Hey there, my friend. Let me tell you right now, these dry rub chicken wings are about to be your new favorite. No messy sauces, no deep frying—just crispy, flavorful wings with a perfect spice blend. The best part? You can make them in the oven or air fryer, and they still come out crispy.
And oh, by the way, I have a little trick that makes the seasoning stick better. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to get that restaurant-quality crispiness right at home.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Parchment paper (if using an oven)
- Wire rack (for extra crispiness)
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Small bowl (for mixing spices)
Important Info
- Servings: 12 wings
- Estimated Cost: This recipe costs about $8 to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (oven) or 25 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 50 minutes (oven) or 35 minutes (air fryer)
- Calories per Serving: 220
- Cook Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Season: Anytime
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCarbDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, KetoDiet
How to Make Dry Rub Chicken Wings
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Baking powder | Cornstarch |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika + ½ tsp liquid smoke |
| Cayenne pepper | Red pepper flakes |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or melted butter |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or air fryer. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the wings dry. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get crispy.
- Coat with baking powder. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder. This creates a crispy texture when baked.
- Mix the dry rub. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne (if using), and oregano.
- Season the wings. Drizzle olive oil over the wings, then add the spice mix. Toss until fully coated.
- Arrange on a baking sheet or air fryer basket. If using an oven, place a wire rack on a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Arrange the wings in a single layer.
- Bake or air fry.
- Oven: Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Cook for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for doneness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
- Let them rest. Let the wings sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle.
Helpful Tips
- Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking powder helps with crispiness, but baking soda will give an odd taste.
- Don’t skip drying the wings. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Space them out. Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp up.
- Adjust spice levels. Want it milder? Skip the cayenne. Like it spicier? Add more.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
What to Serve with Dry Rub Chicken Wings
You can serve these wings with a simple dip like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy mayo. They also go well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a side of fries. If you want a full meal, pair them with coleslaw or roasted veggies.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve these wings hot on a large platter with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. If you want to be fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley or extra paprika for color.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These wings are perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or backyard cookouts. They are also great for parties because they don’t need plates or utensils. If you need a party idea, try a “Wing Night” where everyone brings their favorite flavors.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving within 2 hours, keep them on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Freezing
- Place wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but you need to thaw them first. If you cook them from frozen, they will release too much water and won’t get crispy.
Do I have to use baking powder?
No, but it helps make the wings crispy. If you don’t have it, cornstarch is a good alternative.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can season the wings and store them in the fridge overnight. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem. You can bake them in the oven, and they’ll still be crispy. Just use a wire rack to allow air circulation.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Make sure the wings are dry before seasoning, use baking powder, and cook them at a high temperature.
