Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipe
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.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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