Name: Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (drummettes or split wings); 1/3 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (enough to fully coat the wings); 2 teaspoons brown sugar or brown sweetener; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking oil spray (olive oil recommended)

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Introduction

Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings are a flavorful and easy-to-make snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. Coated with a spicy, smoky dry rub, these wings bake up crispy without the mess of frying. Whether you use the oven or an air fryer, they come out deliciously crunchy every time.

A close-up view of a bowl full of crispy fried chicken wings, piled high with around two layers visible; the wings have a rich golden-brown color with a crunchy texture and a sprinkle of fine seasoning, some small green herb pieces add a touch of color on top. The bowl is white, and there is a small white bowl with creamy sauce slightly blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings (drummettes or split wings)
1/3 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (enough to fully coat the wings)
2 teaspoons brown sugar or brown sweetener
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil spray (olive oil recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them into a large bowl or a plastic bag.
Step 2: Add the flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the wings. Toss or shake until the wings are evenly and fully coated with the dry rub mixture.
Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings in a single layer. Lightly spritz the wings with cooking oil to help them crisp up.
Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes. Then flip the wings over, spray again with cooking oil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the wings are golden and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5 (Air Fryer Option): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). After coating, place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the wings, spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dry rub.
Use gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free option.
Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spices.
Make the rub ahead and store it in an airtight container to save time on busy days.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the wings soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate piled high with about twelve crispy fried chicken wings, each wing showing a rich golden-brown color with a slightly rough and crunchy texture from the crispy coating. The wings have a reddish tint from seasoning and are sprinkled lightly with small green herb bits. In the background, there is a small white dish with a light-colored dipping sauce, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the wings dry before applying the dry rub to ensure a crispy coating.

What dipping sauces pair well with crispy dry rub wings?

Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli are excellent choices that complement the smoky, spicy flavors of the wings.