Description
Crispy and flavorful Lemon Pepper Wings coated in a zesty, buttery lemon pepper sauce with an optional touch of honey to balance the tartness. Perfectly fried to golden perfection and tossed in a delicious sauce that will make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 20 chicken wings
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey (optional, to balance the tartness)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 1/2-2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- Extra lemon pepper seasoning (optional, for garnish)
- Extra honey (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat all of your chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps achieve a crispy fry. Begin heating 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to the proper frying temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the Wings: When the oil is hot, carefully add a batch of chicken wings, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the wings for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure an even golden and crispy crust.
- Make Clarified Butter: While the wings are frying, melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Once fully melted, remove from heat and skim off any foam that forms on the surface to clarify the butter, pouring it carefully into a measuring cup to avoid the milk solids.
- Prepare Lemon Pepper Sauce: To the clarified butter, add 2 tablespoons of oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and honey, if using. Stir well and place the mixture in the fridge for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Drain Cooked Wings: Remove the fried wings carefully using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 2-3 minutes to remove excess oil. Transfer wings to a large bowl. Repeat frying and draining with remaining wings.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Take the lemon pepper sauce out of the fridge and stir again to combine. Pour the sauce over the hot wings, cover the bowl, and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra lemon pepper or drizzle additional honey over the wings if desired, according to your taste preference for tangier or sweeter flavors. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Dry wings thoroughly before frying to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Honey is optional in the sauce but adds a nice balance to the tangy lemon pepper seasoning.
- The clarified butter step ensures a smooth, rich sauce without milk solids.
- Leftover wings can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to re-crisp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
