Crispy dry rub chicken wings are seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices and baked or air fried until golden, crunchy, and delicious. They are the ultimate finger food that delivers big flavor without the mess of sauce.
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll turn out.
Place wings in a large bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne, and brown sugar if using.
Sprinkle the spice rub over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack for even cooking.
Air Fry for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve hot with ranch, blue cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce.
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Recipe Tips
For maximum crispiness, pat the wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Letting them rest uncovered in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cooking also helps the skin crisp up beautifully.