Fried Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe ~ TO BE TASTY

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Wings

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken wings (drumettes or flats)	12 wings
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Cornmeal (optional, for crispiness)	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Pepper	1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)	1/2 teaspoon
Buttermilk or regular milk	1 cup
Vegetable oil (for frying)	Enough to fry

For the Lemon Pepper Sauce

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter (melted)	1/4 cup
Lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)	1 tablespoon
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Lemon pepper seasoning	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder (optional)	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	To taste

Preparation Overview

Step	Time Needed
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture (this helps with crispiness during frying).
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk (or regular milk).

Step 2: Dredge the Wings

Dip each chicken wing into the buttermilk, coating it fully.
Then dredge the wing in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it gently to ensure it’s coated well.
Shake off any excess flour and set the wings aside on a plate or tray.

Step 3: Fry the Wings

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for the perfect fry.
Carefully place the wings into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet (this helps with even cooking and crispiness).
Fry the wings for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the wings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder (if using).
Taste the sauce and add salt as needed to balance the flavors. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

Place the fried wings in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss them well to coat all the wings evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your crispy, lemon pepper wings immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
These wings pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Success

✔ Pat the Wings Dry: Removing moisture from the wings before frying will give you that crispy, crunchy texture.
✔ Fry in Batches: If frying many wings, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause sogginess.
✔ Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce to the lemon pepper sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Side Dish: Serve with a crisp, cool cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or hot crispy fries.
Beverage: Pair with a refreshing beer or a lemonade for a zesty, summery vibe.

Health Benefits

Lemon: High in vitamin C, great for immune support and digestion.
Cayenne Pepper: Can boost metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic: Known for its heart-health benefits and immune-boosting qualities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcrowding the Oil: Fry wings in batches for even cooking and extra crispiness.
❌ Under-seasoning the Flour Mixture: The flour mixture should be well-seasoned to enhance the flavor of the wings.
❌ Not Draining Properly: Let the wings drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain their crispiness.

Final Thoughts

These Fried Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and tangy. The lemon pepper sauce elevates the wings with a burst of citrus, making them irresistible. Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. Enjoy!