If you’ve never made your own lemon pepper seasoning before, get ready, this stuff is bold, zesty , and so much better than store-bought. The best part? You can make the dried lemon peel from scratch, and I’ll teach you how!

Lemon pepper in a glass jar with a wooden spoon.  - 1

Meet Your New Favorite Homemade Seasoning

  • You’re the boss of the flavor: More lemon? Less pepper? You get to decide! You get to make your lemon pepper seasoning the way you like!
  • No more “oops, we’re out!” moments: Been there. Now I make a big batch and skip the mid-dinner meltdown when the jar’s empty.
  • It actually tastes like lemon: This mix is zesty, fresh, and actually brings the flavor, unlike the sad dusty stuff from the back of your spice cabinet.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients. - 2
  • Dried Lemon Peel: You can make your own at home. Scroll to find my step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning

  1. Add: In a small bowl, combine the dried lemon peel, coarse black pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  2. Stir and Store: Stir to combine and then store in an airtight container. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Then you can use it to season veggies, poultry , fish, and more!
Bowl of individual ingredients in separate piles.  - 3

How to Make Homemade Dried Lemon Peel

Making your own dried lemon peel is super easy and way cheaper than buying it. You can even make it the same day you’re prepping your lemon pepper seasoning!

  • Start with Clean Lemons Use organic lemons if possible (less risk of wax or chemicals). If using non-organic, wash and dry them well.

  • Peel or Zest Lemon Peel Method: Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the yellow peel only, avoiding the white pith (it’s bitter). Fresh Lemon Zest Method: Use a zester or fine grater for smaller flakes and faster drying.

  • Air Dry Method (Longer) Spread zest or peel in a single layer on a plate. Dry: Leave in a warm, well-ventilated spot. Sunlight helps! (Zest may take 1–2 days; peel may take 2–3 days. Check often.)

  • Oven Method (Faster) Spread zest or peel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 180°F for 25–30 minutes, or until fully dry. Store: Let cool, then store in an airtight container.

*** Pro Tip: Grind dried peel in a spice grinder for a fine powder, which is perfect for homemade lemon pepper seasoning!

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Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ ¼ cup dried lemon peel
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon salt
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup dried lemon peel , 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper , 1 tablespoon salt , 1 teaspoon onion powder , and 1 teaspoon garlic powder .
  • Stir to combine and store in an airtight container. Keep in a dry cool place for up to 6 moths. Use to season veggies, poultry, and fish.

Notes

Storing Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

How to Use Lemon Pepper Seasoning

This bold, zesty blend adds instant flavor to just about anything. From pasta and popcorn to salads and seafood, it tastes incredible! If you’re looking for ideas for how to use it, I’ve got you covered!

Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 4 Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 5

Dinner

Brown Butter Lemon Pepper Chicken

25 minutes

Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 6 Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 7

Dinner

Lemon Garlic Butter Flank Steak with Mushrooms

20 minutes

Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 8 Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 9

Dinner

Pan Seared Lemon Pepper Salmon

20 minutes

Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 10 Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 11

Side Dishes

Perfectly Steamed Asparagus

10 minutes

Spooning out a Tablespoon of lemon pepper.  - 12 Lemon Pepper Seasoning - 13

Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup dried lemon peel
  • 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup dried lemon peel , 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper , 1 tablespoon salt , 1 teaspoon onion powder , and 1 teaspoon garlic powder .
  • Stir to combine and store in an airtight container. Keep in a dry cool place for up to 6 moths. Use to season veggies, poultry, and fish.

Notes

Storing Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Nutrition

QR code

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Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning https://therecipecritic.com/lemon-pepper-seasoning/