Air-Fried Cajun Wings: Spicy, Quick, And Easy!

Chicken wings are a delicious comfort food, and making them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect crispy skin. Making cajun chicken wings in an air fryer is a simple process that will be sure to impress at your next party or gathering.

How to make Cajun wings in an air fryer

Choosing your chicken wings

When it comes to choosing your chicken wings, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to separate the wings into wingettes and drumettes yourself or buy them pre-separated. Buying pre-separated wings will save you time and effort, but separating them yourself can be more cost-effective.

You can also choose to keep the chicken wings whole or cut them into thirds. Cutting them into thirds will give you more surface area to coat with seasoning and crisp up in the air fryer. If you do decide to cut your wings, make sure to feel for the three main parts of the wing—the wing tip, flat, and drumette—and use a sharp knife to cut through the joints.

Another factor to consider is the freshness of your chicken wings. You can choose between fresh, raw chicken wings or frozen wings. If you opt for frozen wings, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

When it comes to quantity, most recipes call for around 1-2 pounds of chicken wings, but you can adjust this depending on the number of people you're serving. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and quantity of your wings.

Lastly, consider the quality of your chicken wings. Look for wings that are plump and meaty, with a good amount of skin. Avoid wings that look dry or have discoloured spots. You can also choose between conventional chicken wings or opt for organic or free-range options, depending on your preferences and budget.

Making your Cajun seasoning

Cajun seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that originate from Louisiana, USA. The blend typically includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, black pepper, and oregano. You can make your own Cajun seasoning at home, or you can buy it pre-made from larger supermarkets.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

For this recipe, you will need:

• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Oregano
• Cayenne Pepper
• Dried Thyme
• Black Pepper

You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to your taste preferences, but a good starting point is:

• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl, and you're done! This seasoning is perfect for sprinkling over chicken wings before cooking, or you can use it as a dry rub for a more intense flavour.

How much Cajun seasoning to use

The amount of seasoning you use will depend on your taste preferences and the strength of the seasoning. If you're using a mild, store-bought seasoning, you may want to use more. For a stronger, homemade seasoning, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.

For my homemade Cajun seasoning, I recommend starting with two teaspoons and adding more if you want a punchier flavour. If you're making these wings for children or people with mild palates, you can reduce the amount of seasoning.

Tips for making Cajun wings

• Pat your chicken wings dry before adding any seasoning or oil. This will help ensure your wings are crispy.
• If you're using frozen wings, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding any seasoning or oil.
• You can add a pinch of baking powder to your seasoning mix to make your wings extra juicy.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Cook your wings in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Don't use an air fryer liner when cooking chicken wings, as this can prevent them from getting crispy.

Preparing your chicken wings

Choosing and Preparing the Chicken Wings

Start by deciding whether you want to separate the wings into wingettes and drumettes or keep them whole. If you choose to separate them, use a sharp knife to cut through the joints. It's important to check each wing for any loose pieces of bone and remove them. If you're using frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely before proceeding. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps ensure crispy wings. You can place the wings on a paper towel or use a pat-dry method.

Seasoning the Chicken Wings

In a large bowl or a ziplock bag, add your chicken wings. You can season the wings with a store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own. To make your own Cajun seasoning, combine spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. You can also add a pinch of baking powder at this stage, as it helps make the wings extra juicy. Toss the wings in the seasoning until they are completely coated. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the wings. You can also add oil at this stage, such as avocado or olive oil, to help crisp and brown the wings. However, some recipes suggest skipping the oil for crispier wings.

Air Frying the Chicken Wings

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380-400°F. Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Air fry the wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. For crispier wings, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serving the Chicken Wings

Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite dipping sauces and sides. Some popular dipping sauce options include blue cheese dressing, ranch, hot sauce, or a spicy butter sauce. You can also sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top for added flavour and colour. Enjoy your delicious, crispy Cajun chicken wings!

Cooking your chicken wings

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken wings. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken wings

Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it ensures that the wings will be crispy when cooked. If you are using frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely before patting them dry.

Step 2: Season the chicken wings

In a large bowl or a ziplock bag, add your chicken wings, oil (if using), and cajun seasoning. Toss or shake the bag to coat the wings completely with the seasoning. You can also add a pinch of baking powder at this stage, as it will make the wings extra juicy.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-204°C). Please note that the ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Step 4: Place the wings in the air fryer

Place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. It is important to allow space between the wings for the air to circulate properly. You may need to cook the wings in batches if your air fryer is small.

Step 5: Cook the wings

Cook the chicken wings for 15 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Then, pull out the basket and flip the wings over. Put them back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and browned. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of your wings and your desired level of crispness.

Step 6: Make the dipping sauce (optional)

While your wings are cooking, you can prepare a dipping sauce if desired. Melt some butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Then, stir in hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add other ingredients like garlic powder or onion powder to taste.

Step 7: Serve the wings

Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce or side dishes. Enjoy!

Tips for extra crispy wings:

• Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning and cooking them.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
• For extra crispness, you can broil the wings under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes after air frying.
• Do not use an air fryer liner when cooking chicken wings, as it may interfere with the crispness.

Serving your chicken wings

Now that your chicken wings are cooked, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and suggestions to make your wings shine:

Plating

Arrange the wings on a serving platter or in a bowl. If you want to get creative, you can line the platter with some parchment paper or a wire rack to absorb any excess oil. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for a pop of colour and extra flavour.

Sides and Sauces

Cajun chicken wings go well with a variety of sides and sauces. For a creamy option, serve them with blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or a simple side salad. If you want something with more crunch, consider making some fries or crispy potatoes on the side.

For sauces, you can go with a classic like ketchup or ranch, or spice things up with a buttery hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, or any other dipping sauce you prefer. If you want to get extra fancy, you can even make your own dipping sauce by melting some butter and mixing in hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover wings, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they're hot and crispy again.

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect combination. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning. If you're serving these wings to children or people with milder taste buds, you can reduce the amount of seasoning used.

There you have it! Your Cajun chicken wings are now ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to dip, sauce, and savour every bite!

Frequently asked questions