Air Fryer Crispy Cajun Wings

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, in the recipe card below. But first, here are a few details about the ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfectly every time.

• chicken wings: split into drumettes and wingettes.
• baking powder: the magic ingredient for crispy chicken wings! Be sure to use gluten-free baking powder to keep this recipe free of gluten.
• Cajun seasoning mix: see the image below and a complete list of spices with amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

This is one of my all-time favorite spice mixes! It has a bit of a kick, but it's not too hot.

• I love it in this Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice (An easy, full-flavored recipe using sausage, shrimp or prawns, and leftover rice.)
• Cajun Chicken Thighs with Zesty Quinoa (Perfectly balanced smoky, spicy flavors in a 30-minute meal!)
• Air Fryer Cajun Spiced Salmon  (tender, juicy salmon with a crispy Cajun-flavoured crust, ready in 15 minutes.)
• and these Grilled Cajun Prawn Kabobs with Pineapple! (a fun-to-eat appetizer or main dish for any time of the year.)

It's handy to have a small jar of this mixed up in advance so I can make these recipes quickly. It will last for up to 6 months.

These air fryer Cajun wings are quick to prepare and quick to cook! Need a last-minute meal? This chicken wing recipe is for you! Just mix up a batch of this Cajun seasoning mix and you're ready to go!

1. Start by patting the wings dry with a paper towel. This step helps to keep them crispy.
2. Next, toss with baking powder, then toss with Cajun seasoning mix.
3. Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes, then use an oil mister to spray the air fryer basket lightly and arrange the wings in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes, then use tongs to flip the wings over. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. when measured with an instant-read meat thermometer.

All air fryers are different. Depending on the size and type you own, you may have to fry the chicken for a shorter or longer time.

Air frying times will vary with the size of the chicken wings you have, too. I like to cook the drumettes and the wingettes in separate batches so they'll be evenly cooked. Drumettes are often meatier and may take a minute or two longer.

An instant-read meat thermometer will be your best friend in the kitchen. You can always check to see if your meat has reached a safe temperature without having to cut it open to check for doneness.

To store or freeze: Let the wings cool, then refrigerate in a covered container. They'll last for 3 to 4 days. These Cajun wings freeze beautifully. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container for 3 months or more.

Having a container of seasoned wings in the freezer is a huge time-saver for busy nights, or for last-minute picnics or camping trips!

How to reheat in your air fryer: Cajun wings will still taste delicious when reheated. If you've frozen the wings, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Place them in the air fryer in a single layer so they will reheat evenly. You may have to do this in batches if you have a small air fryer as I do.

Set the temperature to 390°F or 400°F. and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove them from the basket, let them cool slightly and enjoy!

How to reheat in the oven: Reheating chicken wings in the oven may cause them to dry out, so reheat at 350° F. instead of 400°F. First, let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow them to come to room temperature. Line a baking pan with foil, place the wings in a single layer and heat for 15 minutes. Check the wings at 10 minutes to make sure they're not becoming overcooked.

Chicken wings can be a game day or party snack, or they can be part of a balanced dinner.

If you're planning to serve these spicy Cajun wings as snacks, offer some fresh veggies like celery, cucumber, or kohlrabi sticks, too. You'll find lots more appetizer and snack ideas in my Appetizer section.

Make them a meal by adding a refreshing salad like this Kiwi Mandarin Spinach Salad, Winter Citrus Arugula Salad or Mango Black Bean Salad with Lemon-Lime Vinaigrette.

Try some of these favorites!

• Honey-Garlic Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
• Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Easiest Old Bay Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip (Air Fryer)
• Cranberry Glazed Chili Chicken Wings