One day, I wanted a wing recipe that was both sweet and spicy, something with a deep, bold flavor that would be perfect for game night or a weekend treat. That’s when I thought of these Brown Sugar Cajun Wings.

They have the perfect mix of smoky Cajun seasoning and caramelized brown sugar, giving them a sticky, slightly spicy, and irresistibly crispy coating. These wings are incredibly easy to make and will leave everyone asking for more!

I love how this recipe brings together sweet and heat in one bite. The Cajun spices add a warm, smoky kick, while the brown sugar caramelizes as the wings bake, creating a deliciously crispy crust. The balance of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner, party appetizer, or a must-have for a game-day spread.

I kept this recipe simple to ensure anyone can make it. You only need a few basic ingredients—chicken wings, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, and some pantry staples—to create a dish bursting with bold flavors.

You can bake or air-fry them for an easy, mess-free cooking experience. If you prefer extra crispy wings, tossing them in a little cornstarch before cooking makes a huge difference.

What Are Brown Sugar Cajun Wings?

Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are crispy, flavorful chicken wings coated in a mix of sweet brown sugar and bold Cajun spices. They are baked or air-fried until golden and caramelized, making them a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of crispy skin and sticky glaze makes them one of the best ways to enjoy wings, whether for a party, dinner, or a quick snack.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ¼ cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet with a wire rack (or air fryer)
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (for sauce, if needed)
• Basting brush (optional)
• Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
• Cooling rack (to keep wings crispy after baking)

How to make Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If using an oven, place a wire rack on a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Wings:

Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better.

Season the Wings:

In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix well to ensure an even coating.

Arrange the Wings:

Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack or in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.

Bake or Air Fry:

• Oven Method: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even browning.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Baste for Extra Flavor:

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the wings with melted butter for extra richness and a glossy finish.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven or air fryer and let the wings rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Tips

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy texture. Removing excess moisture allows the seasoning to stick better and helps the wings crisp up in the oven or air fryer.
• Use fresh wings for the best flavor and tenderness. If using frozen wings, let them fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.
• Toss wings in cornstarch before baking for extra crispiness. Cornstarch helps create a crispy coating that locks in flavor and moisture.
• Let the wings marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. If you have extra time, marinate them overnight for deeper flavor.
• Preheat the oven or air fryer to get evenly cooked, crispy wings. Cooking at a high temperature right from the start ensures a crunchy texture.
• Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. This helps them cook evenly and develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
• Use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper caramelized flavor. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, adding a deeper sweetness and smokiness to the wings.

What to Eat with Brown Sugar Cajun Wings?

I like to serve these wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the spice. A creamy dip balances the bold flavors and enhances every bite.

A side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors. The slight sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the brown sugar in the wings.

Cornbread or coleslaw makes a great Southern-inspired side dish to complete the meal. The cool crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced wings.

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the wings. Adding fresh avocado or citrus fruits makes it even better.

If serving for a party, pair these wings with other appetizers like onion rings, jalapeño poppers, or loaded nachos for a fun and flavorful spread.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.

If freezing, let the wings cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. For best results, reheat in the air fryer for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wings? – Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to get the best texture.

Can I make these ahead of time? – Absolutely! You can marinate the wings overnight and bake them fresh when ready.

Can I fry these wings instead? – Yes! Deep-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, then toss in the brown sugar Cajun mix.

What Cajun seasoning should I use? – You can use store-bought or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs. Homemade seasoning allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking.

How do I make them extra crispy? – Tossing the wings in a bit of cornstarch before baking helps create a crunchier texture. You can also broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking for extra crispiness.

Can I make them less spicy? – Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder version. You can also add a little honey to balance out the heat.

Can I air fry them instead? – Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Air frying gives you crispy wings with less oil.

Can I add a sauce? – You can brush them with honey butter or a spicy glaze for extra flavor. A honey sriracha glaze or a bourbon BBQ sauce works great.

What’s the best dip for these wings? – Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a simple honey mustard dip work great. A Cajun mayo dip also pairs well with the flavors.

How do I reheat without drying them out? – Use an oven at 350°F (175°C) or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until hot. Avoid microwaving to keep the wings crispy.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are the ultimate combination of sweet and spicy, perfect for any gathering or a flavorful weeknight meal. Whether you bake or air-fry them, they turn out crispy, caramelized, and absolutely delicious.

Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: Appetizers, MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• ¼ cup brown sugar (dark preferred)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven, place a wire rack on a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better.
• Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix well to ensure an even coating.
• Arrange the Wings: Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack or in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
• Oven Method: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even browning.
• Baste for Extra Flavor: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the wings with melted butter for extra richness and a glossy finish.
• Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven or air fryer and let the wings rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.