Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings

Introduction

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings are a delightful twist on a classic dish. With the zesty kick of lemon and the bold flavor of black pepper, these turkey wings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a satisfying dinner, this recipe will impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

History of Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning has a rich history rooted in the blend of tangy lemon zest and spicy black pepper. Originally used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, it has evolved into a popular seasoning worldwide. Its versatility makes it a favorite for everything from chicken wings to seafood.

Ingredients Needed

To make Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Turkey Wings: Fresh or frozen, thawed.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade.
• Additional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for extra tang.
• Olive Oil: For marinating and cooking.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro for garnish.

Choosing the Right Turkey Wings

When selecting turkey wings, opt for fresh over frozen if possible. Fresh wings often have better texture and flavor. Look for wings that are plump and free of any unpleasant odors. If using frozen wings, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

Preparation Steps

1. Cleaning and Prepping the Turkey Wings: Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Making the Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Combine lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Marinating the Wings: In a large bowl, mix the turkey wings with olive oil, lemon juice, and the lemon pepper seasoning. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking Methods

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings can be cooked in various ways, including baking, grilling, and air frying. Each method offers a unique texture and flavor.

Baking Instructions

1. Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Baking Time and Temperature: Place the marinated wings on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through.
3. Ensuring Even Cooking: Make sure the wings are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to promote even cooking.

Grilling Instructions

1. Preparing the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2. Grilling Time and Techniques: Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning frequently to prevent burning.
3. Getting the Perfect Char: For a nice char, move the wings to a hotter part of the grill for the last few minutes.

Air Frying Instructions

1. Setting Up the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
2. Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
3. Achieving Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes.

Making the Lemon Pepper Sauce

1. Ingredients for the Sauce: Lemon juice, melted butter, lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cooking and Mixing Instructions: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Adjusting Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings pair well with a variety of side dishes:

• Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
• Grilled Vegetables: A healthy, flavorful option.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Wings

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the wings overnight.
• Pat Dry: Ensure the wings are dry before cooking for crispy skin.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Space out the wings to ensure even cooking.

Variations of the Recipe

• Spicy Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
• Honey Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings: Drizzle honey over the wings before serving for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings are a fantastic dish that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the boldness of black pepper, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken wings instead of turkey wings?
Yes, chicken wings can be substituted for turkey wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Is it necessary to marinate the wings?
While not mandatory, marinating enhances the flavor significantly.

3. Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes, store-bought seasoning works well, but homemade allows for customization.

4. How do I make the wings spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

5. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake or grill the wings instead. Both methods yield delicious results.

Yield: 6

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings

Print

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings are a delightful twist on a classic dish. With the zesty kick of lemon and the bold flavor of black pepper, these turkey wings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a satisfying dinner, this recipe will impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• Turkey Wings
• 4 pounds turkey wings 4 large turkey wings
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (salt-free) *See Note 1
• Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
• 6 Tablespoons salted butter I use Kerrygold *See Note 2
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Serving
• Lemon wedges or slices optional
• Minced parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 400° F or 200° C. Line a 9 by 13 inch sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up.

Prep and season turkey wings: If using full turkey wings, cut them at the joints then discard the tips or save them for making homemade stock. Rinse the turkey wings and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place the turkey wings in a large bowl. Add the salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, and lemon pepper seasoning. (Save the ingredients for the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce for later). Toss the turkey wings well with the seasoning to combine, ensuring that the seasoning coats every inch of the meat.

Bake turkey wings: Place the seasoned turkey wings on the prepared baking sheet, place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 30 minutes, remove the pan, flip the wings to the other side and continue baking until the turkey wings are done. The turkey wings are done when an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a wing without touching the bone reads 165°F or 74°C.

Make lemon pepper butter sauce: While the turkey wings bake, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and add the lemon pepper seasoning and stir to combine.

Toss turkey wings with lemon pepper butter sauce: Place the baked turkey wings into a large bowl. Add the lemon pepper butter sauce then toss well to combine ensuring that all the wings are coated in the sauce. Another way to coat the turkey with sauce would be to brush both sides of each turkey wing with the sauce using a basting brush.

Garnish and serve: Garnish the turkey wings with more lemon pepper seasoning, lemon slices or wedges, and minced parsley.

Notes

1. Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Ideally, the lemon pepper seasoning used in this recipe should be salt-free. That way you can control the amount of salt that goes into the recipe. However, if you have lemon pepper seasoning with salt included then reduce the amount of salt the recipe calls for.

2. Butter: To control the amount of salt, use unsalted butter and add salt to taste.

3. Make Ahead: Season the turkey wings then wrap them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge overnight. The next day, remove the turkey from the fridge, bring it to room temperature and proceed with cooking as stated in the recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 511