Crispy, zesty, and sweet, these Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

The tangy lemon pepper seasoning paired with a sticky honey glaze makes for a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting game night, a backyard barbecue, or simply craving wings, this easy recipe will become a fast favorite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet or air fryer
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Saucepan
Tongs

Ingredients Overview

Chicken Wings: The star of the dish, with crispy skin and juicy meat.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adds tangy, citrusy zest to the wings.
Honey: Balances the tang with a hint of sweetness.
Butter: Creates a luscious glaze for the wings.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt, to taste

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:

1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Wings:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season the Wings:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
Bake or Air Fry:
- For Baking: Arrange the wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- For Air Frying: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25–30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make the Glaze:
While the wings cook, prepare the honey lemon pepper glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Glaze the Wings:
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss gently until coated.
Serve:
Transfer the glazed wings to a platter, garnish with extra lemon zest or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

Extra Crispy Skin: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to help them crisp up during cooking.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey to the glaze, depending on your preference.
Marinate for More Flavor: Toss the wings in the seasoning and let them marinate for 30 minutes before cooking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.
Side Dish: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad.
Beverage: A cold lemonade or light beer complements the tangy, sweet flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the wings and prepare the glaze in advance. Reheat the wings in the oven or air fryer, then toss them in the warmed glaze before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are perfect for game day snacks, potlucks, or as a main dish served with roasted veggies or fries. The combination of crispy skin, tangy lemon, and sweet honey will have everyone reaching for seconds!