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chicken wings rub air fryer

chicken wings rub air fryer

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This chicken wings rub air fryer recipe is a lifesaver for hectic weeknights, offering big flavor with minimal fuss. It delivers incredibly crispy skin without deep frying, using a powerful homemade seasoning mix. Quick to cook in under 30 minutes, it's a healthier, crowd-pleasing option for a main course, appetizer, or game-day snack, loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs Chicken Wings
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cumi
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: First, thoroughly pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which helps achieve that super crispy skin. If your wings are frozen, thaw them completely first
  2. Make the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined. This creates your amazing chicken wings rub air fryer seasoning
  3. Season the Wings: Place the dried chicken wings in a large bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil. Toss the wings until they are lightly and evenly coated with oil. Then, sprinkle the homemade rub mixture all over the wings. Use your hands to really work the seasoning into every nook and cranny. Make sure each wing piece gets a generous coating of our savory chicken wings rub air fryer blend
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desired crispiness from the start
  5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. You want each chicken wings rub air fryer piece to have space
  6. Air Fry: Cook the wings at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes
  7. Flip and Continue Cooking: After 15 minutes, open the air fryer basket and flip each wing over. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the wings are deeply golden brown, incredibly crispy, and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicates doneness. The total cooking time for these chicken wings rub air fryer beauties is generally 25-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and wing size
  8. Serve: Carefully remove the crispy chicken wings from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This brief rest helps keep them juicy. Enjoy your perfectly seasoned, homemade chicken wings rub air fryer creation!

Notes

Pat wings very dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for optimal crispiness and air circulation.

Preheating the air fryer helps create an immediate crisp crust.

A light coating of oil helps the rub adhere and contributes to crispiness.

Flip wings halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness.

Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Feel free to experiment with the rub: add more cayenne for heat, dry mustard for tang, dried herbs for freshness, or chipotle powder for extra smokiness. A teaspoon of lemon or lime zest can also add a bright note.

For even juicier wings, consider brining them in a simple salt and sugar solution for an hour before patting dry and applying the rub.

After air frying, you can toss the cooked wings in your favorite BBQ, buffalo, or teriyaki sauce for a glazed finish, though they are delicious on their own.

Store leftover cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for 2-3 months.

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating as it makes them soft and rubbery.

Serve with crisp green salad, homemade ranch or blue cheese dip, celery and carrot sticks, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.