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Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey | Crispy, Zesty & Irresistibly Sticky

Few appetizers or game-day snacks are as universally loved as crispy chicken wings—and when you toss them in a tangy lemon pepper seasoning with a sweet honey glaze, you’ve got something truly special. These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey deliver the perfect balance of flavors: the zesty brightness of lemon, the bold kick of black pepper, the subtle savoriness from garlic and onion, and the sticky-sweet finish from golden honey. Best of all, they’re easy to make and can be baked or air-fried for that satisfying crispness without deep frying. Whether you’re making them for a party, family dinner, or simply as a crave-worthy snack, these wings will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat:
  • 2 lbs chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Condiments:
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1 tbsp baking powder helps wings crisp
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 3 tbsp potato starch
  • 1 pinch salt
Oils & Vinegars:
  • Oil spray for cooking
Dairy Products:
  • 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet & wire rack (for oven method)
  • Air fryer (optional alternative)
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Zester or microplane
  • Tongs
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
  1. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels—removing moisture helps them crisp.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine baking powder, potato starch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
  3. Toss wings in the seasoning mix until fully coated.
Step 2: Bake or Air Fry the Wings
  1. Oven Method:
  2. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  3. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Arrange wings in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Air Fryer Method:
  7. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  8. Arrange wings in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
  9. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Honey Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in honey and lemon juice; simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
  1. Place cooked wings in a clean mixing bowl, pour over glaze, and toss until evenly coated.
  2. Garnish with extra lemon zest or cracked pepper if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in oven at 190°C (375°F) until hot.
Reheating:
Oven: 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes.
Air fryer: 180°C (350°F) for 5–6 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½–1 tsp chili flakes to the glaze.
Garlic Lovers: Double the minced garlic in the glaze.
Herb-Infused: Add chopped parsley or thyme before tossing.
Asian Twist: Add 1 tbsp soy sauce to the honey glaze.
Maple Lemon Pepper: Replace honey with pure maple syrup.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes—thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
2. Can I make them ahead?
Yes—bake or air fry, refrigerate, and reheat before tossing in glaze.
3. Is baking powder necessary?
It helps with crispiness but can be skipped if you prefer.
4. Can I use cornstarch instead of potato starch?
Yes—use the same amount.
5. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
6. Can I make them without butter?
Yes—replace butter with olive oil or skip it entirely.
7. How do I make them extra crispy?
Ensure wings are very dry before seasoning, and bake at high heat.
8. Can I grill these wings?
Yes—grill over medium-high heat, turning often, then toss in glaze.
9. How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce honey to ¼ cup and increase lemon juice slightly.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just cook in batches to avoid crowding.
🏁 Conclusion
These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are crispy, sticky, tangy, and sweet—all the things you want in a wing recipe. Whether baked in the oven or crisped in the air fryer, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
The combination of lemon zest, black pepper, and honey butter glaze makes these wings downright addictive. Serve them fresh from the oven for maximum enjoyment.