Honey Lemon Pepper Fried Wings

🍯 Honey Lemon Pepper Fried Wings

Crispy fried chicken wings coated in a sticky-sweet, tangy glaze with a kick of black pepper—perfect for game day or a flavorful snack!

⏲️ Prep Time: 15 mins (plus marinating) | 🍳 Cook Time: 20 mins | 🍽️ Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, rested 5 mins)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)

• Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus zest for extra brightness)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp coarse black pepper (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

👩🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Wings:

1. In a bowl, mix wings with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum tenderness).

2️⃣ Fry the Wings:

1. Drain wings (discard buttermilk) and toss in flour until fully coated.

2. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pot or fryer.

3. Fry wings in batches for 8–10 mins until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.

3️⃣ Make the Glaze:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add honey, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 mins until slightly thickened.

2. Toss fried wings in the glaze while hot. Garnish with lemon zest.

💡 Pro Tips

✔ Extra crispy? Double-fry the wings: Fry at 325°F (160°C) first, then again at 375°F (190°C).
✔ Oven option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 mins, flipping halfway. Broil 2 mins for crispiness.
✔ Sticky glaze hack: Brush extra glaze on wings after tossing for a glossy finish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese.

• Serve with celery sticks and extra lemon wedges.

• Great with cold beer or a citrusy cocktail!

Sweet, tangy, peppery, and addictive! Let me know if you’d like a spicier or healthier version. 😋🔥

Variation: For spicy honey lemon pepper wings, add 1 tbsp sriracha to the glaze! 🌶️