Name: Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (drummettes or split wings); ⅓ to ½ 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; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking oil spray (olive oil recommended)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful: A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors without the need for sauce.
Healthier Alternative: Baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, making them a better-for-you option.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a go-to wing recipe.
Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for game nights, parties, or a casual family dinner.

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-Baked Method

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl.
Season the wings: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place the wings on the prepared baking sheet and spritz them with cooking oil.
Bake the wings: Bake for 20 minutes, then flip them, spritz again with oil, and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
Coat the wings: Follow the same prep and seasoning steps as above.
Cook the wings: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz with oil and cook for 15 minutes.
Flip and finish: Flip the wings, spritz with oil again, and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Sweeter Flavor: Increase the brown sugar for a touch more sweetness.
Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic powder for extra depth.
Lemon-Pepper Style: Swap out chili powder for lemon zest and black pepper for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes until crispy again.
Freezing: Store cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

1. How do I make my wings extra crispy?

Pat the wings dry before coating them and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can use cornstarch, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend for alternatives.

3. Can I skip the flour?

Yes, but the flour helps create an extra crispy coating. If skipping, increase the dry rub seasoning for more flavor.

4. What dipping sauces go well with these wings?

Try ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a spicy mayo dip.

5. Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

6. What’s the best way to prevent dry wings?

Avoid overcooking, and make sure to use a light spritz of oil before baking or air frying.

7. Can I add sauce to these wings?

Absolutely! Toss them in BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey garlic glaze after baking.

8. How do I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or increase the chili powder based on your preference.

9. Can I cook these on the grill?

Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.

10. Do I need to flip the wings while baking?

Yes, flipping helps them cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.

Conclusion

Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering bold flavors and a satisfying crunch without deep frying. Whether baked or air-fried, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free wing experience!