Lemon Pepper Wings

1. Prepare the Wings:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. If using an air fryer, no preheat is necessary.
   • Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin.
   • Toss the wings in a bowl with vegetable oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Cook the Wings:
   • Oven Method: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and golden.
   • Air Fryer Method: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the wings are crispy and fully cooked.
3. Make the Lemon Pepper Seasoning:
   • In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
4. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
   • Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary.
5. Finish the Wings:
   • Once the wings are cooked, place them in a large bowl.
   • Sprinkle with the homemade lemon pepper seasoning and pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the wings.
   • Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the seasoning and sauce.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the wings hot, garnished with additional lemon zest or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Crispiness Tip: Ensure your wings are very dry before oiling and seasoning. The drier the skin, the crispier it will be after cooking.
• Sauce Options: For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or minced garlic to the lemon butter sauce.
• Serving Suggestions: These wings go great with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Lemon pepper wings are delightfully tangy and full of flavor, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Enjoy the burst of lemon and the heat of black pepper in this tasty, easy-to-make recipe!