Best Chicken Wing Dry Rub Recipe 
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Best Chicken Wing Dry Rub Recipe (No Sugar) – make this delicious dry rub with just a few simple pantry spices! Easy, flavorful, and perfect for making crispy chicken wings at home!
Chicken wings are a favorite in our household so I’m always looking for new and creative ways to cook and serve them (Air Fryer wings are the best in my opinion!). We tend to prefer dry rubbed wings to sauced wings, so I created this easy spice rub as a go-to flavor enhancer for cooking chicken wings. This dry rub seasoning is the best way to make super tasty restaurant-quality wings with very little effort!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Requires basic simple ingredients that are likely already in your spice cupboard.
- It’s made with no added sugars.
- The perfect blend of spices adds big flavor, and the addition of baking powder creates extra crispy chicken skin!
- Super fast and easy to throw together if you’re short on time.
- Versatile and can be modified to your liking and taste.
Ingredients
- Chili Powder
- Smoked Paprika – I like this for a hint of smoky flavor, but regular paprika could be used instead.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- Baking Powder – this is the secret ingredient to making crispy wings without deep frying!
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – if you enjoy extra heat, this is a great addition!
How to Make the Best Dry Rub for Wings
- Gather spices and measure into a small bowl.
- Whisk the spices and baking powder together, combining well.
- Store dry rub in an airtight container such as a small mason jar or spice jar.
- Before using, give the dry rub a stir, as spices will tend to settle and clump slightly.
- Sprinkle dry rub over chicken wings and toss to combine.
- Cook using your method of choice. My preferred method is in the Air Fryer!
More Tips for Making Super Crispy Wings
- Begin by completely patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture.
- Add the wings to a large bowl and sprinkle with dry rub (use 1-2 tablespoons per pound of wings or enough to fully coat the wings)
- If baking in the oven, place a baking rack over a baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer. Bake at 425 degrees for 45-50 minutes (or longer depending on the size of the wings.)
- For Air Fryer Chicken Wings, arrange wings in the basket and cook for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
Common Questions
How long should you leave dry rub on chicken?
After coating the wings with the dry rub, it’s best to let them sit for 15-30 minutes before cooking to really infuse the flavors.
Can the dry rub be used on chicken breasts or chicken thighs?
Yes, absolutely! I especially like it for use it for cooking chicken pieces in the Air Fryer, like these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Meal Prep Air Fryer Chicken.
Do I have to use the baking powder?
Not necessarily! The baking powder helps to create a crispy skin similar to deep fried wings, but without all the oil. It can certainly be left out if you prefer. I like to make a batch without the baking powder to sprinkle over the cooked wings for extra flavor.
Can I add sauce to the dry rubbed wings too?
Of course! Double up on flavor by dipping the wings in bbq sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Do you need oil to make the dry rub stick to the wings?
Nope! An important step in cooking chicken wings is to completely dry them (using paper towels) before seasoning. Be generous with the dry rub and it will naturally stick to the wings without adding any oil.
Is dry rub better than a liquid marinade for chicken wings?
It’s personal preference, and they both are delicious! I love how the perfect blend of dry spices adds tons of flavor quickly as opposed to liquid marinades that tend to take more time.
More Homemade Seasonings & Rubs
Homemade Taco & Fajita Seasoning
Best Chicken Wing Dry Rub Recipe (No Sugar)
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until completely combined.
- Store in a small mason jar or other airtight container in a dry cool location.
- Before using, give the mixture a stir as spices may settle and clump slightly.
- To use, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons over 1 lb of wings, tossing to coat evenly. Cook as desired.
Nutrition
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Whole30
Vegetarian
Paleo
Keto Friendly
