Quick Description
These crispy High-Protein Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are juicy, zesty, and perfectly seasoned with a buttery lemon glaze. Theyโre oven-baked (or air-fried) for maximum crispiness without deep fryingโideal for meal prep, high-protein dinners, or a guilt-free game-day snack.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35โ45 minutes
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings (flats + drums)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
For the Lemon Pepper Butter Glaze
- 3 tbsp melted butter (or light butter)
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Juice of ยฝ lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar-free syrup (optional for sticky-style wings)
Instructions
-
Prep the wings
Pat wings dry with paper towelsโextra dry = extra crispy. -
Season
Add wings to a bowl. Toss with oil, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until coated evenly. -
Bake or air-fry
- Oven: Bake at 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) for 40โ45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fryer: Cook at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 20โ25 minutes, shaking halfway.
-
Make the glaze
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, and optional honey. -
Toss to coat
Transfer hot wings to a bowl and pour the glaze over. Toss well until shiny and coated. -
Serve
Garnish with lemon wedges and extra lemon zest.
Additional Notes
- Baking powder helps draw moisture out so the wings get crispy.
- Add red pepper flakes if you love heat.
Dietary Info
- High-protein
- Keto-friendly
- Low-carb
- Gluten-free
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Spicy Lemon Pepper: Add ยฝ tsp cayenne.
- Garlic Lemon Pepper: Add 1 extra minced garlic clove to the glaze.
- Sticky Lemon Pepper: Add 1โ2 tbsp honey.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Olive oil โ avocado oil
- Butter โ light butter or ghee
- Chicken wings โ boneless chicken chunks (bake 18โ20 minutes)
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.
- Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.
- Make a meal-prep box with wings + broccoli + lemon wedges.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Air-fry to re-crisp before eating.
- Freeze cooked wings up to 2 months.