Homemade lemon pepper seasoning is fresh and zesty!
Spice blends like this one are so good because they are made without preservatives—or heaps of sugar or salt! Fresh ingredients make this recipe the best, it’s perfect for seasoning chicken wings or salmon.
A Fave Savory Seasoning
- Everyone loves seasoning blends, but I love freshly made DIY versions!
- This seasoning blend is super versatile, it’s perfect for salmon or to sprinkle on Air Fryer Fish & Chips.
- It takes just minutes to mix up some lemon pepper seasoning with ingredients most pantries keep on hand. No need to run to the store for just one ingredient in that special recipe!
- Most people toss their lemon rinds in the landfill, but this recipe lets you use up the lemon zest to improve the flavors of so many dishes—for free! It’s a zero waste win!
What’s in Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
LEMON ZEST Did you know that it’s super easy to make your own dehydrated lemon zest? Simply use a Microplane grater to zest just the yellow part of the lemon skins (the white pith can be bitter so just get the yellow part). A fine cheese grater will work too.
No zester? No Problem!! No kitchen gadgets are needed, just peel (yellow part only) and dehydrate lemon on a paper towel until crispy, then crush it up! It can also be dehydrated in a 200°F oven for 30 minutes.
SALT & PEPPER Kosher salt or any type is fine though we prefer kosher for the larger flakes. Freshly ground pepper is the best, if possible, but regular ground black pepper will work just fine, though it might not have that coarse texture that tends to be more flavorful.
GARLIC & ONION Use in powdered form. It’s such a savory mix, full of tang and savory-sweet undertones.
PRO TIP: Other types of citrus peels like oranges, grapefruit, or limes can also be peeled and made into homemade citrus zest. Peels can be dehydrated and ground into powder, or can be frozen and added to muffins, cakes, sauces, and soups for an extra tang that’s sure to take your cooking up a notch!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
It’s super easy to make homemade lemon pepper seasoning!
- Combine all ingredients, (per recipe below.)
- Dry mixture on a paper towel until lemon zest is crisp.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
RECIPE TIP It is important that the mixture dries completely before storing. If there is any moisture from the lemon, the mixture can mold.
How to Use Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Lemon pepper seasoning has so many applications beyond simple Lemon Pepper Chicken.
- Make Lemon Pepper Wings or Lemon Pepper Shrimp.
- Sprinkle it on roasted veggies or use it to flavor soup.
- Add a dash of flavor to homefries or wedges!
How to Store
Homemade lemon pepper should be stored in an airtight container. Since lemon peel may not be completely dehydrated, it’s best to keep it cool in the refrigerator for up to a month. If lemon rinds are very thoroughly dehydrated before use, it will stay fresh longer, even up to a year.
So Many Ways to Season
- Salmon Seasoning – ready in 5 minutes
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning – flavor with a kick
- Blackened Seasoning – savory and a little spicy
- Fajita Seasoning – 5 star recipe
- Adobo Seasoning – a perfect blend for chicken
Did you make this Lemon Pepper Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt or more to taste
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients and mix well.
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Set mixture on a paper towel and let it dry 24 hours, mixing occasionally.
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Store in an airtight container once completely dried.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Seasonings
Cuisine American
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Hi! Can’t wait to make your lemon pepper wings with this! Trying to cut out as much work as possible in party prep in a few weeks. Can I use dehydrated lemon peel from a jar? Just straight organic lemon peel, no other ingredients – the kind you can get in the store?
Absolutely Lydia! I would just mince it up finely before mixing with the other ingredients :)