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Crispy Memphis-Style Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Memphis-Style Dry Rub Chicken Wings - featured image

These crispy Memphis-style dry rub chicken wings deliver a smoky, tangy, and peppery kick with a perfect crunch, ideal for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, skin on, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Place wings in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
  5. Sprinkle the dry rub over the oiled wings and toss until every wing is evenly coated.
  6. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer without touching.
  7. Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through at about 20 minutes, until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Optional: Broil wings for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

Pat wings dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent soggy skin. Adjust cayenne pepper and brown sugar to customize heat and sweetness. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wings, Memphis style, dry rub, crispy wings, game day snack, oven baked wings, smoky wings