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Smoky Brown Sugar Cajun Wings served with a dipping sauce.

Smoky, Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 5-6 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun

Description

These wings are the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy! A flavorful dry rub and a buttery brown sugar glaze make these air-fried wings irresistibly delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dry Rub:

  • 3 tablespoons C&H® Dark Brown Sugar (or any dark brown sugar)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fine kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme

For the Wings:

  • 5 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 44 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 tablespoons baking powder

For the Glaze:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 tablespoons of the prepared dry rub (from above)
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive oil

Instructions

  • Prepare Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients (brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, ancho chili powder, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and thyme). Mix well and set aside.
  • Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is important for crispy wings! In a large bowl, drizzle the wings with 2 – 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle the baking powder over the wings and toss again. Then, sprinkle 3 – 3 1/2 tablespoons of the prepared dry rub over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
  • First Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Grease the air fryer basket. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Make Glaze: While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add 5 tablespoons of the prepared dry rub and whisk until well combined. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Taste and add additional dry rub or salt, if needed.
  • Coat and Finish: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Return the wings to the air fryer basket. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar caramelizes and the wings are crispy.
  • Serve

Notes

  • Baking Powder: The baking powder helps to create extra crispy wings.
  • Air Fryer: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve these wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or more of the glaze.