Oh, the joy of biting into something as deliciously crispy as these lemon pepper wings! It’s like a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day, a little tangy, a little spicy—almost like when I first discovered Taylor Swift’s new album was dropping. These wings are all about balance:
the crunch, the zest, the peppery kick. They’re perfect for game nights or just when you’ve had a long day and need a little pick-me-up.
Steps
- Gather all necessary ingredients, including chicken wings, oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and lemon-pepper seasoning.
- Preheat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the extra-virgin olive oil with the lemon-pepper seasoning, then set this mixture aside.
- Fry the chicken wings in the preheated oil for about 8 minutes, until they are no longer pink inside and their juices run clear. Check that an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165°F (74°C).
- Coat the hot wings by tossing them in the prepared lemon-pepper mixture.
- Serve the chicken wings immediately and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of oil (or as necessary)
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon-pepper seasoning
- 12 chicken wings
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4724 | Total Fat: 492g | Saturated Fat: 68g | Cholesterol: 232mg | Sodium: 1636mg | Total Carbohydrates: 0g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 84g | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 4mg | Potassium: 592mg
FAQ
- Can I bake the lemon-pepper chicken wings instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake the wings if you prefer a healthier option. After seasoning, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- What type of oil is best for frying the wings?
- You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. Make sure the oil is heated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying.
- Is it necessary to use an instant-read thermometer when cooking the chicken wings?
- Using an instant-read thermometer is recommended to ensure the wings are cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Can I adjust the amount of lemon-pepper seasoning in the recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the lemon-pepper seasoning to your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
- What can I serve with lemon-pepper chicken wings?
- These wings pair well with a side salad or some fresh vegetables. You can also serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature of 375°F (190°C) before frying to guarantee the wings are cooked thoroughly and achieve a crispy texture.
- Consider baking the wings on a wire rack at 375°F for an additional 10 minutes after frying to enhance their crispiness and lock in the flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safely cooked.
- For added flavor, mix olive oil with lemon-pepper seasoning ahead of time and let it sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld before tossing with the hot wings.
Equipment
- Deep-fryer or large saucepan suitable for frying
- Instant-read thermometer
