Copycat Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

If you’re a fan of zesty, tangy flavors with a touch of peppery goodness, then Copycat Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings are likely one of your favorites. These wings perfectly blend citrusy lemon and spicy black pepper, offering a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat.

What Are Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings?

Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings are a popular menu item from the Wingstop restaurant chain, known for their bold, tangy flavor. These wings are fried to a perfect crisp and then tossed in a flavorful mixture of lemon zest, black pepper, and other seasonings. The result is a crispy, savory wing with a refreshing citrus kick, making them a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• Chicken Wings: 2 pounds of wings (about 10-12 wings)
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
• Butter: 1/4 cup, melted
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional for added crispiness)

Kitchen Equipment

• Baking sheet with a wire rack
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings (per serving of 4 wings):

• Calories 270
• Total Fat 19g
• Saturated Fat 8g
• Cholesterol 90mg
• Sodium 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates 2g
• Protein 20g

How to make Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings

Prepare the Chicken Wings

If your wings aren’t already prepped, start by cutting them into drumettes and flats. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.

Season the Wings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.

Cook the Wings

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

Deep Fryer Method: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Oven-Baked Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy.

Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce

While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning and lemon zest.

Toss the Wings

Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the lemon pepper butter sauce over the wings and toss until they are well-coated.

What makes Wingstop lemon pepper wings so good?

The combination of tangy lemon zest and spicy black pepper creates a flavor that stands out among other wing varieties. These two bold tastes blend perfectly with the rich yet simple flavor of unbreaded chicken.

What to Serve with Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings

Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Popular choices include:

French Fries: The classic side for wings, crispy fries complement the zesty wings perfectly.
Celery and Carrot Sticks: These add a refreshing crunch and are great for balancing out the spicy kick.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Dipping sauces that add a creamy contrast to the tangy wings.