Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shines with its bold, balanced seasoning that creates a flavorful crust without the need for heavy sauces. Baking or air frying the wings makes them healthier than traditional fried wings while still delivering a satisfying crunch. The dry rub is simple, pantry-friendly, and customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking. Perfect for all occasions, these wings pair well with a variety of sides and dips, making them a versatile and delicious choice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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)
Directions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Place wings in a large bowl or plastic bag. Add flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss or shake to coat evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings on it in a single layer. Spritz wings generously with cooking oil spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings, spritz again with oil, and bake for another 10 minutes until wings are crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Prepare wings with dry rub as above.
- Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spritz with oil.
- Cook for 15 minutes, flip wings, spritz again with oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes (oven) or 20 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Heat: Add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to boost spice.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or baking powder for coating.
- Sweet & Smoky: Add smoked brown sugar or maple sugar for deeper sweetness.
- Herb Infused: Mix dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the dry rub for an aromatic twist.
- Different Proteins: Use this dry rub for chicken drumsticks or thighs for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the wings soggy.
FAQs
How do I get the wings extra crispy?
Pat wings dry before seasoning and don’t skip the oil spray. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before applying the dry rub to avoid soggy wings.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika can be used, but smoked paprika adds a unique depth and smoky flavor.
Can I make the dry rub in advance?
Absolutely. Mix the spices and store in an airtight container for future use.
Are these wings spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat. Adjust chili powder or add cayenne for more spice.
Can I deep fry these wings instead?
Yes, but this recipe is designed for baking or air frying to keep it healthier.
What dipping sauces go well with these wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli pair perfectly.
How do I know when wings are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just increase ingredient quantities and cook in batches if needed.
What side dishes complement these wings?
Coleslaw, cucumber salad, sweet potato fries, or fresh veggies with dip are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that offers the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture. Their simple ingredient list and healthier cooking methods make them an ideal option for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you want a delicious crowd-pleaser. Customize the spice level to suit your taste, pair with your favorite sides, and enjoy a homemade wing recipe that everyone will love.
Print
Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings featuring a smoky, sweet, and savory spice blend, baked or air-fried to a perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior. A healthier, crowd-pleasing wing recipe ideal for game days or casual meals.
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
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Place wings in a large bowl or plastic bag. Add flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss or shake to coat evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings on it in a single layer. Spritz wings generously with cooking oil spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings, spritz again with oil, and bake for another 10 minutes until wings are crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Prepare wings with dry rub as above.
- Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spritz with oil.
- Cook for 15 minutes, flip wings, spritz again with oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Notes
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat by baking at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or air frying at 400°F (204°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Pat wings dry before seasoning and use oil spray to help achieve extra crispiness.
Frozen wings must be fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
Mix dry rub in advance and store in an airtight container.
Adjust chili powder or add cayenne pepper to increase spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 wings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
