Description
These Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are the ultimate sweet-and-spicy appetizer. The Cajun spices bring smoky heat, while brown sugar caramelizes into a sticky glaze as the wings roast or air-fry. Perfect for game day, parties, or even a weeknight dinner, these wings are finger-licking good and dangerously addictive!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven/air fryer:
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
- Air fryer: 380°F (193°C)
- Season the wings:
- Pat wings dry. Toss in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until coated evenly.
- Cook the wings:
- Oven method: Arrange on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and caramelized.
- Air fryer method: Cook in a single layer for 20–22 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Make them extra sticky: Brush with a mix of melted butter and extra brown sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking
- Crispier skin: Pat wings completely dry before seasoning
- Turn up the heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix
- Make ahead: Season wings and refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking for deeper flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baked or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 290kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg