Preparing the Chicken Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rack on a baking sheet to allow air circulation around the wings, promoting even crisping.
- Dry the wings thoroughly using paper towels. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin.
- Coat the wings in baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder and salt until they are evenly coated. The baking powder is key to drying out the skin and helping it to become crispy as it bakes.
Making the Dry Rub:
- Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a bowl. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper if using.
Baking the Wings:
- Apply the dry rub to the wings. Sprinkle the dry rub over the wings, tossing them until they are evenly coated in the spices.
- Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching too much to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and the skin is crispy. Flip the wings halfway through the baking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on both sides.
Serving:
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
- Serve the wings hot, with your choice of dipping sauces on the side, such as ranch, blue cheese, or a cooling yogurt-based dip to balance the spices.
Tips for Success:
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s aluminum-free to avoid any metallic taste.
- Oven Placement: Place the baking sheet in the upper third of the oven to promote better browning and crisping.
- Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Crispy Dry Rub Chicken Wings prove that you don’t need to fry wings to achieve that desirable crunch and flavor. This recipe is a testament to the magic of oven baking, coupled with a perfectly balanced dry rub that packs each bite with savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these wings are sure to be a hit.