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Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipe

4.7 from 131 reviews

These Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings are seasoned with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar, then baked or air fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they deliver deliciously smoky and slightly sweet notes with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings (drummettes or split wings)

Dry Rub

  • 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

  • Cooking oil spray (olive oil recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: For oven cooking, preheat to 375°F (190°C). For air fryer instructions, preheat to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly to remove moisture. This helps the dry rub stick better and results in crispier skin.
  3. Apply the Dry Rub: In a large bowl or plastic bag, combine the wings with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss or shake well until each wing is generously coated with the dry mixture.
  4. Arrange for Cooking: For oven method, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated wings out in a single layer. Lightly spritz the wings with olive oil spray to help with browning and crisping. For air fryer, place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Cook the Wings (Oven): Bake the wings for 20 minutes at 375°F. After 20 minutes, flip the wings, spritz again with oil, and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the wings are golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
  6. Cook the Wings (Air Fryer): Cook the wings for 15 minutes at 400°F. Flip the wings halfway through cooking, spritz again with oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
  7. Check Doneness and Serve: Ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Serve the wings hot and enjoy their crispy, flavorful texture.

Notes

  • Patting the wings dry before seasoning is crucial for optimal crispiness.
  • If a spicier flavor is desired, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to the dry rub.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on wing size and oven or air fryer model; always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.
  • Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Chicken Wings, Crispy Wings, Dry Rub Chicken, Baked Wings, Air Fryer Wings, Appetizer, Snack