Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Dry Rub (No Oil, Extra Crackly)

a plate of crackly air fryer chicken wings

These crackly Air Fryer Chicken Wings are truly our snack-time hero! Whether we’re whipping up a speedy treat for the kids or assembling an appetizer platter to devour during the game, these wings always hit the spot.

Now, we’re usually fans of darker meat, opting for the juicy goodness of legs and thighs. But let us tell you, these chicken wings? They’re in a league of their own! Packed with vibrant flavors and boasting that irresistible crunch, they’ll have you coming back for more with every bite.

a plate of crispy air fryer chicken wings

And here’s the secret to their perfection: these chicken wings are dry-rubbed with a mouthwatering blend of spices and then cooked to absolute perfection in our trusty air fryer. That’s right — no deep frying required!

You are going to want to hit that save button immediately! We guarantee you’ll be adding this to your regular weekday meal rotation.

How to get these air fryer chicken wings extra crackly without the oil

Chicken wings are usually deep-fried in oil. They can be greasy, super unhealthy, and even sometimes soggy from excess oil. Plus, you have to use (essentially waste) all of that oil AND there is always a big mess from deep frying. Overall, we are not fans of that method.

However, we have found that using our air fryer for chicken wings has been a game-changer! It is low mess, and simple to clean. Not to mention the texture of the skin gets so irresistibly crackly! We cannot get enough of these tasty crackly chicken wings.

raw chicken wings in a bowl coated with spices

raw seasoned chicken wings in an air fryer

Why do we use the air fryer for these crackly chicken wings?

Air fryers are countertop cooking devices that circulate piping hot air onto the food in a fryer-style basket. There isn’t a need for too much oil, so it’s not technically “frying” the food, although it does result in super crackly bites that have such a satisfying crunch.

That’s why we love the air fryer for this recipe. It’s a healthier way to cook, and you can make just about anything in the fryer — from Crackly Air Fried Potato Nuggets to reheated pizza that tastes almost like a fresh slice.

Plus, it’s a faster cook than a traditional oven. There’s less of it to heat up, and the force of the hot air propelled thanks to the fan means that even if you’re running late, you’ll get your chicken wings in time for the big game…or just in time to feed hungry bellies!

Dry rub or marinade for these crackly chicken wings

When it comes to wings, a saucy marinade might be the first thing that pops into your mind. After all, wings dripping in barbecue sauce are a mainstay of the imagination. But a dry rub actually has some benefits over the sauce.

On a basic level, dry-rubbed wings are way less messy than saucy ones. But it goes deeper than that.

When it comes to cook time and getting a nice sear on your meat, the wetness of a sauce or a marinade needs to evaporate before the meat itself can cook. Dry rubs evade that problem neatly by being, well…dry. You’ll achieve a caramelized, crackly skin in no time.

Another key difference between dry rubs and sauce is that you don’t need to marinate the rub. You simply throw it on right before cooking, and voilá — ready, set, eat!

How to make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Wash and dry your chicken wings. Make sure they’re completely dry so the spice blend has a chance to adhere to the skin.

These air fryer chicken wings are coated in a dry rub and air-fried until nice and crackly! They are packed with flavor and so simple! #chickenwings ayyem.com

Add all your spices into a big bowl. Mix them together until the result is a vibrant, colorful blend.

Place the chicken wings in the fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Cook for 28-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. (Be sure not to crowd the basket.

When they are done, they will have a heavenly crispiness on the outside! Serve with a side of ranch, carrots, and celery!

Common Questions about Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Should wings be thawed before air frying?

Always start with thawed wings – frozen wings won’t crisp up properly and cook unevenly! Let them thaw completely in the fridge overnight, then pat them super dry with paper towels before seasoning. That extra drying step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.

How many wings can you put in an air fryer?

It depends on your air fryer size, but here’s the golden rule: don’t crowd those wings! They need space for the air to circulate, so arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each one. For most standard air fryers, that’s about 8-10 wings per batch.

How do you keep wings crackly after air frying?

Place them on a wire rack instead of a plate – this prevents steam from making them soggy! If you’re making multiple batches, you can keep the finished wings warm in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven on a wire rack until they’re all done. Just don’t stack them or cover them tightly.

How do you clean the air fryer after making wings?

Give your air fryer basket a speedy soak in hot soapy water – those crackly bits come right off! Some air fryer baskets are even dishwasher-safe. Pro tip: line the bottom of your air fryer with foil before cooking to catch any drips and make cleanup even easier. Just make sure not to block the airflow!

How do you reheat chicken wings in an air fryer?

The air fryer is honestly the finest way to reheat wings! It’s so much better than the microwave, which turns them soggy.

Pop leftover wings in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through. They’ll come out just as crackly as the day you made them! If they’re going straight from the fridge, add an extra minute or two to make sure they’re heated all the way through.

Love air fryer recipes?

Us too! Here are a few of our absolute favorites:

Our Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Toast is a total flavor bomb recipe! It is the reliable side dish for any of our one pot pasta recipes!
We are big fans of falafel, so of course we made an Air Fryer Falafel recipe. It is just like the tasty street food, but slightly healthier!
If you have a sweet tooth, look no further than our S’mores Stuffed Dates. They come together so quickly in the air fryer — we love them!

a bowl full of crispy air fryer chicken wings

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 24 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins

These irresistible chicken wings are coated in a dry rub before air frying, making them crackly and full of flavor! Email

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wingettes and drummettes
1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt more or less to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash and dry your chicken wings. Make sure they’re completely dry so the spice blend has a chance to adhere to the skin.2 pounds chicken wingettes and drummettes
Add all your spices into a big bowl. Mix them together until the result is a vibrant, colorful blend. Toss the chicken with the seasonings, coating the wings completely1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Place the chicken wings in the fryer basket, and cook for 28 minutes, flipping halfway through. (Be sure not to crowd the basket.
Enjoy!