Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings: Crispy, Flavorful Perfection

This best dry rub for chicken wings recipe delivers crispy, tender wings packed with bold, smoky flavors.

It’s perfect for oven-baking, grilling, or even air frying, making it versatile for any occasion. With a savory blend of spices, a touch of sweetness, and a genius brining step for added juiciness, these wings are guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, you’ll love how easy and reliable this recipe is.

My Story Behind This Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings

The first time I developed a homemade chicken wing spice, I was experimenting in my home kitchen to recreate the bold, smoky wings I’d tasted at a backyard barbecue.

The flavors were unforgettable—spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a crispy, caramelized finish. That day, I became obsessed with perfecting a simple yet flavorful easy dry rub for wings that anyone could replicate at home.

This recipe has been through countless tweaks in my kitchen, and the result is perfection. The combination of smoked paprika, chipotle, and brown sugar creates layers of flavor, while the aluminum-free baking powder ensures irresistibly crispy skin.

Now, I’m so excited to share it with you. Put this baked chicken wings seasoning to the test—I promise it’ll be a hit at your table!

Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 3 pounds chicken wing segments (flats and drumettes)
• Nonstick cooking spray, for the wire racks
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings

1. In a large bowl, stir the vinegar and salt together until the salt dissolves.
2. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them well to coat in the vinegar mixture.
3. Brine the wings in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to infuse them with flavor and tenderize.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the racks in the upper and lower thirds.
5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and place wire racks on top. Spray the racks with nonstick cooking spray.
6. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, baking powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, chipotle, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Remove the wings from the brine, pat them dry with paper towels, and sprinkle the dry rub over them. Toss to evenly coat.
8. Spread the wings across the prepared wire racks, ensuring they don’t touch to allow proper airflow.
9. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and rotate the baking sheets from top to bottom.
10. Continue roasting for another 20-30 minutes, flipping the wings again halfway through, until golden-brown and crispy.
11. Serve the wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

My Chef Tips for the Best Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings

• Brining is key: The salt and vinegar brine adds both flavor and moisture—don’t skip this step for juicy wings!
• Pat wings dry: Remove as much moisture as possible before adding the rub. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
• Aluminum-free baking powder: This ingredient works magic by enhancing browning and crispiness.
• Avoid frying with sugar-based rubs: Sugar can burn in hot oil, so this rub works best for baking or grilling.
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze some wings for a quick reheatable snack later.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings FAQs

Can I use this rub for grilling or air frying?

Absolutely! This homemade chicken wing spice works perfectly on the grill or in the air fryer to achieve crispy, flavorful wings. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for your method.

Why use baking powder in the rub?

Baking powder is an ingredient I swear by for crispy wings. It raises the skin’s pH, helping the surface brown and crisp during cooking.

How spicy is this recipe?

This spicy chicken wing rub delivers a moderate heat thanks to the chipotle and chili powder. If you love extra heat, try adding cayenne.

Can I make this rub ahead of time?

Yes! Mix up a batch of the dry rub and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. It’s perfect for last-minute cooking.

Are these wings healthy?

Using this easy dry rub for wings and baking instead of frying keeps the wings lighter. At just 483 calories per serving, it’s a balanced option for game day!

Make This Best Dry Rub for Chicken Wings Tonight

This recipe combines unbeatable flavor with easy preparation, thanks to the brining step and a perfectly balanced spice mix. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, parties, or any occasion when you need delicious wings.

So, will you try these wings baked, grilled, or in the air fryer first? Don’t forget to let me know your favorite cooking method and how they turn out! Share your results in the comments or tag me on social media. I can’t wait to hear how much you love this recipe!