Name: Dry Rub Chicken Wings in the Oven or Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 16 chicken wings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds party chicken wings; 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder; 0.25 cup BBQ rub; neutral oil; blue cheese dressing

Dry Rub Chicken Wings in the Oven or Air Fryer

Dry Rub Chicken Wings in the Oven or Air Fryer cover

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Dry Rub Chicken Wings in the Oven or Air Fryer

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Dry Rub Chicken Wings in the Oven or Air Fryer

Instructions

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Prepare the Wings

Dry the wings very well with paper towels. You want them to be as dry as possible!

Then, place the wings in a large bowl. Add the baking powder and half of the BBQ rub. Toss until the wings are well coated, being sure to get the rub in all the nooks and crannies.

Air-Fryer Directions

Grease the basket of an air fryer with neutral oil or cooking spray. Then, place the wings skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's ok if they're touching a little on the edges, they will shrink as they cook!

Fry the wings at 375°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, flip the wings and fry them for 6-8 more minutes until they're crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Rest for about 5 minutes to crisp up more.

Oven Directions

To bake the wings, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or tin foil. Then, place an oven-safe wire rack on the prepared sheet pan. Grease it very well with neutral oil or cooking spray.

Place the wings skin-side up in a single layer on the wire rack. It's ok if they're touching a bit on the sides, they will cook down!

Bake the wings for 25 minutes. Then, flip the wings and bake them for another 20-25 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes to crisp up more.

Toss and Garnish

Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Add the rest of the BBQ rub and toss until the wings are well-coated. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and enjoy!

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Pat Wings Completely Dry 💧
Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken wings before applying the dry rub—this removes surface moisture that prevents crispiness and allows the rub to adhere properly.
Use Aluminum-Free Baking Powder Strategically 🥄
The aluminum-free baking powder raises the pH of the skin, helping it brown faster and crisp up significantly better than wings without it in both oven and air fryer.
Oil Coating Before Rubbing 🫒
Lightly coat wings with neutral oil first, then apply the dry rub—this creates better adhesion and prevents the seasoning from burning while promoting even browning.
Air Fryer Advantage: No Flipping Required ✨
In an air fryer, the circulating heat cooks wings evenly without flipping, saving time and effort while delivering superior crispiness compared to traditional oven methods.
Rest Before Serving with Dressing 🧊
Let wings cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with cold blue cheese or ranch dressing—this temperature contrast enhances flavor perception and prevents the dressing from becoming greasy.