Deep-Frying Lemon Pepper Wings: A Tasty, Zesty Treat

Lemon pepper wings are a delicious snack, perfect for game day or a party. They are a great alternative to spicy buffalo wings and are easy to make in a deep fryer, air fryer, or oven. The key to getting that crispy skin is to dry the chicken wings before tossing them in flour and then frying them in small batches. The sauce is a simple combination of melted butter and lemon pepper seasoning, with some recipes adding lemon juice and zest for an extra zesty kick.

Choosing a deep fryer

When choosing a deep fryer, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best results for your lemon pepper wings. Firstly, you'll want to think about the size of the unit and how many wings you'll be cooking at once. A deep fryer with dual baskets can be handy as it allows you to cook different foods simultaneously. You'll also want to make sure the deep fryer can maintain a consistent oil temperature and has a sturdy build.

Safety is an important consideration when dealing with hot oil, so look for a deep fryer with a safety feature that will shut off the heating element if the oil gets too hot. An adjustable thermostat and a wire basket for easy frying and draining are also useful features. Additionally, an oil thermometer will help you monitor and maintain the ideal frying temperature of 375°F (190°C).

Some popular deep fryer options on the market include:

• Elite Platinum: Features dual baskets and a bonus extra-large basket, allowing you to cook multiple foods at once. It can hold up to 16.5 cups of oil.
• WeChef Electric Deep Fryer: This fryer has a fast heating tube and can fry up to 3 pounds of chips in less than 15 minutes. It also has overheating protection and a plastic handlebar to prevent scalding.
• Cuisinart Deep Fryer: A 4-quart fryer that can handle up to 2.3 pounds of food, making it great for hosting large groups. It's easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts.
• PMSW Electric Deep Fryer: This fryer has a heavy-duty stainless steel exterior, a detachable tank for easy cleaning, and a temperature range of 60-200°C. It also has a lid cover to prevent oil from splashing.
• Casulo Deep Fryer: A versatile option with two independent electric heads and two removable 6.35QT baskets for cooking different foods at different temperatures. It has a high smoke point and a large bowl.

Preparing the chicken wings

Cut and Separate the Wings:

Start by cutting the chicken wings into three sections: the wingette, the drumette, and the tip. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can do it yourself using a sharp knife. Cut through the joints to separate the different sections. The wing tips are not needed for this recipe and can be discarded or saved for making stock.

Dry the Wings:

Before coating the wings, it is important to ensure they are dry. Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings and remove any excess moisture. This step will help the coating adhere better and create a crispier finish.

Prepare the Coating:

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper, to add extra flavour to your wings. Mix the dry ingredients well.

Coat the Wings:

Take each chicken wing and coat it evenly with the flour mixture. Make sure to press the flour into all the nooks and crannies of the wings. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated wings on a wire rack to air dry while you prepare the oil for frying.

Heat the Oil:

For deep frying, add enough oil to your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to reach a depth of about 4 inches or 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Heat the oil to a temperature of 350°F to 375°F. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point.

Fry the Wings:

Carefully place the coated chicken wings into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the wings for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Maintain the oil temperature during frying for the best results. Remove the wings from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels.

Now that your chicken wings are prepared, you can toss them in the lemon pepper sauce and serve them with your favourite dipping sauces!

Making the lemon-pepper sauce

The lemon-pepper sauce is a key component of the lemon pepper wings, giving them their signature tangy and zesty flavour. The sauce is typically made with a combination of butter and lemon pepper seasoning, with some recipes also adding in lemon juice and zest for an extra punch of lemon. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect lemon-pepper sauce:

Ingredients:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter and melt it before adding it to the sauce.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This blend of dried lemon zest, pepper, and salt is the star ingredient of the sauce. You can use store-bought or make your own by combining dried lemon zest, pepper, and salt to taste.
• Lemon Juice (optional): Adding the juice of half a lemon can enhance the citrus flavour of the sauce.
• Lemon Zest (optional): For an even stronger lemon flavour, add some lemon zest to the sauce. This can be used in addition to, or in place of, the lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Melt the butter: Start by melting the desired amount of butter. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Combine butter and lemon pepper seasoning: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir well to ensure they are fully combined.
• Add lemon juice and/or zest (optional): If you want to boost the lemon flavour, add the juice of half a lemon to the butter and lemon pepper mixture. You can also add some lemon zest for extra tanginess.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Dip a chicken wing or a spoon into the sauce and taste it. Adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon pepper seasoning for a stronger flavour, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the savoury notes.
• Toss with the cooked chicken wings: Once your wings are cooked and crispy, it's time to coat them in the delicious lemon-pepper sauce. Place the wings in a large bowl, pour the sauce over them, and toss until they are evenly coated.

Feel free to double or triple the sauce recipe if you prefer your wings extra saucy! You can also sprinkle on some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavour and a pop of colour.

Deep-frying the chicken wings

Preparing the Chicken Wings

Start by separating the wings into three parts: the tip, the wingette, and the drumette. You can discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is important as it ensures that the flour coating will stick properly to the wings.

Creating the Flour Coating

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. You can season the flour to your liking, but a simple mixture of these three ingredients will give your wings a delicious crispy exterior. Coat each chicken wing evenly in the flour mixture, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated wings on a wire rack to air dry while you prepare the oil.

Deep-Frying the Wings

For deep-frying, you can use a heavy dutch oven or an electric deep fryer. Add enough oil to your vessel to reach a depth of about 1 1/2 - 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F/180°C. It is important to maintain this temperature throughout the frying process, so adjust your stove setting as needed.

Carefully place the chicken wings into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Depending on the size of your pot or fryer, you will likely need to fry the wings in 4 batches. Deep-fry the wings for 6-8 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F/74°C.

Remove the wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack in a warm oven while you fry the remaining batches.

Making the Lemon Pepper Sauce

While your wings are frying, you can prepare the lemon pepper sauce. This sauce is what gives your wings their delicious zesty flavor. Simply melt some butter and mix it with lemon pepper seasoning and lemon juice. You can adjust the proportions to your taste preferences, adding more or less lemon juice or seasoning as needed.

Tossing the Wings in Sauce

Once all your wings are fried and your sauce is ready, it's time to toss the wings in the sauce. Place the crispy chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss or stir the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

Serving the Wings

Your lemon pepper wings are now ready to serve! You can garnish them with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or extra lemon pepper seasoning if desired. These wings pair well with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and zesty creation!

Serving suggestions

Lemon pepper wings are a delicious snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your lemon pepper wings:

As a Snack or Appetizer

Lemon pepper wings can be served as a tasty snack or appetizer. They are perfect for game day or any gathering with friends and family. Serve them with a side of celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing and healthy contrast to the rich, crispy wings. You can also provide your favourite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, to take the flavour up a notch.

As a Main Course

If you want to make a meal out of your lemon pepper wings, consider serving them with some classic bar foods like fried shrimp, French fries, or baked potato skins. They also go well with a simple tossed green salad or a homemade pepperoni pizza. For a heartier meal, pair the wings with a side of veggies or a classic baked potato.

Variety of Wings

You can also serve lemon pepper wings alongside other flavours of chicken wings to offer a variety to your guests. Try tossing half of the wings in lemon pepper sauce and the other half in a classic buffalo wing sauce. This way, you cater to different taste preferences and provide a range of flavours.

Dipping Sauces

While lemon pepper wings are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavour with various dipping sauces. Honey mustard is a perfect choice to balance the tang of the lemon pepper. If you're looking for something creamy and tangy, go for a herbed buttermilk ranch dressing. For those who like it spicy, Nashville hot chicken dip will kick things up a notch. And of course, the classic blue cheese dressing is always a tasty option.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover lemon pepper wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the wings for up to four months. When reheating, avoid using the microwave, as it can ruin the crispy skin. Instead, warm the wings in an oven set to 350°F until they reach your desired temperature.

Frequently asked questions