Craving wings with crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavor that hits from the first bite? Enter the **0 to 400 method** — a simple technique for getting perfectly smoked chicken wings in about an hour on your pellet grill. This method starts cold and finishes hot, giving you that ultra-crispy skin without deep frying.
The **combo of Apple Smack and Sunburn rubs** takes these smoked wings to another level — sweet, smoky, with just the right kiss of heat. Whether you're firing up a pellet grill, charcoal smoker, or gas setup, this dry rub wing recipe brings **serious backyard BBQ flavor** without the mess.
Once you try these wings, you’ll understand why we call them a **mouthwatering, no-fuss crowd favorite.** Serve 'em as-is or toss in your favorite sauce. Either way, they're game-day gold.
Yields: ~4 lbs of Wings | Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Total Time: 1.5 Hours
INGREDIENTS:
4 lbs jumbo split chicken wings
Olive oil
8 tbsp Apple Smack
4–6 tbsp Sunburn (use less for milder heat)
10 tbsp cornstarch
🔥 PROCESS:
1 | Pat wings dry and let them rest uncovered on a wire rack in the fridge for several hours. This step helps dry the skin, making it extra crispy once cooked.
2 | Mix together Apple Smack, Sunburn, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Tip: Reuse an empty TFG seasoning bottle to shake and mix.
3 | Place wings in a large bowl, coat lightly with olive oil, and season thoroughly with the rub mix. Make sure each wing is evenly coated.
4 | Arrange wings on a cold pellet grill, then set the grill to 400°F.
5 | Cook for 30 minutes, then flip.
6 | Continue flipping every 10 minutes until wings reach at least 185°F internal temp and the skin is crisped to your liking.
7 | Rest wings for 5 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
8 | Enjoy these crispy smoked wings with cold drinks and good company!
💣 Pro Tips for Legendary Wings:
- Don't skip the cornstarch: It’s the secret to that ultra-crisp texture without frying.
- Mix it up: Try Apple Smack solo for a sweeter wing, or go full heat with extra Sunburn.
- Serve 'em dry or sauced: They’re fantastic either way. Buffalo, garlic parmesan, or peach glaze? Yes.
🌶️ Rub Spotlight:
🍎 Apple Smack – Sweet, tangy, and balanced with a BBQ bite. Think sweet heat with backyard vibes.
🔥 Sunburn Rub – A bold blend that brings smoky heat with citrus and chili flare.