Lemon-Pepper Wings
Juicy, flavorful lemon-pepper wings with a zesty citrus marinade and crispy oven finish, perfect for casual gatherings or game day snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut wing tips and cut at joint to make winglets.
- Combine lemon peel, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and rosemary in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool the sauce.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a pan with foil and arrange winglets in the pan.
- Pour the cooled sauce over the wings and toss to coat.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the wings in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking. If you want a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried, using about a tablespoon instead of four teaspoons. Also, using garlic powder can be a quick alternative to fresh garlic.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon-pepper wings are perfect for game day or a casual gathering. Serve them alongside a refreshing Iced Lemon Tea to balance the flavors. Consider pairing with sides like Oven Fried Apples or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra lemon wedges for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. This method helps maintain their texture better than microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Pepper Wings contains roughly 153 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (264% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1803mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
What can I do if I don't have fresh lemon?
If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor. For lemon peel, consider using a bit of lemon zest from a store-bought lemon flavoring as an alternative.
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! To make lemon-pepper wings in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).