Description
Discover the secret to perfectly crispy Cajun baked chicken wings featuring bold spices and a simple oven-baking technique that delivers a flavorful, crunchy bite every time. Combining smoky heat and a robust spice mix, this mess-free recipe is perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacking, with a juicy interior and irresistibly crunchy skin.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds fresh or thawed chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
Seasoning & Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove all excess moisture. If wings are not pre-cut, split them into drumettes and flats for even cooking and crisping.
- Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, baking powder, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Ensure each wing is evenly coated with the spice and baking powder mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Lay the wings in a single layer on the rack, leaving space between each piece to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
- Bake Until Crispy: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the wings for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve golden brown, crunchy skin on all sides.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in juiciness. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Patting the wings completely dry is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda, to avoid off-flavors and get the best crunch.
- Always bake wings on a wire rack to allow air to circulate and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Flip the wings halfway through baking for even browning and crispiness.
- Let wings rest a few minutes after baking to keep them juicy inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken wings, crispy baked wings, spicy chicken wings, game day appetizers, easy baked wings, gluten-free wings
