The Ultimate Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Wings
How to Make the Best Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Wings
When it comes to Game Day foods, wings are a non-negotiable. And if you’re in Atlanta, you already know that Lemon Pepper Wet Wings are a fan favorite. Let me show you how to make the best baked lemon pepper wet wings! These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a buttery, zesty, lemon-pepper sauce that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for wing lovers and game day gatherings, this recipe is sure to leave everyone licking their fingers and reaching for more!
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
Atlanta and wings go hand in hand. From classic buffalo to honey lemon pepper, the city’s love for wings is unmatched. But Lemon Pepper Wet Wings hold a special place in the heart of ATL food culture.
Unlike the dry-rubbed version, lemon pepper wet wings are coated in a buttery, garlicky lemon-pepper sauce that soaks into the crispy skin, creating a finger-licking explosion of flavor. These wings are a game-day essential, and whether you’re watching football or just craving good wings, this recipe delivers! Most importantly, you get all the crisp – no deep fryer needed with these Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Wings.
What You’ll Need
For the Wings:
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp baking powder (NOT baking soda)
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (optional)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Prepare
1. Prep and Season the Wings:
- First start off by preheating the oven to 450°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a baking rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine cleaned wings with avocado oil, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon (if using), lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, baking powder, and cornstarch. After that toss well to evenly coat the wings.
2. Bake Until Crispy:
- Arrange the wings on the baking rack, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray or drizzle oil over the wings for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- If you love extra crunch, broil the wings for 1-2 minutes per side before tossing them in the sauce.
3. Make the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, thyme, and ground coriander (if using).
- Next, melt the butter in a microwave or a saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey, seasoning blend, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
4. Toss and Serve:
- Transfer the hot, crispy wings to a large bowl.
- Pour the buttery lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Wings are best enjoyed fresh and paired with classic game-day sides like:
- Crispy Fries – Regular or Cajun-seasoned
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy perfection
- Celery & Carrots with Ranch or Blue Cheese – A cooling contrast to the bold flavors
- Coleslaw or Stir-Fry Cabbage – Light and fresh (Try my Stir-Fry Cabbage for a perfect pairing!)
Serve with extra lemon wedges for a final squeeze of brightness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy Yet Juicy: Oven-baked wings with a crunchy texture, tossed in a rich, buttery sauce.
✔️ Authentic Flavor: Inspired by Atlanta’s famous lemon pepper wet wings.
✔️ Perfect for Game Day: A must-have for Super Bowl watch parties and gatherings.
✔️ No Deep Frying: These Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Wings have all the crispiness without the extra oil.
Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Wings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp baking powder NOT BAKING SODA
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon optional
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
For the sauce:
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander optional
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- salt to taste
Garnish
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450F Line a pan with foil and top with a baking rack. Spray rack with cooking oil if desired.
- In a large bowl combined clean wings with oil, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon, if using, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, baking powder and cornstarch.
- After that, lay wings on baking rack, leaving space in between each wing. After that drizzle or spray with oil and bake for 20 minutes. Flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until crisp. Broil for 1-2 minutes on each side if desired.
- Toss cooked wings with the sauce until coated. Finally serve hot and garnish with extra black pepper and parsley.
For the sauce:
- In a small bowl combine garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes and ground coriander if using and mix well.
- Next melt the butter and add honey and combine before adding the seasonings along with the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Add salt to taste.
Notes
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as the wings will lose their crispiness.
