1. Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the chicken wings. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the wings crisp up in the oven or fryer. Drying the wings is a crucial step for achieving that perfectly crispy texture.

Once the wings are dry, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat them evenly. The oil will help the wings crisp up and ensure that the seasoning sticks to the surface of the chicken.

2. Season the Wings

To season the wings, sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the wings. Toss them well to ensure that all the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning. These spices enhance the flavor of the wings and provide a savory base for the lemony goodness to come.

Next, add the freshly grated lemon zest to the bowl. The zest gives the wings a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the tangy lemon pepper seasoning. Toss the wings again to evenly distribute the zest.

3. Bake or Fry the Wings

At this point, you have two cooking options for your Lemon Pepper Wings: baking or frying. Both methods yield crispy wings, but baking is the healthier option, while frying offers an extra crispy texture. Here’s how to do both:

• To Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures that the wings do not stick and bake evenly. Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy on both sides. If you want extra crispy wings, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
• To Fry the Wings: Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Working in batches, fry the wings for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the wings from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce

While the wings are cooking, you can prepare the lemon pepper sauce. In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir well to combine. The fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, while the lemon pepper seasoning gives the wings a signature tangy flavor.

Once the wings are cooked and crispy, immediately toss them in the lemon pepper sauce to ensure they are fully coated. The sauce should lightly coat the wings and add that signature zesty kick without being overwhelming.

5. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the wings to a serving platter. If you like, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve your Lemon Pepper Wings with a side of dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, if desired, although these wings are so flavorful on their own that they don’t need much.