Appetizer

Copycat Wingstop’s Lemon Pepper Wings

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If you’ve ever demolished a basket of Wingstop’s Lemon Pepper Wings and wondered how they get them so flavorful and crispy, I’ve got good news, you’re about to make them at home and blow your own mind. These wings are tangy, buttery, and bold, just like the ones you know and love. But instead of ordering out, we’re leveling up with a homemade version that’s just as crave-worthy and even crispier thanks to a secret combo: mustard and a seasoned flour dredge with cornstarch.

Now before you side-eye the mustard, hear me out. A light coating of yellow mustard does more than add flavor, it tenderizes the meat and helps the flour stick like magic. No need for fancy marinades or hours of prep. Just toss your wings in mustard, dust them in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix, and they’re ready for the air fryer. It’s simple, fast, and ridiculously effective.

Air frying gives these wings that signature crispy shell without the mess or heaviness of deep-frying. You still get golden-brown edges and juicy meat, but your kitchen stays clean and your oil bill stays low. Once they’re hot and fresh, toss them in a melted butter and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning blend that coats every nook and cranny. Add a little cayenne pepper for spice, and boom—lemon pepper magic.

And yes, we’re absolutely making the ranch at home too. Wingstop’s ranch is elite, but a quick mix of mayo, buttermilk, and some chives gets you a dreamy, creamy dip that pairs perfectly with the zesty wings. It’s cool, creamy, and makes each bite feel like the full experience.

So if you’re ready to ditch takeout and get your hands dirty in the most delicious way, these Copycat Lemon Pepper Wings are calling your name. Crispy, juicy, buttery, and air-fried to perfection, they might just ruin Wingstop for you forever (in the best way possible).

Copycat Wingstop’s Lemon Pepper Wings

Recipe by Julia Vuong
5.0 from 2 votes
Course: appetizerCuisine: American
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb 1 party wings (drums and wings)

  • 1.5 tbsp 1.5 yellow mustard

  • 1.5 tbsp 1.5 Red Hot’s Wing Sauce

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 paprika

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic salt

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 onion powder

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 pepper

  • neutral oil spray

  • Seasoned Flour Mixture
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 AP flour

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 corn starch

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic salt

  • 1 tsp 1 garlic powder

  • 1 tsp 1 paprika

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 pepper

  • Lemon Butter Sauce
  • 3 tbsp 3 unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp 1 salt-free lemon pepper seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 cayenne pepper

  • Copycat Wingstop Ranch
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 mayo

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 buttermilk

  • 1 tbsp 1 milk (adjust for thickness)

  • 1 tbsp 1 ranch powder seasoning

  • 1 tsp 1 chives

Directions

  • Marinate the wings
    In a large bowl, mix mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper.
    Add wings and toss to coat evenly.
  • Dredge the wings
    In another bowl, mix all the seasoned flour ingredients.
    Take each wing from the marinade (don’t shake off too much sauce!) and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
  • Air Fry the wings
    Spray wings with avocado oil or any other neutral oil. Lay them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes at 400F (200C). Flip halfway through.
  • Make the sauce
    In a small saucepan, melt butter, add salt-free lemon pepper seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the wings and add more lemon pepper seasoning all over the wings.
  • Make the ranch
    Combine mayo, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and chives. Add a bit of milk to thin out the ranch to your liking.
  • Enjoy!