Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings

Disclaimer: This homemade copycat recipe is inspired by the popular Lemon Pepper Wings served at Buffalo Wild Wings. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, and it is not the restaurant’s official recipe. This version is my own homemade recreation designed to capture a similar buttery lemon pepper flavor using simple ingredients.

There’s no need to head to your favorite wing restaurant when you can make these Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings right at home.

Crispy fried chicken wings are tossed in a rich, buttery lemon pepper coating that delivers the bright citrus flavor and savory black pepper kick that lemon pepper wing fans love.

Whether you’re serving them for game day, a family dinner, or your next party, these wings are guaranteed to disappear fast.

This homemade copycat recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to recreate the bold lemon pepper flavor in an easy, budget-friendly way.

The buttery coating clings to every crispy wing, creating the perfect balance of tangy lemon, cracked black pepper, and just the right amount of richness.

If you like your wings a little sweeter, you can even add a drizzle of honey to mellow the citrus without overpowering the classic lemon pepper flavor.

These lemon pepper wings are delicious served on their own, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing, or alongside your favorite fries and vegetables.

Once you see how easy they are to make at home, you’ll have a new go-to recipe whenever you’re craving restaurant-style wings without leaving the house.

You may also like:

• Oven Baked Chicken Wings
• Chicken Wings 3 Ways: Dry Rub, Buffalo, and Caribbean Jerk
• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
• Instant Pot Sesame Garlic Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-inspired flavor at home. Skip the takeout and enjoy crispy lemon pepper wings made right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.
• Perfectly crispy every time. Frying the wings until golden brown gives them a deliciously crispy skin that’s perfect for soaking up the buttery lemon pepper coating.
• Easy pantry ingredients. Everything you need can be found at most grocery stores, making this recipe simple to prepare whenever a wing craving strikes.
• Easy to customize. Prefer a sweeter flavor? Add a little honey. Want more citrus or black pepper? Sprinkle on extra lemon pepper seasoning before serving.
• Great for parties and game day. These wings are always a crowd favorite for football parties, family gatherings, cookouts, and holiday appetizers.
• Budget-friendly. Making lemon pepper wings at home is an easy way to enjoy restaurant-inspired flavor while feeding the whole family for less.

Helpful Tips

• Pat the wings completely dry. Removing excess moisture helps the skin fry up crispier and also reduces splattering when the wings hit the hot oil.
• Maintain the oil temperature. Keep the oil around 375°F for crispy, evenly cooked wings. If the oil gets too cool, the wings can absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer. Cook the wings in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent and each wing has plenty of room to crisp.
• Use a meat thermometer. Chicken wings are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.
• Toss the wings while they’re hot. Freshly fried wings hold onto the buttery lemon pepper coating much better than wings that have cooled.
• Season to taste. If you enjoy a bolder lemon pepper flavor, sprinkle on a little extra lemon pepper seasoning just before serving.
• Adjust the sweetness. The honey is completely optional. Leave it out for a brighter, more savory lemon pepper flavor, or add it to balance the citrus with a touch of sweetness.

Variations

Make It Hot Lemon Pepper
Love a little heat? Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the buttery lemon pepper coating for a spicy twist.

Use an Air Fryer
For a lighter option, cook the wings in an air fryer according to your air fryer’s instructions until they’re crispy and cooked through. Toss them with the lemon pepper coating immediately before serving.

Bake Instead of Frying
Bake the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, toss them in the warm lemon pepper butter sauce.

Make Boneless Lemon Pepper Chicken
This buttery lemon pepper coating is just as delicious on boneless chicken breast chunks or chicken tenders. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, then toss it in the sauce before serving.

Extra Lemon Flavor
For an even brighter citrus flavor, add a little fresh lemon zest to the sauce just before coating the wings.

Dry Rub Style
If you prefer less sauce, lightly coat the hot wings with the butter mixture, then finish with an extra sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning for a bolder, drier finish.

What to Serve With It

These Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings pair perfectly with all your favorite game day snacks, comfort food sides, and dipping sauces. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or making them the main course, here are a few delicious ideas:

• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
• Onion Rings
• Fried Pickles
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Potato Salad
• Ranch House Pinto Beans
• Celery and Carrot Sticks
• Corn on the Cob for summer cookouts

For an easy party spread, serve these lemon pepper wings with a variety of dipping sauces and a few classic sides so everyone can mix and match their favorites.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to make these crispy lemon pepper wings at home. Here are the basic tools you’ll need:

• Deep Fryer, Dutch Oven, or Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot – For frying the wings evenly and safely.
• Deep Fry Thermometer – Helps keep the oil at the ideal frying temperature for crispy wings.
• Large Mixing Bowl with Lid – Makes it easy to toss the hot wings in the buttery lemon pepper coating.
• Small Saucepan – For preparing the lemon pepper butter sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons – To accurately measure the ingredients.
• Tongs or a Spider Strainer – For safely removing the wings from the hot oil.
• Paper Towels or a Wire Cooling Rack – To drain excess oil after frying.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer – Ensures the wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

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Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings

Ingredients:

• 20 chicken wing pieces (flats and drumettes separated, about 10 whole chicken wings)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil
• 1½ to 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, plus more for serving
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup honey (optional), for a slightly sweeter lemon pepper coating

Ingredient Notes

Chicken wing pieces – This recipe uses flats and drumettes, which cook evenly and are easy to eat. If you’re starting with whole chicken wings, simply separate them at the joints before frying.

Vegetable oil – Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, for crispy, golden-brown wings.

Unsalted butter – Butter creates the rich, flavorful coating that helps the lemon pepper seasoning cling to the wings. Using unsalted butter lets you better control the overall saltiness.

Canola or vegetable oil – Mixing a small amount of neutral oil with the butter helps create a smooth coating that evenly covers the wings.

Lemon pepper seasoning – Since this recipe relies on just a few ingredients, use a good-quality lemon pepper seasoning for the best flavor. If your seasoning blend already contains salt, you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt.

Salt – A small amount enhances the overall flavor, but you can adjust it to taste depending on the salt content of your lemon pepper seasoning.

Honey (optional) – Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the bright lemon flavor. Leave it out if you prefer a more traditional savory lemon pepper wing.

How to Make Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings

Directions:

Step 1:

Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep fryer, Dutch oven, or large heavy-bottomed pot to safely fry the wings. Heat the oil to 375°F.

Step 2:

Pat the chicken wing pieces completely dry with paper towels. Dry wings fry up crispier and help reduce oil splatter.

Step 3:

While the oil is heating, make the lemon pepper coating. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and skim off the foam from the top to clarify the butter as much as possible.

Step 5:

Carefully lower the wings into the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6:

Transfer the cooked wings to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes while you finish frying the remaining batches.

Step 7: Place all of the cooked wings into a large bowl. Stir the lemon pepper coating well, then pour it over the hot wings. Cover the bowl with a lid and toss until every wing is evenly coated.

Step 8:

Sprinkle with additional lemon pepper seasoning, if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Storage

Leftover lemon pepper wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Allow the wings to cool completely before refrigerating to help preserve their texture and prevent excess moisture from building up in the container.

For the best flavor and texture, reheat only the amount you plan to eat, as repeated reheating can cause the wings to dry out.

Freezing

These lemon pepper wings freeze well for a quick meal later. Once the cooked wings have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen wings to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

For the best flavor and texture, thaw the wings overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the wings in an air fryer at 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes on a baking sheet until they’re hot and the skin is crispy again.

If you’re short on time, microwave the wings in 30-second intervals until warmed through. While this is the quickest method, the skin won’t be as crispy as it will be when reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these lemon pepper wings in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook the wings in your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions until they’re crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Toss them in the lemon pepper coating immediately before serving.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely. Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake until the skin is crispy and the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then toss them with the lemon pepper coating while they’re still hot.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for the crispiest results.

Why do I need to pat the wings dry?

Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up during frying and reduces splattering when the wings are added to the hot oil.

Can I make the lemon pepper coating ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the coating up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently warm it before tossing it with the freshly cooked wings.

What is the best oil for frying chicken wings?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils produce crispy wings without overpowering the lemon pepper flavor.

Can I make these wings sweeter?

Yes. The optional honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy lemon pepper flavor. You can also drizzle a little honey over the finished wings just before serving if you prefer a sweeter coating.