Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Name: Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sweet paprika; 0.5 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 8 chicken wings, or more as needed

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or to taste)
teaspoon mustard powder
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 chicken wings (or more, as needed)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together dark brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, mustard powder, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and use your hands to rub the seasoning mix into the wings until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket, arranging them upright so they lean against each other and the walls of the basket.

Step 5: Cook the wings in the preheated air fryer for 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through, tender on the inside, and golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Once cooked, transfer the wings to a plate and serve them hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 441
Total Fat: 30g (38% DV)
Saturated Fat: 11g (53% DV)
Cholesterol: 99mg (33% DV)
Sodium: 1424mg (62% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 22g (8% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 22g (43% DV)
Vitamin C: 4mg (4% DV)
Calcium: 54mg (4% DV)
Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
Potassium: 338mg (7% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Recipe by: K Knox

Description: These air fryer chicken wings, seasoned with a sweet and spicy dry rub, cook in less than 30 minutes and always come out juicy inside with a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

History and Origins of Dry Rub Wings

Chicken wings have become a staple in American cuisine, particularly in the form of buffalo wings, which were invented in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. However, dry rub wings have their roots in the broader tradition of barbecue and grilling, where dry rubs were used to enhance the natural flavors of the meat without overwhelming it with sauce. Over time, dry rubs became popular in various regions, particularly in Southern and Western barbecue, where the focus is on the seasoning rather than saucy preparations. The use of the air fryer to prepare dry rub wings is a more recent innovation, as people look for healthier and quicker ways to cook crispy, flavorful wings at home.

Regional Features of Dry Rub Wings

Dry rub wings can be found across the United States, but their preparation often varies by region. In the South, dry rubs might feature a combination of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar for a smoky, spicy sweetness. In other parts of the country, different spice mixes and herbs are added to suit local tastes. For example, in the Midwest, you may find wings with more emphasis on savory notes, using ingredients like oregano and thyme, while in Texas, chili powder and cumin may be more common. Regardless of the regional variations, the key to dry rub wings lies in the perfect balance of spices to complement the chicken's natural flavor.

How Dry Rub Wings Differ from Other Similar Dishes

Compared to saucy wings, dry rub wings offer a less messy eating experience. The seasoning, while still intense, is absorbed into the skin and meat, which results in a more concentrated flavor. This method also allows for the natural crispiness of the chicken skin to shine through. Unlike buffalo wings, which are usually smothered in hot sauce and served with a side of blue cheese or ranch, dry rub wings provide a different texture and flavor profile, often with a more subtle spice. The dry rub also tends to be less messy, making it easier to eat with your hands without getting covered in sauce.

Where Dry Rub Wings Are Usually Served

Dry rub wings are often served in casual dining settings such as sports bars, backyard barbecues, or restaurants specializing in chicken. They are a popular appetizer or snack at parties, particularly during sporting events or social gatherings. Many people also enjoy them as part of a larger meal, accompanied by sides like fries, coleslaw, or salad. In recent years, dry rub wings have gained popularity in health-conscious restaurants as they can be made in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings.

Interesting Facts About Dry Rub Wings

Dry rubs can be tailored to suit personal tastes, with many variations to accommodate different spice levels, from mild to extra hot.
The air fryer has revolutionized the way people cook chicken wings, allowing for crispy results without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option.
In some regions, dry rub wings are paired with an extra side of spice, such as cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to give the wings an added kick.
The tradition of using dry rubs for chicken dates back to the early days of barbecue, long before the first buffalo wing was ever created.
Dry rub wings are often considered the healthier option compared to saucy wings, as they are lower in calories and sugar content.

Conclusion

Dry rub air fryer chicken wings combine the perfect blend of spices, a healthier cooking method, and crispy, tender results. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these wings have become a favorite in homes and restaurants alike. Their versatility allows them to be customized to fit any taste, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving: 441 Calories, 30g Fat, 22g Carbs, 22g Protein, 2g Fiber, 6g Sugar, 1424mg Sodium

FAQ about Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Store leftover dry rub chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze cooked dry rub chicken wings. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes from frozen.

If you’re missing some spices, you can substitute with what you have on hand. For example, use regular paprika instead of sweet paprika, or use a mix of herbs like thyme and rosemary if you don’t have poultry seasoning. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences!

Yes! If you prefer spicier wings, you can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to the rub. You can also adjust the amount of mustard powder if you like more tang.

Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the wings and your air fryer model. Typically, 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C) works well for crispy, tender wings. You may need to adjust the time slightly based on your air fryer’s performance.

To prevent dryness, ensure you don’t overcook the wings. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you're using larger wings, you may need to cook them slightly longer, but always check the internal temperature.

Yes, you can use this dry rub on other types of chicken pieces like drumsticks or breasts. You can also try it on other meats such as pork chops, salmon, or even vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a flavorful twist.

If the rub turns out too salty, you may have added too much kosher salt or your seasoning mix might be too concentrated. Try using less salt next time and adjust according to your taste. You can always add more salt later if needed.

Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to make more servings. Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as that will affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked wings. Consider cooking in batches if necessary.

These wings go great with a variety of sides such as a fresh salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese. You could also serve them with fries, sweet potato wedges, or rice for a complete meal.

Comments

Lisa Wilkerson

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I have never reviewed anything on here before but these wings were so amazing I felt I owed the poster. They are phenomenal. My hubby is hyper critical of food and he only likes dry rubbed wings, he doesn’t like them saucy, so I tried these and they turned out perfectly! I followed the recipe exactly except I couldn’t find sweet paprika so I used regular and the flavor was outstanding. Saving this one and will use it every time I make wings. Air fryer made it even healthier. Perfect recipe

Steviejpa

07/29/2024 11:05:45 PM

I made this recipe with the addition of a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It easily coated 2 1/2 pounds, about 16 wings. My ninja air fryer definitely heats more on the left side. I let them cook for 10 minutes, flip them over for another 10 minutes, then rotated my tray 180° for another 10 minutes. A total of 30 minutes, outside was crispy inside was tender to about 175°. Will definitely use this recipe again!

Gary Jordan

02/12/2023 05:43:29 PM

Fantastic! Made these with what i had, no poultry seasoning so i used Chicken broth and a tbl. of Liquid smoke and threw 12 wings in a Ziplock bag and coated them. Are AF seems to be a little hotter( a bit over cooked) so i am going to try 300 degrees next time i make them. Will no longer need to buy pre-made chicken wings again. Want them with heat? Add Cayenne (dry) or wet (hot sauce) to kick it up a heat notch! Thank you for sharing this excellent recipe!

Della Ella Ola

01/01/2025 01:33:24 PM

These are amazing. Next time I’d do 390 for 21 minutes in the Ninja and reduce the salt to 1 tsp to try.

LimeCocoa2876

09/06/2023 08:52:15 PM

Like others I rarely review but this is well deserved of a mention. I changed it to chicken thighs and used the oil to cook some aubergine, cauliflower and peppers. Delicious, so tasty, crispy skin and the lingering heat from the mustard is a great idea. I cooked these for my wife when she had a busy day and she loved them too. Thank you for this inspirational blend of flavours, so simple and so tasty. I might try it on salmon next....

Roger-Betsy Boyd McKinney

02/12/2024 12:24:40 AM

I have a Ninja air fryer. I regret setting the time for 35 minutes. I bet 25 would have been enough. The rub was black.I will definitely try again, though.

LovingRind8865

11/04/2024 01:37:45 AM

Good rub. Used the temp and time that came with my Ninja. 390 degrees for 22 mins.

John

12/23/2020 04:18:00 PM

Turned out great! Absolutely delicious (even when cold if you have any leftover later). I didn't have all the spices listed, so made some substitutions: - Indian masala spice instead of paprika - tumeric instead of mustard powder - pinch of sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary instead of poultry seasoning

Stan Bark

09/14/2021 10:20:21 PM

Good recipe. Maybe scale down or eliminate the poultry seasoning altogether. It (in my batch anyways) overpowered many of the other, more subtle flavors in the rub. I made mine in a Duo-Crisp Instant Pot, and the timing and temp translated well.

Dave Webster

02/18/2024 06:07:04 PM

Really enjoyed this but agree with other reviews that it only needs 25 minutes in the air fryer, personally would like a little bit more heat in the rub!

Farm Wife

07/23/2024 06:51:05 PM

Very good. I cooked at 400 degrees in my air fryer/toaster oven for 25 minutes. Cooked 12 minutes on one side and flipped the wings and cooked another 13 minutes. This is my first time cooking wings in the air fryer.

johncnolan

07/19/2025 10:20:04 PM

Really tasty. Thank you for sharing.

YellowCake9449

02/04/2025 01:30:34 AM

I liked the flavor of it. If you like mild chicken wings it was delicious. I did it in my oven air fryer and I cooked it a few minutes longer because I like crispy chicken wings.

Jodie

09/16/2024 06:17:09 PM

This rub is so good! Air fried the chicken wings in my oven for about 25 minutes at 400 degrees.

William Brown

09/14/2024 07:52:23 PM

I think I finally found a recipe I can stick with.

Farm Wife

07/23/2024 06:51:05 PM

Debra

06/04/2024 01:24:14 AM

Awesome taste and ease. I cooked it less in my air fryer and would try even less next time. But it's definitely a make again! Thanks.

emmygee

01/18/2024 10:08:20 PM

I thought these were good, but I'll probably leave out the brown sugar next time. I wanted to make the recipe as written the first time around—just not crazy about sweet ingredients in savory stuff. Might try hot paprika, too.

GBWIZARD

10/25/2023 04:01:08 PM

This was delicious. Will definitely fix again and again and again. I subbed a few things, regular paprika and salt. Didn't have poultry seasoning so I used Montreal chicken. Moist inside and crispy outside.

Mary Wilkins

05/16/2023 02:13:01 AM

I made this recipe pretty much as written. It may be my air fryer, but the wings were done at 25 minutes, so be aware and temp them to be sure. We did like the rub and will make them again. Might even try this rub on other meats!

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Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History and Origins of Dry Rub Wings

Regional Features of Dry Rub Wings

How Dry Rub Wings Differ from Other Similar Dishes

Where Dry Rub Wings Are Usually Served

Interesting Facts About Dry Rub Wings