Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey – Crispy, Zesty & Irresistible!

There’s something magical about the combination of tangy lemon, bold black pepper, and sticky, sweet honey. These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with zesty, peppery, and sweet flavors that make every bite absolutely addictive! Whether you’re making them for game night, a backyard BBQ, or a casual dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

And the best part? You can make them in the oven, air fryer, or deep fryer—whichever method suits your vibe!

Let’s dive into the details of these golden, finger-licking wings, and don’t forget to subscribe to get more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning

For the Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet + wire rack (for oven method)
• Air fryer (if using)
• Small saucepan (for honey glaze)
• Tongs
• Basting brush

Substitutions and Variations

No honey? Swap it with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Prefer boneless? Use chicken tenders instead of wings.
No fresh lemons? Use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best!
Want extra crunch? Coat the wings in cornstarch instead of baking powder.

Instructions – How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey

Prep the Wings

1. Pat the wings dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this is key to crispiness!
2. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning until evenly coated.

Cooking Methods

Oven Method (Crispy & Easy!)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup).
3. Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Method (Super Quick!)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange wings in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
3. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Deep Frying Method (Extra Crispy!)

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Honey Lemon Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Toss & Serve

1. Transfer hot wings to a large bowl.
2. Pour the warm honey glaze over the wings and toss to coat.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Wings

These wings pair well with:

• Celery & Carrot Sticks – classic wing side!
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – for dipping.
• Garlic Parmesan Fries – for a hearty meal.
• Crispy Onion Rings – because why not?
• Coleslaw – adds a fresh crunch.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Wings

Want crispy, flavorful wings every time? Follow these pro tips to level up your lemon pepper wings with honey!

1. Dry the Wings for Extra Crispiness

Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings! Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures the skin crisps up beautifully.

2. Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda!)

Baking powder is the secret ingredient to crispy baked wings. It helps draw out moisture and creates a light, crunchy texture—almost like frying but without the extra oil. Just don’t confuse it with baking soda, which has a bitter taste!

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan or Air Fryer

Wings need space to crisp up! If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Arrange them in a single layer with a little breathing room. If you’re air frying, work in batches for the best results.

4. Flip Halfway for Even Cooking

Whether baking or air frying, flipping the wings midway through cooking ensures that both sides get evenly crispy and golden.

5. Toss Wings in the Honey Glaze While They’re Hot

As soon as the wings come out of the oven, fryer, or air fryer, toss them in the warm honey glaze. The heat helps the glaze coat evenly and soak into the crispy skin.

6. Adjust the Sweetness & Spice to Your Taste

• Love it sweeter? Add extra honey.
• Prefer more zing? Squeeze in more fresh lemon juice.
• Want more heat? Increase the black pepper or red pepper flakes!

7. Want Extra Crunch? Double Bake or Air Fry!

For next-level crunch, bake or air fry the wings for an extra 5-10 minutes after tossing in seasoning (before glazing). This locks in a crispier texture.

8. Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest for the Best Flavor

Fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright, citrusy punch that bottled lemon juice just can’t match. If possible, always go fresh!

9. Let the Wings Rest Before Serving

Letting the wings sit for a couple of minutes after glazing helps the flavors absorb and the sauce set slightly, making them even more delicious.

10. Make Cleanup Easy with Foil or Parchment Paper

Lining your baking sheet or air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze—no sticky mess to scrub!

Conservation and Storage

Got leftover Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping them crispy and delicious.

How Long Do Wings Last?

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How to Store Lemon Pepper Wings

Refrigerator Storage:

1. Let the wings cool completely before storing (to prevent sogginess).
2. Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
3. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer Storage:

1. Let the wings cool completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours (this prevents them from sticking together).
3. Transfer the frozen wings to a ziplock bag or airtight container.
4. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness

Nothing’s worse than soggy reheated wings! Here’s how to bring back the crisp:

Oven Method (Best for Crispy Wings!)

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy!)

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place wings in a single layer in the basket.
3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Stovetop Method (Best for a Quick Fix)

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Add a splash of oil and cook wings for 2-3 minutes per side.

Microwave Method (Not Recommended)

The microwave can make the wings soft and soggy, but if you’re in a rush:

1. Place wings on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel (to prevent drying out).
3. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Pro Tip: If using the microwave, finish them off in the oven or air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about these Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey? I’ve got answers! Let’s clear up some common doubts so you can make the best wings ever.

1. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake or air fry the wings ahead of time, store them, and reheat just before serving. For the best flavor, toss them in the honey glaze after reheating instead of before storing.

2. Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?

Absolutely! But if you want extra fresh lemon flavor, I recommend adding a little fresh lemon zest to the wings before cooking.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best tangy flavor, but if you only have bottled juice, you can use it. Just know that fresh lemon zest adds a bright citrus kick that bottled juice lacks.

4. Can I make these wings in the air fryer?

Yes! Air frying is one of the best methods because it makes the wings super crispy without extra oil. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. How do I make them spicier?

Want more heat? Try these:

• Add more black pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
• Drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
• Mix in some cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.

6. Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?

Definitely! You can use chicken tenders or boneless thighs instead of wings. Just adjust the cooking time—boneless pieces will cook faster.

7. Why are my wings not crispy?

If your wings aren’t crispy enough, check these:

• Did you pat them dry? Moisture prevents crisping!
• Did you use baking powder? It’s the key to crispy skin.
• Did you overcrowd the pan or air fryer? Wings need space to crisp up properly.
• Did you let them cook long enough? Give them extra time if needed!

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re making a big batch, cook the wings in batches so they crisp up properly instead of steaming.

9. Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but for best results:

• Thaw the wings completely before cooking.
• Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
• Increase cooking time slightly since frozen wings release more liquid.

10. How do I prevent the honey glaze from being too thick or sticky?

If your glaze is too thick, add a splash of lemon juice or warm water to loosen it up. Warm it slightly before tossing with the wings for the best consistency!

Conclusion

These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are crispy, tangy, sweet, and unbelievably good! Whether you bake, air fry, or deep fry them, they always turn out golden and irresistible.

So what are you waiting for? Try these sticky, zesty wings today, and let me know how they turn out! Drop a comment, share a photo, and tag me on Pinterest!

Print