Let me tell you about my absolute favorite game-day snack – these crispy, flavor-packed air fryer spicy dry rub wings that disappeared faster than lightning at our last football party! I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, ever since my husband bought me that first air fryer (“For healthier cooking, honey,” he said – jokes on him, I immediately started testing wing recipes).

The magic here is all in that bold dry rub blend – just wait until you smell the paprika, garlic, and cayenne mingling in your kitchen. Forget soggy bar wings or messy deep frying – this method gives you restaurant-quality crispiness with barely any cleanup. I’m convinced these air fryer spicy dry rub wings taste even better when you’re yelling at the TV with friends.

Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to oven-baked wings again. The air fryer works its crispy magic while that spicy-savory rub forms the most addictive crust imaginable. Just don’t blame me when your family starts requesting these every weekend!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

Let me count the ways these wings will become your new obsession:

• Crazy crispy texture – That air fryer magic gives you perfect crunch without deep frying
• Ready in under 30 minutes – Faster than waiting for delivery!
• No messy oil splatters – My kitchen stays clean (mostly)
• Heat you can control – Dial the cayenne up or down to your taste
• That addicting dry rub – The spicy-savory crust will have you licking your fingers

Seriously, these wings check all the boxes – easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive wings (measurements matter – trust me, I learned the hard way when I accidentally doubled the cayenne once!):

• 2 lbs chicken wings – pat them bone-dry with paper towels (this is CRUCIAL for crispiness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – helps that rub stick like glue
• 1 tbsp paprika – the flavor backbone of our rub
• 1 tsp garlic powder – because every great wing needs garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder – adds that savory depth
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper – adjust this for your heat tolerance (I use 1.5 tsp when I’m feeling brave)
• 1 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you can
• 1 tsp salt – brings all the flavors together
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – my secret weapon for that smoky hint

That’s it! Simple ingredients, but the combination is absolute magic.

How to Make Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

Okay, let me walk you through my foolproof method for these crispy wonders. I’ve made this recipe probably 50 times (ask my waistline), so follow these steps and you’ll get perfect wings every time!

Prep the Wings

First – and I can’t stress this enough – dry those wings like your life depends on it. Grab a stack of paper towels and pat each wing until they feel almost papery. This is the secret to that insane crispiness we’re after. Wet wings = sad, soggy wings!

Mix the Dry Rub

Now for the fun part – mixing our magic dust! Combine all those spices in a bowl and whisk them like you mean it. We want every grain of salt and speck of paprika evenly distributed. Taste a tiny pinch – it should make your tongue tingle with anticipation!

Cook in the Air Fryer

Here’s where the magic happens. Preheat that air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes – just like preheating an oven. Toss your dry wings with oil, then coat them generously with the rub. Arrange them in a single layer (no stacking!) in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flip them (they should already smell amazing), then go another 12 minutes. If they’re not quite crispy enough, give them another 2-3 minutes – every air fryer runs a little different!

Pro tip: Resist the urge to peek too often! Every time you open that basket, heat escapes and slows down the crisping process. Trust the timer – your patience will be rewarded!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

After burning more batches than I’d like to admit, here are my hard-earned secrets for wing perfection:

• Patience with patting dry – Seriously, spend that extra minute drying wings. Wet spots turn into soggy patches!
• Shake that basket – At the halfway point, give it a good shake to redistribute the wings evenly
• Thermometer check – Wings should hit 165°F internally (the rub makes it hard to judge by color)
• Space is your friend – Cook in batches if needed – crowded wings steam instead of crisp
• Let them rest – 5 minutes out of the fryer lets the crust set perfectly

Follow these tips and you’ll have wings so good, your friends will think you ordered takeout!

Variations for Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe – half the fun is making it your own! Swap the cayenne for chili powder if you want milder heat, or add 1 tbsp brown sugar to the rub for a sweet-spicy twist. Feeling adventurous? Toss in a teaspoon of mustard powder for extra depth – my brother swears by this version. The beauty of dry rub wings is how easily you can customize them to your taste!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

These spicy wings scream for cooling companions! My go-to is always a big bowl of ranch dressing – the cool creaminess tames the heat perfectly. Celery sticks add that classic crunch, while an ice-cold beer cuts through all the bold flavor. For parties, I’ll set out blue cheese dressing and carrot sticks too – my neighbors go wild for this combo!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Good news – if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), these wings keep beautifully. Just toss them in an airtight container and they’ll stay crispy for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes – they’ll come out nearly as good as fresh! Microwaving is a crime against crispy wings, trust me.

FAQ About Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings

I get asked these questions all the time about my favorite wings – let me save you some trial and error!

• Can I bake these instead? Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious!
• How can I make them less spicy? Easy – just skip the cayenne or use half the amount. Sweet paprika makes a great mild substitute that keeps all the flavor without the heat.
• Can I use frozen wings? You can, but thaw them first and pat EXTRA dry – frozen wings release more moisture when cooking. I recommend fresh for best results.
• Help! My rub isn’t sticking! Make sure you’re using enough oil – the wings should glisten before adding the rub. If it’s still not sticking, try rubbing the spices directly onto each wing.
• Why aren’t they crispy enough? Usually means they needed more drying time or were overcrowded in the basket. Next time, pat drier and cook in smaller batches.

There you go – all my wing wisdom in one place! Happy frying!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the skinny on these wings (per serving of 6 wings): 280 calories, 18g fat, 24g protein. Remember: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients/brands used – especially with different wing sizes and spice measurements!

Go Make These Wings and Thank Me Later!

What are you waiting for? Fire up that air fryer and make these spicy wings tonight – then come back and tell me how many people begged for the recipe!

Air Fryer Spicy Dry Rub Wings – Irresistible Crispy Perfection

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Crispy and flavorful spicy dry rub wings made in the air fryer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Pat wings dry with paper towels.
2. Toss wings with olive oil.
3. Mix dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
4. Coat wings evenly with the dry rub.
5. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
6. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 12 minutes.
8. Check for crispiness and cook longer if needed.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, pat wings dry thoroughly.
• Adjust cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 wings
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: air fryer wings, spicy wings, dry rub wings