Hot honey lemon pepper chicken wings are the ultimate snack, perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something tangy, sweet, and spicy. The crispy wings are coated with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that perfectly balances the heat and sweetness. Whether you’re using an air fryer or baking them in the oven, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dish. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make these mouthwatering wings from scratch.

Why Choose Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings?

These wings are the perfect blend of flavors—tangy lemon, spicy pepper, and sweet honey. The crispy texture combined with the sticky hot honey glaze makes each bite irresistible. You can make them in the air fryer or the oven, depending on your preference or equipment. Air frying gives the wings an extra crispiness, while baking provides a more traditional approach with a deeper flavor profile.

Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a simple meal for yourself, this recipe is quick, easy, and will definitely impress anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

1.8 lbs (20 pieces) chicken wings (wingettes and drumettes)
1 tbsp light olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp sea salt

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

¼ cup honey (runny)
2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s)
1 tbsp salted butter
1 tsp minced garlic (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Dry the Wings: If the wings are wet, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy skin.
Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil (or avocado oil) over the wings and toss to coat them evenly.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Mix the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
Season the Wings: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the wings, making sure to cover both sides evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Wings

For the Air Fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
3. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even crispiness.
4. Check that the wings are golden brown and crispy.
For the Oven:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the wings in a single layer on a greased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Once done, the wings should be crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add:
- ¼ cup honey (runny)
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s Hot Sauce)
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp minced garlic (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
Simmer the Sauce: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Toss the Wings in the Sauce

Toss the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the wings.
Coat the Wings: Gently toss the wings to coat them thoroughly with the sauce. Make sure each wing is well covered in the sticky, spicy glaze.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or extra chili flakes if desired.
Serve: Serve the wings hot and fresh for the best flavor and crispiness.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Wings

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Whether you’re using an air fryer or the oven, it’s important to give the wings room to cook evenly. If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, the wings won’t crisp up properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Crispiness Level: For extra-crispy wings, you can spray the wings with a light coating of cooking spray before air frying or baking.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit the chili flakes. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	354 kcal
Carbohydrates	21g
Protein	21g
Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	6g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4g
Monounsaturated Fat	10g
Trans Fat	1g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	659mg
Potassium	239mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g
Vitamin A	302 IU
Vitamin C	10mg
Calcium	89mg
Iron	2mg

Easy Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Wings

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll want to make sure they stay as fresh as possible. Here’s how to store and reheat your wings without losing their crispiness.

Storing Leftovers

Cool Down: Allow the wings to cool completely before storing them to avoid moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
Airtight Container: Place the wings in an airtight container to lock in freshness. If you want to prevent them from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper.
Refrigeration: Store the wings in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, they may start to lose their flavor and texture.

Reheating Instructions

To get your leftover wings crispy again, here are a couple of methods:

Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 5-7 minutes. This method helps the wings regain their crispiness.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the wings for 10-15 minutes. You can place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to ensure they crisp up evenly.

For both methods, consider reheating the hot honey sauce separately and tossing the wings in it right before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

While this recipe is straightforward, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s what to keep in mind to ensure perfect wings every time:

1. Overcrowding the Air Fryer or Oven

When cooking the wings, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating around the wings, which results in uneven cooking and less crispy skin. Always cook in batches if needed.

2. Not Drying the Wings

Moisture on the wings prevents the seasoning from sticking and makes the wings soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are completely moisture-free before seasoning and cooking.

3. Using Low-Quality Honey

The hot honey sauce is the star of this dish. Using a good-quality honey ensures that the sauce will have the right sweetness and texture. Avoid using thick, crystallized honey, as it can affect the consistency of the sauce.

4. Ignoring the Flip During Cooking

Whether you’re air frying or baking, make sure to flip the wings halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides are evenly crisped and golden.

5. Overcooking the Wings

Wings can go from perfectly crispy to overdone in a matter of minutes, especially in an air fryer. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time is up, as air fryers and ovens can vary in temperature.

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: A Flavor Explosion

Now that you’ve learned how to make these delicious wings, here’s a quick recap of the key points to remember to ensure they turn out perfect every time. Whether you are making them for a casual dinner or to impress at a party, hot honey lemon pepper chicken wings will always be a crowd favorite.

Flavor Combinations and Why They Work

The harmony of flavors in these wings is what makes them so irresistible. The lemon pepper seasoning provides a bright, tangy zest that immediately wakes up your taste buds. The hot sauce and chili flakes add just the right amount of heat to give the wings a little kick, while the honey brings in a rich sweetness that balances out the spiciness. Together, these ingredients create an irresistible blend that you can’t stop eating.

Here’s a breakdown of how each component contributes to the flavor profile:

Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The citrusy and peppery notes make the wings tangy and savory, setting the foundation for the dish.
Hot Sauce: Adds the heat, giving the wings their spicy kick.
Honey: The sweetness of the honey not only complements the heat but also adds a sticky texture that coats the wings perfectly.
Paprika and Garlic: Smokiness from the paprika and the savory aroma of garlic deepen the flavor and balance out the sweetness of the honey.

This balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy makes these wings a flavor explosion in every bite.

Serving Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings for Different Occasions

These wings are versatile and can be served at a variety of events. Whether it’s a casual night in or a big celebration, here are some ideas for making these wings the star of the show:

Game Day Snack

Perfect for tailgates or watching your favorite team, hot honey lemon pepper wings bring a zesty kick that pairs well with beers or sodas. Serve them alongside other finger foods like nachos, sliders, or fries to create a winning spread.

Family Dinner

If you’re serving these wings for a family dinner, pair them with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. The wings’ crispy texture and bold taste will add excitement to any meal.

Party Appetizer

If you’re hosting a party, make a large batch of these wings to ensure there are plenty for everyone. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and place dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even extra hot honey sauce on the side for guests to customize their flavor.

Notes

For extra crispy wings, don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet.
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce and chili flakes.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works as a substitute.
These wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Variations to Try

While the classic hot honey lemon pepper wings are a crowd favorite, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and variations. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe:

Garlic Parmesan: After tossing the wings in the hot honey sauce, sprinkle them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic for a garlic parmesan twist.
Cajun Style: Add some Cajun seasoning to the dry rub for a bit more smoky and spicy depth. This will give the wings an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Honey Mustard: If you prefer a slightly tangier sweetness, substitute the hot sauce with Dijon mustard or honey mustard in the sauce mixture.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to find your perfect combination!

FAQs on Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, just thaw them first. You may need to add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store the sauce in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before using.

3. Can I use a different hot sauce?

Yes, feel free to use any hot sauce you like, such as sriracha or buffalo sauce.

4. How do I make the wings extra crispy?

Pat the wings dry before cooking, use cornstarch in the seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

5. Can I make these wings spicier?

Yes, add more hot sauce, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

Conclusion on Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper chicken wings are more than just a dish; they’re an experience. From the first crispy bite to the last sticky, flavorful morsel, they deliver a range of textures and flavors that leave everyone wanting more. Whether you choose to air fry or bake, this recipe guarantees delicious wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a few key ingredients, you can easily create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Whether for game day, a casual family dinner, or a big celebration, these wings are guaranteed to be the star of the show.

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