Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top (if available). This will help the wings stay crispy.
- Pat the wings dry: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting the skin crispy.
- Toss with oil: Place the wings in a large bowl and toss with olive oil to coat evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub
- Mix the rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Season the wings: Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the chicken wings. Toss the wings in the bowl to coat them thoroughly with the spice mix.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
- Arrange the wings: Place the coated wings in a single layer on the wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings and helps them get crispy.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Rest the wings: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the dry rub chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauces or sides. They’re great on their own or with a side of celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips and Tricks
- For extra crispiness: If you have time, you can let the wings dry out in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking. This helps the skin get even crispier.
- Customize the rub: Feel free to adjust the spices and heat level of the dry rub to suit your taste preferences. You can add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or use different herbs and spices.
- Grilling option: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the wings over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.
Conclusion
Dry Rub Chicken Wings are a flavorful and crispy alternative to sauced wings. With a perfectly balanced blend of spices, these wings are great for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe with your favorite sides and dipping sauces!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and cooking times to match your preferences. Enjoy your tasty dry rub chicken wings!