Crispy Dry Rub Wings Recipe

I relish creating seasoned wings that burst with a perfect blend of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and cayenne. This dish transforms mealtime into a festive event as each crispy wing delivers an irresistible crunch and bold flavor whether baked or air fried, inviting shared moments and satisfying indulgence.

I’ve been messing around in the kitchen lately and decided to try making some Crispy Dry Rub Wings that totally blew my mind. I grabbed 2 lbs chicken wings and tossed them with 2 tbsp olive oil to get things started.

Then i added 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp smoked paprika for that sweet and smoky kick, along with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. I’ve always loved dry chicken wings like these, whether they’re done in an air fryer or baked in the oven.

They remind me of those Longhorn chicken wings you see at a party, full of flavor and crunch. This recipe gives you the chance to control the seasonings exactly how you like it.

It’s my go-to when I need a quick, tasty meal that packs a serious flavor punch. Enjoy cookin and don’t be afraid to tweak the spice mix!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how this recipe gives me the perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavors from the brown sugar and smoked paprika. I also like that it’s super flexible since I can bake it in the oven or use the air fryer, meaning I can always choose what works best for me. The wings come out really crispy every time, and I dig that little crunch with every bite. Lastly, I really appreciate how simple it is to follow the instructions even if I’m in a rush or not feeling very creative in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: Juicy and high in protein, they set the stage for flavorful crispy bites.
• Olive oil: Healthy fats make this dish richer while helping the spices adhere to the wings.
• Brown sugar: Adds a natural sweetness to counteract the spiciness and smoky flavor perfectly.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a deep, smoky flavor that brings depth and a hint of heat.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savory kick that elevates the overall dish without overpowering it.
• Cayenne pepper: Lends vibrant heat to the dish making every bite a tasty adventure.
• Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and balanced flavor, boosting the overall taste beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and tightens the spice profile just right.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F or set your air fryer to 400°F so it’s ready when you are.

2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and toss them in a large bowl with 2 tbsp olive oil until they’re evenly coated.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper until the spice blend is nice and even.

4. Pour the spice mix over the wings and toss them well so that every wing gets a good coat of that delicious mixture.

5. Arrange the wings single layer on a baking rack set in a sheet pan if you’re using the oven; if you’re air frying, be careful not to overcrowd the basket.

6. If baking in the oven, roast the wings for about 40 to 45 minutes, turning them halfway through so they cook evenly; if air frying, cook them for around 20 to 25 minutes, giving the basket a good shake every 7 minutes.

7. Keep an eye on them to make sure they get crispy, and if you like them extra crispy you can cook them a few minutes longer.

8. Once they are done, take them out and let them rest for about 5 minutes so the juices settle in.

9. Serve your crispy dry rub wings with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the burst of flavor!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven or air fryer (preheated to 425°F or 400°F respectively)
2. Paper towels
3. A large mixing bowl for coating the wings
4. A small bowl for mixing the spices
5. Measuring spoons
6. A baking rack for the oven option
7. A sheet pan to place under the rack (if you’re using the oven)
8. A timer to track the cooking time
9. Tongs to turn or shake the wings during cooking

FAQ

Crispy Dry Rub Wings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil: You can try using avocado oil or even melted butter if you dont mind a little different taste.
• Brown sugar: If you dont have it, mix regular sugar with a tiny bit of molasses to get a similar flavor.
• Smoked paprika: You could use regular paprika with a pinch of cumin to bring a smoky kick.
• Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic is a good substitute if you dont have the dry one on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Let the wings air dry in the fridge for about an hour before cooking. That extra time really helps the spices stick and makes the skin extra crispy.
2. Don’t be shy with shaking the air fryer basket or flipping the wings halfway through baking. It might seem like extra work but trust me it really makes the wings cook more evenly.
3. If you have the time, try marinating the wings with the spice mix for 15-20 minutes before cooking. It really lets the flavors soak in and makes your taste buds happy.
4. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking rack or air fryer basket. Keeping a good space between the wings lets the heat circulate better and gives you that crunch you love.