Inroduction
You’d never guess these are homemade.
These lemon pepper wings taste exactly like the ones from Wingstop — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in that bold, buttery lemon pepper seasoning that somehow hits salty, citrusy, and savory all at once.
The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or takeout order. Just a hot oven (or air fryer), a few pantry spices, and fresh lemon zest. Once you make these at home, you may never go back to the drive-thru.
✨ The crispy lemon pepper wings everyone’s craving right now.
This Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings copycat recipe instantly upgrades your dinner plans, saves you money, and delivers that bold, buttery, citrus-packed flavor — no takeout required.
Coated in cracked black pepper and fresh lemon zest, these wings are golden and ultra-crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. They’re savory without feeling heavy, bright without being overpowering, and irresistible enough for game nights, weekend cravings, or crowd-pleasing gatherings.
If you’re building the ultimate fast-food-inspired menu at home, pair them with this Jack in the Box Sourdough Jack copycat recipe — a rich, buttery burger that adds the perfect hearty contrast to these bold lemon pepper wings. Together, they create the ultimate homemade takeout spread that feels indulgent, satisfying, and completely crave-worthy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra crispy skin without deep frying
- Bold, buttery lemon pepper flavor
- Budget-friendly compared to takeout
- Easy enough for beginners
- Perfect for game nights, parties, or weekend cravings
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness — not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Lemon Pepper Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (optional, for extra kick)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brighter flavor)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, extra lemon zest
How to Make It
1️⃣ Dry the Wings
Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
2️⃣ Season for Crunch
In a bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated. The baking powder helps create that crispy texture in the oven.
3️⃣ Bake Until Crispy
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this allows air to circulate).
Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
(Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway.)
4️⃣ Make the Lemon Pepper Butter
While the wings cook, mix melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5️⃣ Toss & Serve
As soon as the wings come out of the oven, toss them in the lemon pepper butter mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture.
Pro Tips & Variations
Extra Crispy Hack:
Let the seasoned wings sit uncovered in the fridge for 1–2 hours before baking. This dries the skin even more.
Make It Spicy:
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Less Butter Option:
Spray the wings lightly with oil after baking and toss with dry lemon pepper seasoning instead of butter.
Grill Version:
Grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, flipping often, then toss in lemon pepper butter after cooking.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Serving Ideas
These wings shine on their own, but here’s how to make them feel like a full spread:
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Add celery and carrot sticks for crunch
- Pair with fries or crispy potato wedges
- Serve alongside coleslaw for balance
- Make them the centerpiece of a game-day platter
For parties, pile them high on a large platter with fresh lemon slices and sprinkle extra zest on top — that citrus aroma hits immediately and makes everyone reach for one.
Final Thoughts
These copycat lemon pepper wings bring that takeout flavor home — crispy, buttery, bright, and bold. They’re simple enough for a weeknight craving but impressive enough for guests.
Once you master this method, you can use it as your base for buffalo, garlic parmesan, or honey lemon variations too.
Save this recipe, make it once, and watch it become your new go-to wing night favorite.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
If you’re planning your Easter dinner menu or spring brunch spread, you might also love these crowd-pleasing recipes that double as beautiful holiday centerpieces.
Try making this crispy and addictive Pasta Chips recipe (oven or air fryer) for a trending party snack everyone will grab first, serve a herb-crusted Pesto Rack of Lamb as an elegant Easter dinner centerpiece, or add these creamy and tangy Deviled Eggs — a classic Easter brunch appetizer with a smooth, flavorful filling.
Each recipe delivers bold flavor, simple ingredients, and that satisfying homemade twist on classic favorites — perfect for Easter entertaining, spring dinner parties, and holiday menu planning.
