Emilie Meyer
Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious, crispy, and juicy wings. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same great taste as fried chicken but with a healthier twist. This method is also much faster than cooking wings in a traditional oven. In this guide, we'll cover how to make dry rub chicken wings in an air fryer, including a simple recipe for a tasty dry rub.
How to cook dry rub chicken wings in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients for the rub | Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, olive oil |
| Additional ingredients | Chicken wings, drumettes, wingettes |
| Air fryer temperature | 390-400°F (200°C) |
| Air fryer preheat time | 4-5 minutes |
| Cook time | 16-20 minutes |
| Flip time | After 9-10 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Fries, celery, blue cheese dressing, jalapeno poppers, sweet potato fries, steak fries |
| Leftover rub storage | Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a dry rub for chicken wings
Making a dry rub for chicken wings is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. The basic steps are to mix your chosen spices, combine them with olive oil, and then brush or toss the seasoning on the wings before air frying.
The specific spices used in a dry rub can vary depending on personal preference and the desired level of spiciness. Some commonly used spices and seasonings include:
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon pepper
To make the dry rub, simply combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences. Once you have mixed the spices, you can store any leftover rub in an airtight container for future use.
When you are ready to cook, combine the spice mix with olive oil and brush or toss it on the chicken wings until they are fully coated. You can then cook the wings in your air fryer according to your preferred method and temperature settings.
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How to prepare the chicken wings
Preparing chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. If there is any residue in the fryer, it may burn during cooking. It is also a good idea to ensure there is a tray to catch any drippings underneath the basket.
Next, prepare the chicken wings. You can use defrosted wingettes and drumettes, or whole chicken wings. If you are using whole wings, cut them into drumettes and wingettes. It is important to ensure the wings are dry before cooking, so pat them with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help to ensure the skin becomes crispy during cooking.
Now, you can prepare your rub. There are many different rubs you can use, depending on your taste preferences. A simple rub may include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add olive oil to the rub, or brush it onto the wings before applying the seasoning. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as red pepper flakes, brown sugar, or Italian seasoning.
Once your rub is prepared, add the wings to a bowl and toss them with the spice mix until they are fully coated. You can then arrange the wings in the air fryer basket, standing them up on their ends, and leaning them against each other and the wall of the basket.
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How to cook the chicken wings in the air fryer
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure your air fryer and basket are clean. Any residue left in the fryer from previous cooking may burn and affect the taste of your chicken wings. It is also important to have a tray underneath the basket to catch any drippings.
Defrosting and Drying
You can use frozen or defrosted wings for this recipe. If you are using frozen wings, you may need to add 3-4 minutes to the cooking time. It is important to pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is key to achieving crispy skin as it removes moisture.
Making the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. A simple dry rub can be made with equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and a smaller amount of chilli powder. You can also add onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. If you like your wings spicy, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can include brown sugar. You can also brush on some BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Coating the Wings
In a medium-sized bowl, add the wings, olive oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of the dry rub seasoning. Toss the wings until they are fully coated. You can also cut the wings into drumettes and wingettes before coating, which will help them cook evenly.
Cooking the Wings
Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Place the wings in the air fryer basket, standing them up and leaning them against each other and the wall of the basket. Ensure the wings are in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 16-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The wings are ready when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside.
Serving
Serve your chicken wings hot with your favourite dips. They go well with celery and blue cheese dressing. If you have any leftovers, let the wings cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat and re-crisp them in the air fryer at 400˚F for 4 to 5 minutes.
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How to store and reheat the chicken wings
To store your cooked chicken wings, let them cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the cooked wings, place them in freezer bags or airtight containers, and they will last for up to 2 months.
To reheat the wings in an air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the wings in the basket in a single layer, leaving some space around each wing for even heating. Reheat in batches if needed. Set the timer for 3-4 minutes for a single wing, adding a minute for each additional wing in the batch. Check on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook or dry out.
For reheating in the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover them with foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of wings. Remove the foil and heat for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
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What to serve with the chicken wings
Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. If you're serving them as a starter, consider pairing them with air fryer jalapeno poppers—a classic combination that's always a crowd-pleaser.
For a heartier meal, chicken wings can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Sweet potato fries or steak fries: They can count as your starch and vegetable serving!
- Fresh celery and blue cheese dressing: A traditional pairing that complements the flavours of the wings.
- Creamy gorgonzola dipping sauce: This sauce is a perfect balance of heat and buttery flavour, and it pairs exceptionally well with spicy wings.
- Dairy-free ranch dressing: A refreshing option that will cool down the palate if the wings are on the spicier side.
- Wine: A sweet wine, like a Riesling, can complement the spiciness of the wings.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 16 to 35 minutes to cook dry rub chicken wings in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the number of wings and the desired crispiness.
You will need chicken wings, olive oil, and a dry rub mix. The dry rub mix typically includes spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Dry rub chicken wings can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. They go well with sides like jalapeno poppers, sweet potato fries, or steak fries. You can also serve them with fresh celery and blue cheese dressing.
