These delicious lemon pepper wings are the perfect copycat recipe for Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings! A tangy, peppery sauce coating crispy chicken wings, you will love these as an appetizer, snack, or meal.
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please read my full affiliate disclosure.
We love Buffalo Wild Wings around here but it just isn’t always easy to get out to eat as a family and with four kids can be rather expensive too. These delicious copycat Buffalo Wild Wings lemon pepper wings are the perfect substitute when we simply can’t make it out to dinner! We love to make a batch of these lemon pepper wings and a batch of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Wings!
Lemon Pepper Wings Ingredients
I love this recipe not only for its delicious flavor but because it’s mostly pantry friendly as well.
Butter – We will clarify the butter to make the lemon pepper sauce.
Oil – Not only for frying, but we will add a bit of oil to the sauce as well. I use either canola oil or vegetable oil in this recipe.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning – I always keep Lemon Pepper Seasoning in my spice cabinet. It’s perfect for enhancing the flavors of grilled or roasted veggies, and it adds an extra delicious kick to lemon pepper wings!
Salt – to taste
Chicken Wings – You will need to have your chicken wings separated into the flats and the drums.
Honey – Honey is entirely optional, but you can drizzle a bit of honey on at the end to add a touch of sweetness if you prefer your lemon pepper wings sweeter.
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
How to Trim Chicken Wings?
While you can purchase chicken wings already trimmed, it’s often less expensive to purchase wings that have not been trimmed.
One trick I’ve found when purchasing chicken wings is to ask at the grocery store’s meat counter if they’ll trim them for you, and they usually will for free, especially if you purchase the store’s brand of chicken wings.
However, you can trim your own chicken wings at home as well. Below is a photo of approximately where to cut each whole wing. I recommend using a large sharp knife to trim your wings. For more detailed instructions on cutting your own wings, please check out this post by The Cookful.
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings
There are two primary steps to this recipe: first frying the chicken wings and then making the lemon pepper wing sauce.
Frying the Chicken Wings
To make your wings, begin by heating the oil for frying. You can use either a large frying pan, deep fryer, or Dutch oven.
Dry your chicken wings by patting them while the oil is heating up. This will help prevent them from popping when you add them to the oil and create crispier skin.
When the oil is heated, add the chicken wings to the oil. You will probably need to work in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer.
Each batch will take about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook the chicken wings until fully cooked or 165 °F on an internal thermometer.
While the wings are frying, make the Buffalo Wild Wings lemon pepper wing sauce.
Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Sauce
Gather your ingredients for lemon pepper sauce and begin by adding the butter to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until melted.
Once the butter is melted remove it from the heat and skim the foam from the top. Pour the clarified butter into a measuring cup or glass.
Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the clarified butter as well as the lemon pepper seasoning. Stir to combine and place in the fridge to thicken a bit.
After the wings are cooked, move them to a plate or cookie sheet lined with paper towels and let them drain for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a large mixing bowl.
Once all the wings have finished cooking, pour the lemon pepper wing sauce over the wings in the mixing bowl and toss to fully coat.
To serve, sprinkle on some extra lemon pepper seasoning for an extra lemony flavor or drizzle with a touch of honey for added sweetness! Enjoy immediately!
You might also like…
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Wings
CopyCat Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- ¼ cup honey optional see notes
- 2 Tablespoons oil Canola or Vegetable
- 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 20 chicken wings seperated
- Oil for Frying Canola or Vegetable
- Extra Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, deep fryer, or Dutch oven heat the oil for frying
- While the oil heats, pat your chicken wings dry, this will prevent them from popping when you put them in the pan as well as creates a crispier skin.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken wings in batches and cook until cooked through or 165° internally on an instant read thermometer. Cook the wings in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan. Each batch should take about 12-15 minutes, turning the wings halfway through.
- While the wings are cooking, begin making the clarified butter for the sauce. Place the butter in a pot over medium heat and melt.
- Once the butter is melted, remove from the heat and skim the foam from the top of the butter.
- Pour the butter into a measuring cup.
- Add the 2 Tablespoons of oil and the lemon pepper seasoning to the butter.
- Place the lemon pepper butter sauce in the fridge to thicken a bit.
- As the chicken finishes cooking, drain on a paper towel for 2-3 minutes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Once all of the wings are fully cooked and added to the bowl, give the lemon pepper sauce a stir to combine and pour over the wings.
- Toss the wings in the lemon pepper sauce until fully coated.
- Sprinkle on extra lemon pepper seasoning for extra lemony flavor or add a drizzle of honey for added sweetness depending on your preference.
- Enjoy immediately!
NUTRITION
FAQs About Lemon Pepper Wings
Can lemon pepper wings be cooked in the air fryer?
You can definitely make these lemon pepper wings in the air fryer! Simply preheat your air fryer to 375 °F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the wings in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer) and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. Once the wings are cooked through, place them in a bowl and toss with the lemon pepper sauce.
How to store leftover lemon pepper wings?
You can store leftover lemon pepper wings in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven or the air fryer!
Can I make these chicken wings in the Instant Pot?
I love using my Instant Pot and you can definitely make chicken wings in an Instant Pot! Place the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot and add the cup of water. Arrange the seasoned chicken wings on top of the trivet before securing the lid in place. Switch the vent to and set the setting to 8 minutes. When the Instant Pot’s cooking time is over, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Remove the lid and transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl. Set aside and allow them to cool slightly. While the wings cool, move your top oven rack into the top position and pre-heat the broiler to high. Line a large-rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. I love using for this! For easier cleanup, spray the rack and pan with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the wings to the prepared cookie sheet or bacon pan and place them under the broiler for 3–4 minutes or until the wings start to get crispy and golden brown. Watch closely this can happen fast! Remove from the oven, turn the wings, and repeat on the remaining side. Once the wings are golden and crispy, toss them with the sauce and enjoy!
Conclusion
If you can’t make it to your favorite wing joint, these delicious Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings lemon pepper wings are sure to hit the spot! As an appetizer, meal, or snack they are tangy, lemony, and peppery! Plus if you want to offer a variety of Buffalo Wild Wings dishes check out this collection of copycat Buffalo Wild Wings recipes!
I can’t wait to make these!
Let me know if you liked the lemon pepper wings!