Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

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Honey Lemon Pepper Wings (Crispy, Sticky, and Flavor-Packed)

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and boldly peppery. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, each wing is coated in a glossy honey-lemon sauce that clings beautifully to the skin. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for gatherings, game days, or special occasions.

Whether you bake, air fry, or fry them, these wings deliver restaurant-quality results at home with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy texture without deep frying (oven or air fryer option)
  • Perfect balance of honey sweetness and fresh lemon tang
  • Bold black pepper flavor without overpowering heat
  • Easy to customize for mild or spicy preferences
  • Great as an appetizer or main dish

Ingredients

For the Wings

  • 1.5 lb chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness when baking)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking only)

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • A small pinch of salt

Preparation Tips for Crispy Wings

  • Pat the wings completely dry using paper towels. Moisture prevents crisping.
  • If baking, use a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow airflow.
  • Baking powder helps create a crisp skin but is optional.

Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it.
  3. In a large bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder.
  4. Add the wings and toss well until evenly coated.
  5. Drizzle with oil and toss again.
  6. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack.
  7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  8. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the wings as directed above.
  3. Place wings in a single layer in the basket.
  4. Cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  5. Cook until crisp and fully cooked.

Frying Method

  1. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
  3. Drain on paper towels before saucing.

How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Stir in honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer while whisking.
  4. Add cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt.
  5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove from heat and taste, adjusting sweetness or lemon as needed.

Tossing and Serving

  1. Place hot, cooked wings in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the warm sauce over the wings.
  3. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Optional garnish: extra cracked black pepper or fresh lemon zest.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce
  • Garlic Boost: Stir minced garlic into the butter before adding honey
  • Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter
  • Extra Crunch: Lightly dust wings with cornstarch before cooking

Serving Ideas

  • Fresh celery and carrot sticks
  • Creamy coleslaw
  • Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
  • Soft dinner rolls or biscuits

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or air fryer for 5–7 minutes
  • Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness

Final Thoughts

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are irresistibly sticky, perfectly crisp, and bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh lemon, rich honey, and cracked black pepper creates a sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Serve them fresh, hot, and generously coated for the best experience.

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