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Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Brown Sugar Cajun Wings
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These Brown Sugar Cajun Wings are everything you want in a chicken wing—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a bold sweet-and-spicy glaze. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully with Cajun spices, while a tangy honey sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s game day, a party, or a casual dinner, these wings disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wings

  • 3½–4 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Glaze

  • ⅓ cup honey

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. For extra-crispy skin, place wings uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

Step 2: Season

In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Toss wings with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Wings

Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Arrange wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Air Fryer Method:
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While wings cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in honey, hot sauce (if using), and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Toss hot wings in the honey glaze until well coated.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to control heat.

  • Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt.

  • Lemon Pepper Twist: Add 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning to the rub.

  • Smoked Wings: Smoke at 250°F (120°C) for 2–3 hours, then glaze.

  • Dipping Sauces: Ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard pair perfectly.

  • Make Ahead: Season wings up to 24 hours in advance; glaze keeps up to 1 week refrigerated.

  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches to ensure crispiness.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/brown-sugar-cajun-wings/