Air Fryer Chicken Wings Dry Rub

Chicken wings are amazing in the air fryer. We have Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings and Air fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings to prove it. Even if you cook nothing else, chicken wings alone would justify the price you pay for it. They get perfectly crispy and juicy and so delicious. This air fryer chicken wings dry rub will soon become your favorite wing recipe, I assure you. It’s sweet, spicy, smokey and irresistible.

A simple spice mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper/red chili powder, black pepper along with brown sugar is used to coat the wings. The brown sugar adds a bit of sweetness and charring. Make smokey chicken wings without the grill or bbq. The skin comes out perfectly crispy with juicy meat inside! They are the best I’ve ever tasted.

The best thing is they get done in 20 minutes. Next time, the cravings for crispy, delicious chicken wings hit you’re just minutes away from making them at home. Plus they’re healthy because you’re not frying them in a vat of oil and you’re in control of what goes into them.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check our Air Fryer Recipe Collection.

Why We Love Air Fryer Chicken Wings Dry Rub:

• So flavorful with a perfect combination of spices. It’s spicy, sweet and smoky.
• Needs only a few ingredients.
• No need for oil and deep frying to make super delicious chicken wings just like you get in your favorite BBQ place.
• Ready in 20 minutes. Much faster and crispier than baking in the oven.

How To Make Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings

*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.

STEP ONE: Separate the chicken wings and pat dry.

STEP TWO: Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

STEP THREE: Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle with the seasoning. Toss to coat.

STEP FOUR: Preheat the Air fryer at 390F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking spray.

STEP FIVE: Place the dry rubbed chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can use parchment or foil under the wings for easy clean-up. Make sure to leave space on the sides for airflow.

STEP SIX: Air fry chicken wings for 10 minutes. Flip and air fry for another 5-8 minutes until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should be 165F when checked using a meat thermometer.

STEP FIVE: Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dip.

*Air fryers come in different sizes and models, and you may have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How To Serve Air Fryer Chicken Wings Dry Rub

Air-fried chicken wings can be served as a main meal or as an appetizer.

These wings are so good on their own but you can definitely serve them with celery sticks, cut-up carrots, and ranch dressing.

If you’re serving them as the main meal, try these side dishes.

• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Cauliflower

FAQ

Do you put dry rub on wings before or after frying?

We coat the chicken wings with the dry rub before “frying” in the Air fryer. This will season the chicken wings and gives them flavor.

Can you make these chicken wings low carb?

Yes, these wings can be easily made into low-carb if you swap the brown sugar with a low-carb brown sugar substitute like Lakanto. You can omit the sugar altogether and it’ll still be delicious.

Can you cook frozen chicken wings with dry rub?

No, you need to thaw the wings first for this dry rub chicken wings. You can place the frozen wings overnight in the fridge to thaw or in a bowl of warm water if you’re crunched for time. Make sure you dry the chicken wings thoroughly before seasoning them with the dry rub.