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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Bold Dry Rub

crispy air fryer chicken wings - featured image

These crispy air fryer chicken wings feature a bold dry rub that delivers a smoky, spicy flavor with an irresistible crunch. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer without the greasy mess of traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter)

Instructions

  1. Pat 2 pounds of chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the baking powder.
  3. Add the wings to the bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss or mix with hands or tongs until wings are evenly coated with the dry rub and oil.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Wings should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the wings rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack or plate before serving to allow juices to redistribute and skin to stay crisp.

Notes

Patting the wings dry is essential for crispiness. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid metallic taste. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, dry rub wings, spicy chicken wings, easy chicken wings, game day snacks