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5 Spicy Rubs to Mix at Home

Five dry rubs built from jars you probably already have: Cajun Fire, Smoky Chipotle, Jerk-Style, Sweet Heat BBQ and Harissa-Style. These are our own blends, written from general home-cooking knowledge.

How to use any of them

Mix well. Store in a sealed jar. Rub generously on chicken, pork or vegetables. Adjust the cayenne to your heat level. Four of the five blends use 2 tsp cayenne (the Smoky Chipotle gets its heat from chipotle powder instead), so cut the cayenne first if you want less heat, and add a pinch more if you want it hotter.

Cajun Fire Rub

Paprika-forward with oregano and thyme, and the cayenne carries the heat.

  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper

Try it on: Air Fryer Shrimp or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.

Smoky Chipotle Rub

Smoked paprika and chipotle with a little brown sugar to round the heat.

  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp salt

Try it on: Air Fryer Pork Chops or Air Fryer Potatoes.

Jerk-Style Rub

Allspice and thyme with cayenne, in the spirit of jerk seasoning (a simplified dry version).

  • 1 tbsp allspice
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp salt

Try it on: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or Air Fryer Chicken Breast.

Sweet Heat BBQ Rub

The sweetest of the five: brown sugar up front, paprika and chili powder behind it.

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper

Try it on: Air Fryer Pork Chops or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Harissa-Style Rub

Cumin, coriander and caraway give it a North African feel (a dry take on harissa).

  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground caraway
  • 1 tsp salt

Try it on: Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Broccoli.

Make it your own

Out of one spice? Our pantry swaps page lists swaps taken from our recipes, and the air fryer times chart has temperature and time ranges for the proteins and vegetables above. These rubs are seasoning blends, so taste and adjust to your own heat level.