Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Updated Oct 15, 2025
Learn how to make homemade lemon pepper seasoning with fresh lemon zest. Use it as a dry rub or sprinkle it on seafood, poultry and veggies!
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Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
One of my favorite seasonings to buy is Lemon Pepper Seasoning, and I finally created a homemade version that might be even better than any store bought one. I make my homemade lemon pepper seasoning with only 3 ingredients and it’s great to use on all your seafood, poultry, and vegetable dishes.
This seasoning blend is one of the easiest to make and you can store it in your spice drawer for up to 6 months and it will taste so fresh! You can use it as a dry rub or just sprinkle it on top for some added oomph!
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Lemon Pepper Seasoning Ingredients
- Lemon zest: If possible, I use organic here since you are adding so much of the zest to the seasoning blend. Make sure you only add the yellow zest, the white pith will make the seasoning blend bitter.
- Peppercorns: Start with whole peppercorns for the best flavor. Black peppercorns are most widely available, but you could use a blend of red, black and green if you’d like.
- Salt: Use a coarse salt, so it doesn’t turn into dust while grinding.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Lemon pepper seasoning is a simple mix of dried lemon peel, black pepper, and salt. My recipe is easy to follow and lasts 6 months – great for chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon zest from about 5 large lemons
- 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
Instructions
- Preheat the toaster oven or oven to 170˚F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the lemon zest in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven until the lemon zest is dried completely, about 60 minutes. Allow the lemon zest to cool completely.
- Transfer the lemon zest along with the peppercorns and salt into a spice grinder or a small high-powered blender and pulse a few times until the mixture is combined but still has some coarse texture. (note I over processed mine and it was too fine)
- Store in an airtight container in a spice drawer for up to six months.
Notes
Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed jar for up to six months. To keep this fresh even longer, you can freeze the mixture in an airtight container for up to two years.
Nutrition
Calories: 9kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.05g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 776mg, Potassium: 48mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 19IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
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Recipe Tips
- Grind to your liking. If you plan to use this as a rub, leave it somewhat coarse. If you prefer to use it as a seasoning to sprinkle on top of scrambled eggs, avocado toast or popcorn, grind it a little longer so it has a finer texture.
- Allow the zest to cool. Before grinding the ingredients, let the zest cool completely to remove any leftover heat or moisture and prevent the salt from clumping.
- Let the zest dehydrate completely. If by the end of the oven timer, you find the zest is still moist, continue to bake until it is dried and crunchy. You don’t want any moisture added to the seasoning blend because it can cause molding.
- Store in spice jars. Find your favorite spice jar to start filling your cabinet with! I love using glass jars with matching lids to keep everything organized.
- Use a microplane grater. This is best and most efficient way to zest a lemon and it makes it easy to leave the bitter white pith behind.
- Add a few dried beans to your storage jar to keep from clumping. They will absorb any remaining moisture in the mixture.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning Uses
- To season chicken and fish. Lemon pepper is most commonly used to season chicken and seafood. Try it instead of the listed seasoning in these recipes: Grilled Lemon Chicken, Lemon Shrimp and Rice, and Pan Seared Scallops.
- To season vegetables. Use it on vegetables like Air Fryer Green Beans, Garlic Roasted Potatoes or Roasted Broccolini
- In marinades. Add lemon pepper to your marinades with lemon juice and oil, plus whatever other seasonings you like. Check out my chicken marinade recipes to find one you like.
- As a rub: Try it on Air Fryer Chicken Wing, Lemon Pepper Salmon or Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- To brighten up a pasta dishes. I love it with Lemon Pasta, Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti or Tuna Pasta,
Comments
Shall try it
Let me know what you think after you make it, Tasneem!