This Easy Naked Chicken Wings recipe is made without flour, breading, or any coating. Grab your bone-in wings and season them with ranch seasoning, Cajun spices, or a dry rub for flavor.
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What are Naked Wings?
Naked wings are not breaded. There’s no flour or baking powder coating added to the chicken. A great example is buffalo wings, which are almost never breaded. They are seasoned and cooked and then drizzled in buffalo sauce.
Naked wings are also served without any sauce at all, they can be seasoned with a dry rub and spices.
What Type of Wings to Use
I love to use party wings that are already split as opposed to whole chicken wings. Party wings will cook at a more even and consistent temperature. Feel free to use whole chicken wings if you like.
How to Season the Wings
You can season these any way you like. My favorite spices to use are my Homemade Ranch Seasoning, Dry Rub for Chicken Wings, and New Orleans Cajun Seasoning and Rub.
How to Make Naked Chicken Wings
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the chicken dry.
- Add your spice blend of choice. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Bake or air fry.
Bake or Air Fry the Wings
The instructions below in the recipe card include full details for both cooking methods.
How to Make Breaded Wings
You can use 1-2 tablespoons of baking powder or 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (enough to fully coat the chicken).
How to Reheat the Wings
The best way to reheat wings is on the grill or in the air fryer or oven. I wouldn’t microwave them. You can use the same cook temperature and reheat the wings until warm.
Freezer Tips
Leftover wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and follow the instructions above to reheat.
Can You Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs will work. Click the links to check out my other recipes for cook time.
Pair With These Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
More Dry Rub Wings Recipes
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Dry Rub Wings
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wing
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Cajun Chicken Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Wings
More Flavored Chicken Wings Recipes
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Hot Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey Hot Wings
Honey Garlic Wings
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Honey BBQ Wings
Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Easy Naked Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings I use party wings/drummettes.
Ranch Seasoning (Option 1)
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Dry Rub (Option 2) Feel free to use any store bought rub.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or brown sweetener
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Oven and Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Pat the chicken dry and place it on a large bowl or plastic bag.
- Add the spices to the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and add the wings.
- Bake the wings for 20 minutes and then open and flip the wings.
- Bake for an additional 15-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and place it on a large bowl or plastic bag.
- Add the spices to the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15 minutes on 400 degrees.
- Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
Notes
- As a rule of thumb, when applying spices to wings. you should apply enough to fully coat the chicken or meat. You don’t want to see any empty spots. Add more spices if necessary.
- You can substitute regular paprika if you wish, but the smoked paprika definitely takes these to the next level.
- You can use actual wings (instead of drums and flats) if you wish, you may need to adjust the number of ingredients needed to fully coat your wings.
- You can make breaded wings using 1-2 tablespoons of baking powder or 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (enough to fully coat the chicken).
Ann
Saturday 10th of June 2023
I used option 2 and made the dry rub. Very easy to make and full of flavor. I’m going to make a batch of the ranch today. Wings are always in rotation at my house so this recipe will be on repeat.
staysnatched
Saturday 10th of June 2023
Glad to hear it!
Michelle
Saturday 22nd of April 2023
These wings never disappoint! I’ve cooked them in the oven and air fryer and you can’t go wrong with either one. They’ve turned out great with both cooking methods! I’m kicking myself for not thawing a second pack of wings. I knew better!
staysnatched
Wednesday 26th of April 2023
haha! Love it
Fran
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
Made this dish for my sister and I half last night and the rest tonight and we both enjoyed this recipe. Enjoyed the little kick from the spices which I truly enjoyed.
staysnatched
Saturday 25th of March 2023
So glad to hear it!
Ashley
Sunday 11th of September 2022
These are the best naked wings! The skin comes out PERFECTLY crispy and the meat is tender inside. I’m making a double (or triple) batch next time. Thanks for another great wings recipe!
staysnatched
Monday 12th of September 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed them!