Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Description:

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Crispy baked or fried wings are tossed in a buttery honey lemon pepper sauce that’s packed with zesty citrus and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just a delicious meal at home, these wings will be a hit!

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Ingredients:

For the Wings:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g), melted
• 3 tablespoons honey (63g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper (coarse-ground for best flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Wings

Oven-Baked Method:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
2. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
3. Toss the wings in a bowl with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
2. Pat wings dry and season as instructed.
3. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Fried Method:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 175°C (350°F).
2. Pat wings dry and season as instructed.
3. Fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on a paper towel before tossing in the sauce.

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Step 2: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the honey, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

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Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Place cooked wings in a large bowl and pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over them.
2. Toss well to coat each wing evenly.
3. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

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Nutrition (per serving, makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 18g

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Tips for the Best Wings:

• Use baking powder for ultra-crispy oven-baked wings. It helps dry out the skin for a crunchier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Fresh lemon juice & zest give the best citrus flavor—avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Adjust sweetness & tanginess by adding more or less honey or lemon juice to taste.