Whip up a batch of these spicy Cajun Wings for your next game-day party, movie night, or potluck.
While in college, I liked going to a local wings place on Tuesdays because it was the designated cheap wings night. The restaurant let them go for so cheap, I could actually afford a lot of them (plus a pint of beer) as a broke student. My college years were spent in my home state of Louisiana, and thankfully, there was no shortage of good food—and that included the chicken wing flavors at my favorite wing spot.
I liked to order different flavors every time, but perhaps my favorite was the good old Cajun variety. For the uninitiated, most dishes labeled as “Cajun” in restaurants are just cooked in lots of butter with “Tony’s”—Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning blend—all over it. That’s what those wings were exactly. This Cajun wings recipe takes a salty, spicy Cajun seasoning blend and skips the butter (and deep-frying oil) to make a healthier baked version that’s every bit as delicious.
Are These Cajun Wings Healthy?
These chicken wings are a lot healthier than wings you’d normally get at a restaurant, as most of those wings are deep-fried. Baking chicken wings means a lot less oil in your meal. That said, these chicken wings are a source of saturated fat. To balance out the meal, be sure to serve them with healthy sides such as crisp vegetables and eat them in moderation.
What’s The Secret To Crispy Chicken Wings?
Two things: Make sure to dry them off and use baking powder!
Before you add any seasonings, dab the raw wings thoroughly with paper towels. The drier the raw wings are, the crispier the skin will be when cooked.
Coating them with baking powder will also make all the difference. It helps break down the proteins in the skin and increases the pH level, ensuring beautiful, golden-brown results.
Sauces, such as typical Buffalo wing sauce, will ruin your quest for crispy wings if you add the sauce before you cook the chicken. If you use a sauce for your wings, toss the wings in the sauce after they’re cooked to a crisp. Luckily for us, this recipe uses a dry rub, which makes crispy skin a little easier to achieve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store completely cooled wings in an airtight container or a Ziploc storage bag and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the wings for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Serving Suggestions
Can you enjoy Cajun wings without celery and carrots? Probably not. The celery and carrots became a tradition with wings because they actually serve a purpose. Wings are usually spicy, and the cool, crunchy veggies help balance out that spice (and add some necessary fiber to the meal!). Serve up your Cajun wings with a few sticks of celery and carrots on the side. And of course, don’t forget the Blue Cheese Dip or ranch dressing for dipping.
Having vegetarian or vegan friends over? These Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower snacks are a good alternative to these wings. If serving the wings as part of a party buffet, add a big bowl of salad, like a Mediterranean Cucumber Salad or a Broccoli Salad, for some variety.
If I want an entire Cajun theme, go ahead and add some Cajun Fries to go with the wings, or serve up a hearty Cajun Cauliflower Tater Tots Casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Cut the chicken wings into flats and drumettes if they are not already separated. Discard the wing tips.
- Use paper towels to pat the wings dry, ensuring they are completely moisture-free for optimal crispiness.
- Place the wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle with baking powder and toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- Add the Cajun seasoning to the wings and toss again to ensure they are fully coated with the spices.
- Arrange the wings on the prepared wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 24 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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