"Tonite's the Night" Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings

Yo peeps have you ever had food so good your taste buds tingled. Welcome to the best ever lemon pepper wings you'll ever experience.

I have spent a crazy amount of time perfecting this recipe, trying to make sure each individual wing was infused with some serious zesty citrus and black pepper. Brace yourself cause these wings ain't ordinary! A bite into these bad boys will transport you to a world of tangy, spicy, crispy, and tender all collide in one.

Just might be the best Lemon pepper chicken wings you’ll ever taste! No hyperbole, for real. They’re extremely flavorful plus double-fried for next level crispiness.

If you like your lemon pepper wings well lemony, i.e. heavy on the lemon inside and out then you’ll love this. These wings are also super crispy thanks to two sneaky ingredients, potato starch and vodka. I’ll explain later, but trust me.

What Makes Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Special

Lemon pepper wings have gained immense popularity for several reasons. Here are some factors that contribute to their widespread appeal:

1. Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of zesty citrus notes from the lemon and the bold, aromatic kick of black pepper creates a distinct flavor profile that sets lemon pepper wings apart from other wing varieties. The tanginess of the lemon adds a refreshing element, while the pepper provides a pleasant heat, resulting in a tantalizing taste experience.
2. Versatility: Lemon pepper seasoning complements a wide range of foods, making it versatile for various dishes. Whether it's wings, grilled chicken, seafood, or even vegetables, the flavor combination works harmoniously and enhances the taste of the ingredients. This versatility makes lemon pepper wings a favorite among those seeking diverse flavor options.
3. Wide Appeal: Lemon pepper wings appeal to a wide range of palates. The flavor profile is not overly spicy, making it accessible to those who prefer milder heat. Additionally, the tangy and zesty taste appeals to those who appreciate bright and refreshing flavors, making it a versatile option that can please a diverse range of taste preferences.

MOOD MUSIC (music to pair with pinto beans)

Get ready to groove and satisfy your taste buds with the perfect pairing of Kris Kross' iconic hit, "Tonite's Tha Night," and a plate of delectable fried lemon pepper wings. As the infectious beats of this '90s classic fill the air, the zesty and crispy wings will take your culinary experience to new heights.

With each bite of these wings, seasoned to perfection with a ridiculously good lemon pepper mix, you'll feel the rhythm of the dope tune harmonizing with the explosion of flavors in your mouth. Catchy simple lyrics over lively beats perfectly complement the bold and vibrant taste of the lemon pepper seasoning, creating a symphony for your senses.

So, grab a plate piled high with these irresistible fried lemon pepper wings, turn up the volume on "Tonite's the Night," and let the incredible fusion of music and food take over your body. It's a pairing that will have you dancing and savoring each bite, creating a memorable night that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to let that inner '90s spirit take over your body cause tonight's tha night!

Ingredients Needed For Fried Chicken Wings

• Chicken Wings - fresh chicken wings or thawed frozen chicken wings work
• Lemons
• Black Pepper - I like/prefer freshly ground pepper here
• Kosher Salt
• Potato Starch
• Vodka
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Garlic cloves - minced garlic adds that fresh garlic flavor
• White onion
• Dried Thyme
• Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

Seasoning Process

When it comes to seasoning and marinating lemon pepper wings, there are a few simple steps to ensure maximum flavor infusion. Here's how to take your lemon pepper wings to the next level:

1. Seasoning: Start with high-quality chicken wings, ensuring they are dry before seasoning. Generously coat the wings with a homemade blend using fresh lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and optional additional spices. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into the meat for better penetration.
2. Marinating: If you prefer an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the wings for a short period. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your desired intensity of flavor.

Note: Lemon pepper wings don't require lengthy marination like some other dishes, as the flavors of lemon and pepper are robust and can infuse relatively quickly.

Frying Instructions

For the lemon pepper sauce

In a mixing bowl add ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, a bit of zest, lots of pepper, olive oil, honey, and thyme. Using a cheese grater, grate fresh garlic and onions directly into the sauce. Mix well.

For the wings

Mix 1 tablespoon vodka, juice from half a lemon, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Place wings in a large sealable ziplock back then add the lemon marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Remove the chicken from the fridge.

Pat chicken wings dry. Place starch in a mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper mixing well. Dredge wings in the starch mix. Place wings on a wire rack lined baking sheet. Place uncovered in the fridge 30 minutes.

Remove wings from fridge and allow to reach room temperature. Meanwhile pre-heat fryer to 330 degrees F. Fry the wings for 6 minutes then remove to prepared baking sheet. Note depending on size of your fryer setup you may want to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Adjust temperature to 360 degrees F then place wings back into the fryer for another 6 minutes. Remove and let rest.

Toss wings in the lemon pepper sauce. Serve

What To Serve With Lemon Pepper Wings

Here are a few good options to pair with fried chicken wings. They range from sauces to different side dishes.

1. Dipping sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to accompany the wings. Classic choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A side of slaw can add a cool and creamy element to the meal. The crisp cabbage and tangy dressing can help balance the richness of the wings.
3. Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a popular choice to serve with wings. The sweet and juicy corn kernels complement the zesty flavor of the lemon pepper wings.
4. Fried Black Eyed Peas: A side of these goes far and adds a bit of soul to your menu.

Cooking Considerations and tips for the best lemon pepper wings

These wings live up to their name. The recipe is intentional in skewing heavy towards the lemon and pepper side. If lemony isn’t your thing, then these aren’t for you. But if you want that fresh lemon taste all the way through inside and out these are especially for you.

You can also balance against the tartness by adding more sweetness via honey. Increasing the honey makes the sauce more of a honey lemon pepper sauce but they are still excellent. Red pepper flakes or hot sauce makes for tasty hot honey lemon pepper wings with a kick.

I'm a drummettes over flats guy when it comes to wings. Though I don't understand why people bother with flats lol, I will say the recipe works with either.

Adding vodka to the marinade is a tried and true way to level up the crunch on your fried chicken. Alcohol evaporates more quickly and violently than water or other liquids leading to more crispiness.

For even more flavor add some melted butter to the sauce. This may be over the top, but it's your call.

I prefer starch to flour in my wings. Most starches are gluten-free which is a plus when it comes to texture/crunchability. 

Taste and adjust the sauce as you need to. If it’s too lemony for you, add a lil more honey.

I like to allow my wings/chicken to air dry in the fridge after dredging. The 30 minutes allows for a better more uniform coating as essentially the breading becomes one with the chicken.

Don’t skip the double fry. Don’t worry it doesn’t add much time and the results payout big. You end up with moist wings with an extra crispy exterior.

This is the soul food appetizer to your soul food menu! Serve ahead of sides like collard greens (don't forget the hot water cornbread), potato salad, and mac and cheese. Main dish ideas include jerk red snapper or beef neck bones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Lemon Pepper Wings

Can I use bottled lemon pepper seasoning instead of making my own?

If you love lemon pepper wings I'm sure you'll stop at no end to get that lemon pepper butter sauce love. Yes, you can use bottled lemon pepper seasoning if you prefer a more convenient option, but trust me making your own lemon pepper seasoning is worth the effort.

How do I achieve crispy wings?

To achieve crispy lemon pepper wings, make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning or marinating them. This helps remove excess moisture, resulting in crispier skin. Baking powder is very effective in removing moisture and aiding the crisping process. When mixed with salt and coated on chicken it dries out the skin, leaving it crisp and crunchy.

Can I use lemon pepper seasoning on other meats or vegetables?

Absolutely! Lemon pepper seasoning works well on a variety of meats like chicken thighs, fish, shrimp, or even vegetables like roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus.

Are Lemon Pepper Wings Keto?

These as currently made are not keto due to the oil and starch. It's much easier to make keto baked wings than fried ones.

MORE FRIED WINGS RECIPES

Jerk Wings

Crispy Buttermilk Wings

Harissa Wings

Air Fryer Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings

Brazilian Fried Chicken Wings

Crispy Air Fryer Wings

Frozen Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

MAKE THIS LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS RECIPE

These crispy chicken wings are a testament to the power of flavor. With their tantalizing blend of zesty lemon and fiery pepper, every bite is a burst of straight-up fun.

The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat, creating a harmony of textures that will leave you craving more.

If you make this delicious lemon pepper wings recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them. 

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