Introduction
These lemon pepper wings with honey glaze are the ultimate flavor combo — crispy fried or baked chicken wings coated in tangy lemon pepper seasoning, then drizzled with a sticky honey glaze for the perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and sweet.
Better than takeout, and you can make them right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 2 tsp baking powder (for extra crispiness, optional if baking)
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust if seasoning is salty)
For the Honey Glaze
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes (baked) / 15 minutes (fried)
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels (very important for crispiness). Toss in olive oil, baking powder, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Wings
Option 1 – Bake (Healthier):
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or a wire rack.
- Bake wings for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Option 2 – Fry (Extra Crispy):
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and red pepper flakes. Heat gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
Place wings in a large bowl, pour the honey-lemon glaze over, and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Dry wings = crispy wings — pat them very well before seasoning.
- For extra lemony punch, add fresh lemon zest right before serving.
- Spicy twist: Add more chili flakes or hot honey for a kick.
- Works great in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes.
Nutrition (per 4–5 wings, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Variations
- Hot Honey Wings: Use hot honey instead of plain honey for a sweet-heat combo.
- Garlic Lemon Pepper: Add extra garlic butter to the glaze for a bolder flavor.
- Grilled Wings: Toss wings on the grill instead of baking/frying for smoky flavor.
Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
These lemon pepper honey wings are crispy, juicy, and sticky-sweet — a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that balances tangy citrus with golden honey. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to plain wings again!
