Looking for how to season chicken wings? This Crispy Dry Rub recipe has the best homemade spice blend. These party wings have the flavor of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and more.
What Does Dry Rub Mean?
A dry rub is a blend of dry spices and herbs that is applied and rubbed onto the surface of the food to add flavor before cooking. This helps amplify the flavors of the spices and herbs. You can allow the wings to rest in the rub (refrigerated for 30 minutes to overnight) if you want the flavor to really penetrate into the chicken. This is completely optional.
The purpose of a dry rub is to create a crust around the chicken or meat. A dry rub will enhance the flavor of the chicken without using moisture or a liquid marinade. Rubs are usually a little more coarse than simply adding seasoning.
The main difference between a dry rub and a marinade is the absence of moisture. A marinade will tenderize the meat. A dry rub does not.
As a rule of thumb, when applying a rub you should apply enough to fully coat the chicken or meat. You don’t want to see any empty spots. Add more spices if necessary.
What Type of Wings to Use
I love to use party wings that are already split as opposed to whole chicken wings. Party wings will cook at a more even and consistent temperature. Feel free to use whole chicken wings if you like.
What Does a Homemade Dry Rub Taste Like?
This rub has the flavor of smoked paprika, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar or sweetener along with garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder. Get my Dry Rub for Chicken Recipe here.
How to Make the Rub Spicy
Add cayenne pepper to taste. I typically add at least a teaspoon.
How to Make Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large bowl or plastic bag.
- Add flour, smoked paprika, brown sugar or sweetener, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste to the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Bake or air fry.
How to Substitute Flour
You can use 1-2 tablespoons of baking powder (enough to fully coat the chicken). You can also omit flour completely and make naked chicken wings.
How to Reheat the Wings
The best way to reheat wings is on the grill or in the air fryer. I wouldn’t microwave them. You can use the same cook temperature and reheat the wings until warm.
How to Make them Naked Without Breading
You make naked wings by simply omitting the flour. The cook time of the chicken will remain the same.
How to Reheat the Wings
The best way to reheat wings is in the oven or in the air fryer. I wouldn’t microwave them. You can reheat them on 350 degrees until warm.
Can You Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs will work. Click the links to check out my other recipes for cook time.
Freezer Tips
I love to freeze these ahead of time to have on deck for quick and easy meals. Defrost the wings overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or in the oven on 350 degrees until warm.