Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with these crispy Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings. This dish perfectly balances smoky paprika, aromatic garlic, and a kick of Cajun spice, all enveloped in a golden-brown, irresistible crust. They are ideal for game day, a party appetizer, or a deliciously easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves ultimate crispiness without deep-frying, thanks to high-heat roasting.
- Bursting with bold, smoky, and spicy Cajun flavors complemented by rich garlic butter.
- Perfect for entertaining, game nights, or a satisfying main course.
- Relatively quick and straightforward to prepare with minimal fuss.
- Highly customizable – adjust spice levels to your preference.
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) chicken wings, separated at joints, tips removed
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika
- 5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 5 ml (1 tsp) onion powder
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
- 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare your oven and baking sheet. Preheat your oven to a blazing 220°C (425°F) to ensure maximum crispiness. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This crucial step allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting an even crisp.
- Thoroughly prepare the chicken wings. Pat the chicken wings exceptionally dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is paramount for achieving that coveted crispy skin, as moisture creates steam and hinders browning.
- Master the marinade and coat the wings. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Add the meticulously dried chicken wings to this spice mixture and toss vigorously until every wing is uniformly coated. Ensure no naked spots remain for optimal flavor.
- Strategically arrange the wings on the baking sheet. Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack or baking sheet. It is essential to leave ample space between each wing. Overcrowding the pan will steam the wings instead of roasting them, resulting in a less crispy outcome.
- Perfectly roast the wings. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for a total of 35–40 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 17-20 minute mark), carefully flip each wing to ensure both sides achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness. The wings should be cooked through and have rendered much of their fat.
- While the wings are roasting, prepare the aromatic garlic butter. In a small saucepan over very low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely minced garlic to the melted butter and gently cook for 1–2 minutes. The goal is to soften the garlic and allow its fragrant oils to infuse the butter, not to brown or burn it, which would result in a bitter taste.
- Finish and toss the wings with the garlic butter. Once the wings are perfectly roasted and piping hot, carefully transfer them to a large, clean mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared, fragrant garlic butter over the hot wings. Toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every single wing is generously coated in the rich, garlicky goodness.
- Garnish and serve immediately. If desired, sprinkle the tossed wings with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. Serve these delectable Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings immediately, as they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet
- Wire cooling rack (optional, but highly recommended)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Small saucepan
- Tongs or spatula
Essential Success Tips
- Patting the wings completely dry is the single most important step for crispy skin. Don't skip it!
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow ample space between wings for proper air circulation.
- Flip the wings halfway through roasting to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides.
- Watch the garlic closely when infusing the butter; it should be fragrant, not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Warm wings will start to lose their crispness.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For next-level crispiness, lightly salt the wings and refrigerate them uncovered overnight. This dry-brining process draws out moisture from the skin, resulting in an even crispier bite.
- Amplify the garlic flavor by adding a touch of roasted garlic paste to the melted butter alongside the fresh minced garlic. This adds depth and a mellow sweetness.
- Consider adding a splash of hot sauce directly to the garlic butter for an extra layer of heat and tang that beautifully complements the Cajun spices.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) until crispy again.
- Variations: For a smoky BBQ twist, add 15 ml (1 tbsp) of your favorite BBQ sauce to the garlic butter when tossing. Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat according to your preference.
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Combine 1 tbsp paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 18-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes, until crispy and cooked through. Toss with garlic butter as per instructions.
What dipping sauces pair well with Cajun Garlic Chicken Wings?
These wings are fantastic on their own, but if you're looking for a dip, a cool ranch dressing, a creamy blue cheese dip, or even a simple honey mustard sauce would complement the spicy, savory flavors beautifully.
How do I know when the chicken wings are fully cooked?
Chicken wings are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). You can check this with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone. They should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 420-480 per serving, Protein: 35g-40g, Fat: 28g-32g, Carbohydrates: 5g-8g. (Estimates based on typical chicken wing and ingredient values).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (butter). For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.
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