🔥 Dry Rub Chicken Wings (Crispy, Flavor-Packed & Oven or Air Fryer Friendly!)
If you’re tired of soggy, sauce-drenched wings and want maximum flavor with ultra-crispy skin, these Dry Rub Chicken Wings are about to become your new obsession. No sticky fingers, no messy sauces—just perfectly seasoned wings with a bold, smoky, savory crust that delivers on every bite.
Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a family dinner, or craving a high-protein snack, this dry rub wings recipe is easy, affordable, and endlessly customizable. Best of all? You can make them in the oven or air fryer with restaurant-quality results.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Dry Rub Chicken Wings
✔️ Extra crispy skin without deep frying
✔️ Packed with smoky, savory, slightly spicy flavor
✔️ Perfect for parties, game nights, or meal prep
✔️ Oven-baked or air-fried options
✔️ No sauce required (but totally optional!)
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Wings:
2–3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes & flats)
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free, for crispiness)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, helps seasoning stick)
For the Ultimate Dry Rub:
2 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)
½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional heat)
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
👉 Pro Tip: Baking powder is the secret weapon—it helps draw moisture from the skin, creating that crave-worthy crunch.
🔪 How to Make Dry Rub Chicken Wings (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin—don’t skip it!
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients, including the baking powder.
3️⃣ Season Generously
Place wings in a large bowl. Lightly drizzle with olive oil (optional), then sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the wings. Toss until fully coated.
4️⃣ Cook Your Way
🔥 Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top
Arrange wings in a single layer
Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy
⚡ Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C)
Cook wings for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway
Increase to 400°F (205°C) for the last 5 minutes for extra crisp
🥗 Serving Ideas
These dry rub wings are amazing on their own, but here are some winning pairings:
Celery & carrot sticks
Ranch or blue cheese dip
Coleslaw or potato wedges
Corn on the cob or mac & cheese
🔥 Flavor Variations (Make Them Your Own!)
BBQ Style: Add extra smoked paprika & brown sugar
Lemon Pepper: Skip paprika, add lemon zest & cracked pepper
Garlic Parmesan: Toss cooked wings with grated Parmesan & garlic powder
Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning + cayenne
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Season the wings and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking for even deeper flavor.
Do I need sauce?
Not at all. These wings are designed to shine without sauce, but you can serve sauce on the side if desired.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning.
📌 Final Thoughts
These Dry Rub Chicken Wings are proof that you don’t need sauce to create bold, irresistible flavor. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with seasoning—this is the kind of recipe people save, share, and make again and again.
👉 Save this recipe, share it with a wing lover, and tell me—oven or air fryer?
