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.

plated Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

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!

ingredients to make Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

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!

  1. Combine all ingredients, (per recipe below.)
  2. Dry mixture on a paper towel until lemon zest is crisp.
  3. 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.

mixing seasonings to make Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

How to Use Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning has so many applications beyond simple Lemon Pepper Chicken.

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

Did you make this Lemon Pepper Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

plated Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
5 from 14 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

A handful of simple seasonings are mixed together to create this flavorful Lemon Pepper Seasoning!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Drying Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 5 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt or more to taste
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients and mix well.
  • Set mixture on a paper towel and let it dry 24 hours, mixing occasionally.
  • Store in an airtight container once completely dried.

Notes

Fresh ground pepper adds the best flavor.
Be sure the mixture is completely dry before storing or it can mold.
This recipe uses kosher salt, if you use table salt you may need less salt.
Kosher salt is inexpensive to buy at the grocery store and great for cooking and seasoning!
5 from 14 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 6 | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 873mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

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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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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