Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings | Sweet, Tangy & Extra Crispy

Introduction

Who says you need takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality wings? These Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the ultimate combination of sweet, tangy, and zesty flavors. The honey provides natural sweetness, the lemon adds a refreshing brightness, and black pepper delivers just the right amount of kick.

Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner, these wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated with a glossy, irresistible glaze.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, extra lemon wedges

✨ Substitutions & Tips:

• Use baked wings or air-fried wings for a healthier version.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a subtle twist.
• Adjust black pepper for more or less heat.

---

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Pat wings dry with paper towels — this helps them get crispy.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

Arrange wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Honey Lemon Glaze

While wings bake, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.

Step 5: Toss Wings in Glaze

Once wings are done, transfer to a large bowl and toss with the honey lemon glaze until fully coated.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Place wings on a platter, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil wings for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

---

Nutrition (per serving, 4 wings)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugars: 5g

These wings are high in protein and packed with flavor, perfect as a snack or main dish.

---

Healthier Alternatives

• Air-fry wings instead of baking for less oil.
• Use skinless wings for lower fat content.
• Reduce honey to cut sugar, or use a sugar-free syrup.
• Serve with roasted veggies instead of fries for a balanced meal.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for game day with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Pair with a crisp salad or coleslaw for a lighter meal.
• Serve as party appetizers — bite-sized and easy to grab.
• Garnish with extra lemon zest for a zesty punch.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the pat-dry step: Moist wings won’t crisp properly.
• Overcrowding the pan: Gives uneven cooking; wings need space for air circulation.
• Not tossing in glaze immediately: Wings absorb more flavor when warm.
• Skipping flipping: Ensures even crispiness on all sides.

---

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Warm in oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes instead of microwaving for best texture.

---

Conclusion

These Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are sweet, tangy, and perfectly seasoned — the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Easy to bake, packed with flavor, and irresistibly crispy, they’ll become a favorite for game nights, parties, or weeknight dinners. Try them tonight and leave a comment with your favorite dipping sauce!

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for crispiness.

Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled works in a pinch.

Q3: How do I make wings extra crispy?
Pat dry, don’t overcrowd, and broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Q4: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, bake, chill, then reheat in the oven before serving.

Q5: Can I adjust the sweetness or spice?
Absolutely — add more honey for sweetness or more black pepper for heat.