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Crispy Cajun Chicken Wings (in the Air Fryer)

Crispy, succulent, and bursting with flavour, chicken wings are a popular party snack, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in during a cosy night in. With the rising popularity of air fryers, there’s no better way to achieve that desired crunch without the guilt of deep frying. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that combines the vibrant flavours of Cajun seasoning with the convenience of an air fryer: Crispy Cajun Chicken Wings.

Ingredients

To create these delectable wings, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken wings, trimmed and split
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Fresh parsley or spring onions, chopped for garnish
• Optional: Hot sauce or ranch dressing for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Begin by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Ensuring that the wings are dry will help them achieve that extra crispy texture. Once dry, place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken wings. This helps the seasoning stick and contributes to the crispiness. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated in the spice mixture. For an added kick, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

While you’re preparing the wings, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the wings cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when they are done.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the wings are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a minute. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat. Serve the wings hot, garnished with chopped parsley or spring onions if desired. Accompany with your favourite dipping sauce, whether that be a zesty hot sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or blue cheese dip.

Tips for Success

1. Drying the Wings: The key to crispy wings is to dry them thoroughly. Any excess moisture will steam the wings, preventing them from crisping up.

2. Batch Cooking: If your air fryer is small, it’s better to cook the wings in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy result.

3. Homemade Cajun Seasoning: For those keen to experiment, creating your own Cajun seasoning is simple. Combine equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt for a delightful mix.

4. Extra Crispy: For an added level of crispiness, consider giving the wings an extra minute or two in the air fryer after they are originally cooked.

Conclusion

Air fryer Cajun chicken wings offer a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, without sacrificing the crunch or flavour. Perfect for game nights, gatherings, or simply a treat for yourself, these wings are sure to impress. Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a plate of flavour-packed, crispy Cajun chicken wings that are not only easy to prepare but utterly satisfying!

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