Dry-Rub Wings In The Air Fryer: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Dry rub wings are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken wings. They can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes and are a great option for game day or as an appetizer. The wings are coated in a dry rub of spices, which gives them a delicious crispy texture without the need for oil. The dry rub typically includes a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper or chilli powder, black pepper, and brown sugar. The wings are then cooked in the air fryer until golden and crispy, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, blue cheese, or BBQ sauce.

How to make a dry rub

A dry rub is a combination of spices, herbs, and sugar. It's used to coat and flavour meat, infusing it with lots of flavour. You can make a dry rub at home, or buy a store-bought version. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own.

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A basic dry rub will include a sweet element, a spicy element, and a savoury element.

For the sweet element, you can use brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will add an extra molasses flavour. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as white or turbinado. If you want to make a sugar-free version, you can substitute the sugar with golden erythritol, golden monk fruit, or coconut sugar.

For the spicy element, cayenne is a good option as it adds heat without being overpowering. If you don't have cayenne, you can use chilli powder, but be aware that it may overpower other flavours. You can also add black pepper to this mix.

The savoury element includes must-haves like salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add aromatic herbs like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Regular paprika or sweet paprika can also be used, especially if you're cooking the meat in an oven or smoker, where it will pick up a smokey flavour.

Measure and Mix

Measure your ingredients into prep bowls. This way, if you make a mistake, it's easier to rectify. Then, add all your spices to a large bowl, and add the brown sugar. Combine with a whisk, or put all the ingredients into a large zip-top bag and shake.

Using the Dry Rub

Now you're ready to apply the rub to your meat. Make sure you get it into all the nooks and crannies, and don't be afraid to get messy! Wrap the meat in plastic and leave it to sit for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavour will develop.

You can cook the meat right away, but for the best results, leave it to sit. You can grill, broil, or bake the meat.

Storing Your Dry Rub

If you have any dry rub left over, you can store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. You can also store it in the freezer in a zip-lock bag for up to two years.

How to prepare the wings

Preparing dry rub wings in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this popular dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy and juicy wings:

Choosing the Right Wings

Select fresh, uncooked chicken wings for your dry rub wings. This gives you more control over the cooking process and ensures a crispier coating. You can purchase chicken wings from your local grocery store or butcher shop.

Cleaning and Drying the Wings

Before applying any seasoning, it is crucial to clean and dry the wings. Rinse the wings under cold water to remove any excess blood or debris, and then pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps eliminate excess moisture, allowing the dry rub to adhere better.

Selecting the Dry Rub Seasoning

The fun part is choosing your dry rub seasoning! This is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavours. Options range from mild to spicy, or even sweet and tangy. Popular choices include barbecue seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also make your own rub with ingredients like smoked paprika, sea salt, ground black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.

Coating the Wings

To ensure your wings are packed with flavour, coat them evenly with the dry rub seasoning. Place the wings in a bowl, add the seasoning, and toss until they are fully coated. Alternatively, you can place the wings and seasoning in a storage bag and shake until they are evenly coated.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and achieving the desired crispiness. Follow your air fryer's instructions, as preheating times may vary. Typically, preheating for about 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is sufficient.

Arranging the Wings in the Air Fryer Basket

Carefully place the wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking. If needed, cook the wings in batches.

Air Frying the Wings

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for about 17-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, wing size, and desired crispiness. To ensure the wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Checking for Crispy Perfection

After the initial cooking time, you can check if the wings have reached your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can extend the cooking time by a few minutes, being careful not to overcook them.

Serving and Enjoying Your Wings

Allow your wings to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful wings. You can loosely cover them with aluminium foil to retain their heat. Dry rub wings can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, paired with dipping sauces or tossed in your favourite sauce.

Oven-baked vs air-fried wings

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people choosing to invest in one of these countertop appliances. They are often touted as a healthier alternative to deep frying, but how do they compare to conventional ovens when it comes to cooking chicken wings?

Pros and cons of the air fryer

Air fryers use convection heat, which means they circulate hot air around the food to cook it. This results in a crispy texture that is hard to achieve with an oven, especially without the use of additional oils. The speed and temperature of the circulating air create a very crisp skin on chicken wings, and the reduced cook time means they can be ready in under 20 minutes.

Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than ovens, as they are smaller and do not need to be preheated. They are ideal for smaller kitchens or when you want to avoid heating up the whole house. Additionally, the cleanup process is usually quicker and easier than with oven cooking.

However, one of the main drawbacks of air fryers is their size. Most have a small capacity and can only cook a limited number of wings at once, which may be inconvenient if you are cooking for a large group.

Pros and cons of the oven

Ovens offer the advantage of being able to cook larger quantities of food at once, making them a better option for batch cooking or when feeding a crowd. They are also versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking techniques, such as baking, roasting, and slow cooking.

While air fryers are generally better for achieving a crispy texture, it is possible to get good results with oven-baked wings as well. One technique is to use a dry brine, which involves salting the wings and leaving them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps to draw out moisture and results in a crispier skin.

Ovens also allow for more even cooking, as you can fit the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. With air fryers, you often need to cook the wings in batches or shake the basket periodically to ensure even cooking.

Both air fryers and ovens have their pros and cons when it comes to cooking chicken wings. Air fryers are great for achieving a crispy texture with reduced cook time and less oil, but they have a smaller capacity. Ovens, on the other hand, offer more versatility and are better suited for cooking larger quantities of food. Ultimately, the best option may depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What to serve with dry rub wings

Dry rub wings are a delicious appetizer or main course, and you can serve them with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your dry rub wings and create a well-rounded meal:

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dip or dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Honey buffalo sauce
• Jalapeno ranch
• Creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce

Sides

• Raw celery and carrots
• Potato wedges
• Green salad
• French fries
• Cajun fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Jalapeno poppers
• Sweet potato fries
• Steak fries
• Veggie tray
• Cheddar Chex mix
• Guacamole and chips
• Pizza muffins

Drinks

• Sutter Home Riesling
• Beer

So, whether you are serving dry rub wings as a snack or a main course, there are plenty of options to create a delicious and well-rounded meal.

How to store and reheat dry rub wings

Storing dry rub wings

Dry rub wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to three or four months.

Reheating dry rub wings in the oven

To reheat dry rub wings in the oven, first, let them come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each wing. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheating dry rub wings in the air fryer

To reheat dry rub wings in the air fryer, first, let them come to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space so that hot air can circulate. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Other methods

Dry rub wings can also be reheated in a skillet or in the microwave. However, the skillet is not suitable for wings that are already sauced, as they will stick and burn. Wings reheated in the microwave will not be crispy.

Frequently asked questions