I’ve always had a soft spot for chicken wings — they’re crispy, juicy, and endlessly customizable. But here’s the thing: I’m not always in the mood to deep fry, deal with a pot of hot oil, or wait for the oven to heat up for ages. That’s why these Crispy Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings have become one of my go-to recipes. They’re quick, packed with smoky, spicy Cajun flavor, and best of all… they’re done in just about 30 minutes.
The first time I made them, I was honestly surprised at how close they came to restaurant-style wings — but with so much less mess and oil. The air fryer works magic here, creating that shatteringly crisp skin while keeping the inside ridiculously juicy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a party appetizer that people will be talking about long after the last wing disappears.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: You’ll want fresh or fully thawed wings for the best results. I prefer using wings that are already split into flats and drumettes for quicker cooking and easier eating. The skin is essential here — it’s what crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Cajun seasoning: This is where the flavor magic happens. Cajun seasoning brings that bold, zesty mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. It’s smoky, spicy, and earthy all in one — and it clings perfectly to the chicken’s surface for maximum taste.
Olive oil: A little oil helps the seasoning stick to the wings and encourages even browning in the air fryer. I like using extra-virgin olive oil for its flavor, but any neutral oil will work.
Salt and pepper: While Cajun seasoning has plenty of saltiness built in, I still like to add a touch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper for balance.
Cooking spray: This isn’t for the wings — it’s for the air fryer basket. A light coating ensures the wings won’t stick and makes cleanup much easier.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray for the basket
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings in 30 Minutes
Step 1: Prep the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key for getting crispy skin, as excess moisture will create steam instead of crisping.
Step 2: Season generously
Place the wings in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle over the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece is evenly coated in that spicy, flavorful mix.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures the wings start cooking immediately for that crisp finish.
Step 4: Arrange in the basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 5: Air fry to crispy perfection
Cook the wings for 10 minutes, flip them over, then cook for another 8–10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve hot, straight from the air fryer, with your favorite dipping sauce — ranch, blue cheese, or even a creamy Cajun dip for double the flavor.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Dry your wings well: This is the single most important step for crispy skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate around each wing to crisp it evenly.
- Adjust the spice: Cajun seasoning varies in heat — add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
- Flip halfway through: This ensures even browning on both sides.
- Cook in batches if needed: Crowding the basket will lead to steaming instead of crisping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture. Cooking from frozen can make the seasoning slide off and result in less crispy skin.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Cajun wings?
I love ranch or blue cheese for creaminess, but a spicy aioli or chipotle mayo also pairs beautifully.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
It varies by brand, but typically it has a medium heat level. You can cut back on cayenne or mix in some paprika to make it milder.