These Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are a burst of flavor! With a nice mix of sweetness from brown sugar and a kick of Cajun spice, they’re hard to resist.
Wings are perfect for game day or any gathering! I love how the sticky glaze makes them even more fun to munch on. You’ll want to eat them all—just try not to get sauce on your shirt! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: You can use frozen wings; just be sure to thaw them before cooking. If you want a leaner option, try using skinless chicken breast cut into wing-sized pieces.
Brown Sugar: I love the caramelization brown sugar gives. If you’re out, light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably. You can also use honey or maple syrup, though they might alter the cooking time slightly.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme works great. Customize the spice level based on your taste!
Hot Sauce: For added heat, go for your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip it or use a sweeter variety like sriracha.
How Do I Bake Wings to Make Them Crispy?
Baking wings to a perfect crisp starts with ensuring they are dry. Patting them with paper towels removes excess moisture, which helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Preheat your oven and use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, ensuring your wings cook evenly.
- Coat wings in oil and seasoning, then spread them out on the rack without overcrowding. This prevents steaming.
- Baking at a higher temperature (400°F) will help achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture. Flip the wings halfway to make sure they cook evenly.
- Finally, a quick broil at the end can help get them extra crispy! Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
For the Spice Mix:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-50 minutes to bake, which means you’ll need about 1 hour total. It’s perfect for those times when you want a tasty dish that won’t take forever!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top—this will help the wings get nice and crispy!
2. Mixing the Spices:
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until well mixed. This combination of spices will give your wings that amazing sweet and spicy flavor!
3. Preparing the Chicken Wings:
Next, take your chicken wings and give them a good pat dry with some paper towels. This will help them get crispy. Add the wings to the bowl of spices, then drizzle olive oil on top. Toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated in the spice mix.
4. Baking the Wings:
Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake them in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes—flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You’re looking for a nice golden brown and crispy texture!
5. Making the Glaze:
While the wings are baking, grab a small bowl and mix together the melted butter and hot sauce (if you’re using it). This will be your yummy glaze for the wings!
6. Final Touches:
When the wings are fully cooked and crispy, take them out of the oven. Toss the wings in the butter and hot sauce mixture to coat them evenly. Put them back on the wire rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set that glaze!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once they’re done, remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a minute. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve them hot and enjoy your delicious Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cajun Wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before you cook them. For quicker thawing, you can also put them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder wings, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can add more hot sauce for the adults while keeping the spice level lower for kids.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain their crispiness!
Can I Make These Wings in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings in a single layer for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will give you that same delicious crispiness without using the oven.
