds of wingettes and drumettes to make the recipe. The part that looks like a drumstick is the drumette and has the most white meat, and the highest meat to skin ratio. Wingettes, AKA flats, contain two bones, have more dark meat, and slightly less meat to skin than drumettes. Most grocery stores normally have both wingettes and drumettes already cut and prepared in the meat section. However, if all you can find is whole chicken wings you can easily cut chicken wings yourself.
  • Garlic. Fresh garlic is full of flavor and is the best choice. You can substitute for garlic powder but it will not give you nearly the same taste.
  • Oil. A high smoke point oil such as avocado oil is needed since you will be cooking at a high temperature. Canola, safflower, or grapeseed oil are also good options. Olive oil will work if it’s all you have.
  • Cornstarch. This starchy component is the key ingredient that makes the wings crisp up in the oven. Tapioca starch or arrowroot starch may also be used if you are avoiding grains.
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning. Making a homemade version allows you to control the amount of salt. If you use store-bought make sure to read the label. If the mix contains salt, then do not add the salt mentioned in the recipe below.
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How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings

Jump to the recipe for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.

Oil and lemon juice are all combined in a bowl.
Whisk oil and garlic.
Raw wings and drumsticks are tossed in the seasoning and oil.
Coat the wings in the sauce.
  • Coat the wings. Measure garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt (if your seasoning doesn’t contain any) into a large bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix everything together. Add the wing portions to the bowl and toss with the sauce. This step gets the wings slightly wet so the starch will adhere to the skin.
Lemon pepper seasonings and cornstarch are added to the wings.
Add cornstarch and seasoning.
A spatula is used to mix ingredients onto the wings.
Mix wings until all are coated evenly.
  • Cover with starch. Whisk together cornstarch and seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture all over the wings and toss to coat completely. Add the starch mixture incrementally to ensure all of the chicken is coated evenly. The starch gives the chicken wings their crispy coating, so DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
A layer of chicken wings are prepped to cook in the oven.
Bake on parchment paper.
A wire rack is used on the baking sheet before putting in the oven.
Use a wire rack for extra crispy wings.
  • Bake in the oven. For the crispiest results, set a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet lined with either foil or parchment paper. Arrange the coated wings skin side-up in a single layer on the wire rack. Be careful not to overlap them for the most crispy skin! You can also place the wings directly on a parchment paper lined baking sheet but they will not be as crispy. Bake the chicken wings in a preheated 400°F oven for 40-45 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully flip each of the wings over so they are skin side-down, then bake for the remaining 20-25 minutes.
Wings are baking in the oven until golden brown.
Bake until crispy.
Seasonings are brushed onto the chicken wings.
Brush with lemon pepper sauce.
  • Brush with Lemon Pepper Sauce. While the wings are baking, whisk together a sauce of butter and more lemon pepper seasoning. If you are Whole30 or Paleo, simply use ghee. For a dairy-free version use a vegan “butter” stick instead. Brush the sauce all over the wings and then return them to the oven on a high broil for 2-4 more minutes, or until crispy.
  • Serving. These wings are best served straight out of the oven with an extra sprinkling of crushed black pepper and a bit of fresh lemon zest. They’re great on their own, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces! (Like this amazing Homemade Ranch Dressing!)
A hand is shown picking up a crispy lemon pepper chicken wing.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • Prep-Ahead: Prepare the wings and stop just before baking in the oven. Keep the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring them out at least 30 minutes before baking so they can come to room temperature. Follow the remaining instructions as outlined below.
  • Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
  • Freezing: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Return to a 400°F oven for 10 minutes and broil for the last minute or two.

FAQs

Are lemon pepper wings keto?

Each recipe will vary, but generally these wings are low-carb. One serving of this recipe contains 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Is lemon pepper the same as lemon and pepper?

Essentially, yes. This seasoning is made from dried lemon zest, pepper, and occasionally salt will be added.

How spicy is lemon pepper?

It is not considered spicy as it generally only contains black pepper.

Recipe Tips

  • Avoid over-doing it. Only a light coating of oil is needed to perfectly crisp the wings.
  • Don’t forget to starch! Cornstarch is the extra special ingredient that is necessary for the crispiest results.
  • Leave some space. The hot air needs to be able to reach every inch of the wings so make sure they are not touching.
  • Elevate the wings. Bake the wings on a wire rack so the air can circulate all around the chicken. 
  • Keep the heat high. Baking at 400°F helps the skin to crisp up quickly while the inside becomes tender.
  • Go for the extra crunch. Broiling skin side-up at the very end of baking will take the crispiness to the next level!
A bowl of chicken wings is shown on the counter with fresh lemons.

More Game Day Recipes

Create the best snack spread with the following appetizers:

Tap stars to rate!

4.31 from 23 votes

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

By: London Brazil
Lemon Pepper Wings are the best low-carb appetizer recipe! Serve this quick and easy dish along with other finger foods for Super Bowl or your next party.
A hand is shown picking up a crispy lemon pepper chicken wing.
Yield 6 wings
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 55 minutes
Print Pin Comment
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Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds chicken wings portions wingettes and/or drummettes
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste*
  • 2 ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning divided
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch tapioca or arrowroot starch
  • 1 ½ tablespoons butter melted, or ghee*

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • In a large bowl whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt (if lemon pepper seasoning is salt-free.) Add chicken wings and toss to combine.
    3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 pounds chicken wings portions
  • In a small bowl whisk together 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning and tapioca flour. Sprinkle mixture over wings and toss to combine.
    2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and then place a wire rack on top. Layer wings in a single layer, skin side-down, being careful that none of the skin is touching. (You can also place them directly onto parchment paper, but they won't come out nearly as crispy!)
  • Bake wings in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • While chicken wings are baking, whisk together melted butter and remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning. Once wings are done, brush lemon pepper-butter mixture over wings. Broil wings on high for 2-4 minutes or until skin is crispy and slightly browned.
    1 ½ tablespoons butter
  • Serve lemon pepper wings immediately with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and lemon zest. Enjoy!
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

4.31 from 23 votes

Video

Notes

  • Seasonings: Some lemon pepper seasoning mixes have salt added and some do not. Be sure to read the label carefully and only add salt to the recipe if the seasoning is salt-free.
  • Butter: Can also use a dairy-free vegan “butter” stick.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the extra special ingredient that is necessary for the crispiest results.
  • Temperature: Baking at 400°F helps the skin to crisp up quickly while the inside becomes tender.
  • Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
  • Freezing: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 319kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 124mg, Sodium: 296mg, Potassium: 269mg, Vitamin A: 325IU, Vitamin C: 2.5mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1.7mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!
    4.31 from 23 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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    Comments

    2. My granddaughter is a picky eater but she loves these wings! I always have some handy when she eats with us. However, everyone else loves them, too. My grown son referred to them as the “bombdiggity”! These wings are always on hand for all our get togethers.

      Reply

      1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Pam! So great to hear the whole family loves these. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!

        Reply

    3. 5 stars
      This Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings delicious. It’s my first time make them. My mother and boyfriend love it. 5 stars Bam!

      Reply

      1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

        Reply

      1. Great question, Rachelle! I don’t currently have an air fryer so I couldn’t say, but would love to know if you test it out!

        Reply

    9. Hello, I am eager to try this recipe because of all the great details you give! However I want to know how I should alter the steps for use in an air fryer. I look forward to hearing from you!

      Reply

      1. Hi! I wish I could tell you how to make these in the air fryer, but I do not have one yet! Would love to know if you figure out how to do it though!

        Reply