Air Fryer Wingstop Corn: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Wingstop's Cajun Fried Corn is a popular side dish with a spicy twist on traditional buttered corn. The corn is chopped into pieces, seasoned, and deep-fried. It can also be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative that cuts down on oil without sacrificing flavour. The key to replicating this dish lies in the Cajun seasoning, which typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. The corn is slathered in melted butter, which helps the seasoning stick, and then served with ranch dressing for dipping.

Choosing the right corn

• Husk condition: Look for corn with bright green husks that wrap tightly around the cob. Avoid corn with dry, brown, or loose husks that have fallen away from the cob.
• Silk appearance: The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be brown and tacky, indicating the presence of moisture in the cob. Avoid corn with dark brown, dry, or black silks, as this indicates that the corn is too old.
• Kernel inspection: Peel back the husks and check the kernels inside. They should be firm, full, and plump. Avoid corn with shrivelled kernels or brown spots.
• Moisture test: Give the corn a gentle squeeze, starting from the bottom and working your way up. The cob should feel firm, and you should be able to feel the plumpness of the individual kernels. Avoid corn with soft spots or missing kernels.
• Storage considerations: If you're not cooking the corn immediately, you can store it at room temperature for a few hours. For longer storage, shuck the corn and place it in a plastic bag, or leave the husks on and store it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator.
• Market selection: For the best selection of fresh corn, try visiting local farmers' markets. This way, you can ask the farmers about the corn's freshness and get their recommendations.

How to cut corn for the air fryer

To cut corn for the air fryer, start by removing the husk and silk from the corn. Then, cut off the skinny ends of the corn to ensure even cooking. You can cut the corn into pieces that are about 1 to 2 inches wide. Wingstop chops their corn into four pieces, but you can also cut the corn in half to get two mini corn pieces per ear.

It is recommended to use a sharp knife for cutting the corn to ensure a safer and easier process. Be careful when handling the knife and cutting the corn.

The best cooking spray for corn

To make Wingstop corn in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare the corn by removing the husk and silk, cutting it into pieces, and coating it with butter and seasonings. The air fryer itself also needs to be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to the best cooking spray for corn, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some recommendations and factors to consider when choosing a cooking spray for your air fryer:

• Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray: This spray has a high smoke point of around 520°F (271°C), making it suitable for the high temperatures of air frying. It's made from pure avocado oil, with no additives or fillers, and is easy to apply evenly. It's also versatile and can be used in various cooking methods.
• Canola Oil Spray: Canola oil spray has a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C), which may not be high enough for all air fryer recipes. Additionally, it can be highly inflammatory.
• Vegetable Oil Spray: Vegetable oil spray may contain a blend of oils, so it's important to check the label. It typically has a smoke point similar to canola oil spray.
• Olive Oil Spray: While olive oil is healthy, its smoke point is around 375°F (190°C), making it less suitable for air frying.
• Other Options: You can also use grapeseed, peanut, sunflower, or safflower oil, which have higher smoke points suitable for air frying.

When selecting a cooking spray, it's crucial to consider the smoke point of the oil to ensure it can withstand air fryer temperatures without burning. Additionally, look for pure and healthy ingredients, and opt for a spray that allows for easy and even application.

How to make the Cajun seasoning

Making your own Cajun seasoning is a great way to bring bold flavours to your cooking. It's a versatile blend that works well with many dishes, from proteins to veggies and even dips. Here's how you can make your own Cajun seasoning at home:

Ingredients:

• Paprika (you can use regular or smoked)
• Garlic Powder
• Cayenne Pepper (for heat)
• Dried Oregano
• Dried Thyme
• Onion Powder
• Salt (optional)
• Black Pepper

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix well.
• Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container or jar.
• Use as needed to add a Cajun kick to your favourite dishes!

Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. You can also leave out the salt if you prefer to season your dishes separately. This seasoning blend should last for up to a year, so you can make a big batch and always have some on hand!

How to store and reheat Wingstop corn

Wingstop corn is a delicious treat, but what do you do if you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your Wingstop corn stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Wingstop Corn:

If you have cooked too much Wingstop corn, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days.

Reheating Wingstop Corn in the Air Fryer:

To reheat your Wingstop corn in the air fryer, simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the corn for about 5 minutes, or until it is heated through.

Reheating Wingstop Corn in the Oven:

You can also reheat your Wingstop corn in the oven. First, preheat your oven to 350°F or 400°F. Then, wrap each ear of corn in aluminium foil, adding a pat of butter, salt, pepper, and other seasonings, as well as a teaspoon of water or milk. Place the wrapped corn in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

Reheating Wingstop Corn on the Stovetop:

Another option is to reheat the corn on the stovetop. Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the corn to the pot using tongs. Let the water return to a boil and cook for a few minutes until the corn is heated through.

Reheating Wingstop Corn on the Grill:

If you're firing up the grill, you can also reheat your Wingstop corn there. Brush the corn with oil or butter and place it on a medium-heat grill, rotating it every 30 seconds until it is heated through.

Other Reheating Options:

You can also reheat Wingstop corn in the microwave or by boiling. Simply place the corn in a microwave-safe dish with a damp towel or boil it in a pot of water for a few minutes.

No matter which reheating method you choose, your Wingstop corn will be delicious and crispy again in no time!

Frequently asked questions