If you’re craving crispy honey lemon chicken wings, this recipe is for you! These fried honey lemon pepper wings are golden, crunchy, and coated in a sweet, tangy glaze. Whether you love honey fried chicken wings or prefer hot honey lemon pepper wings, this dish is packed with flavor and easy to make at home.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about making Fried Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, from the perfect seasoning mix to the secret to achieving that ultimate crispy crunch. Plus, we’ll explore variations like Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Wings and Lemon Pepper Wings Fried to suit every taste preference.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Lemon Chicken Wings
Perfect Crispy Texture – These Deep Fried Chicken Wings Crispy give you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Sweet and Savory Flavor – A delightful combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a balanced taste.
Easy to Make – This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few pantry staples.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner, party, or game night, Honey Lemon Chicken Wings are always a hit.
The Ultimate Honey Lemon Chicken Wings Recipe
Before we dive into the step-by-step cooking process, let’s take a look at the essential components of this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (separated into drumettes and flats)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for extra tenderness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Honey Lemon Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for richness)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For Frying:
- 3 cups vegetable oil (or any high smoke-point oil)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Extra lemon zest
- Sesame seeds
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Wings
For the juiciest Honey Lemon Chicken Wings, marination is key!
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for the best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
To achieve that perfect Lemon Pepper Wings Fried texture, follow these steps:
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
- Take each marinated wing, shake off excess buttermilk, and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring a full and even coating.
- Let the coated wings rest for about 10 minutes to help the flour adhere better.
Step 3: Fry the Wings to Perfection
Now it’s time to make Deep Fried Chicken Wings Crispy!
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Lemon Glaze
For the most delicious Fried Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, a sticky, flavorful glaze is essential.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Toss and Serve!
- Place the crispy fried wings in a large bowl.
- Pour the warm honey lemon glaze over them and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with parsley, extra lemon zest, or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
Tips for the Best Honey Lemon Chicken Wings
Use Buttermilk – It tenderizes the meat, making the wings incredibly juicy inside.
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – For ultra-crispy wings, dip the wings in the buttermilk again before dredging them in flour a second time.
Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature – If the oil is too hot, the wings will burn; if it’s too low, they’ll become greasy. Keep it around 350°F (175°C).
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest – It adds an irresistible citrusy aroma to the glaze.
Toss Wings While Hot – The glaze sticks best when the wings are fresh out of the fryer.
Variations You Must Try
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Wings – Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the glaze for a richer, garlicky taste.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings – Mix some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the honey glaze for a spicy twist.
Oven-Baked Version – If you prefer a healthier option, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss them in the glaze.
Air Fryer Alternative – Cook the wings in an air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What to Serve with Honey Lemon Chicken Wings?
Pair these wings with delicious sides to elevate your meal:
Crispy Fries – Classic pairing for fried chicken wings.
Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy contrast to the sweet and tangy wings.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Adds a smoky, buttery balance.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze.
Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños – A great way to cut through the richness.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Crispy Crunchy Honey Lemon Chicken Wings
There’s nothing better than a batch of homemade Honey Fried Chicken Wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and glazed with a sweet, tangy, and peppery sauce. Whether you prefer Fried Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Wings, or Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Honey Lemon Chicken Wings, why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
