Name: Wingstop Cajun Corn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Southern Cajun
Ingredients: 6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned; Oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil), as needed; 6 tbsp butter; 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried parsley; 3/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp brown sugar; 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference); 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bold, spicy side dish that steals the show at any gathering, look no further than Wingstop Cajun Corn. This vibrant, flavor-packed recipe transforms simple corn into a mouthwatering treat coated in a buttery, zesty Cajun spice blend that is wonderfully smoky, garlicky, and just the right amount of fiery. Whether you’re pairing it with wings or serving it as a star on its own, Wingstop Cajun Corn brings irresistible warmth and depth to your plate, guaranteed to make taste buds dance with joy.

Wingstop Cajun Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but carefully selected to create that perfect balance of heat, herbs, and buttery goodness. Each spice and herb brings its own character, from the smoky paprika to the earthy thyme, while the corn acts as the sweet, crisp canvas that soaks up all those flavors.

6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned: Fresh corn is vital for its natural sweetness and juicy crunch.
Oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil): Helps get that gorgeous golden char without unnecessary greasiness.
6 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps the spices stick to every kernel.
1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning: The star spice mix for authentic flavor depth and a little heat.
1 tbsp paprika: Contributes smoky aroma and vibrant color.
1 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors beautifully.
2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory punch.
1 tsp onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complexity.
1 tsp chili powder: Introduces a gentle smoky heat.
1 tsp dried parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous touch.
3/4 tsp dried thyme: Brings earthy, lemony notes that brighten the mix.
1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
1/2 tsp brown sugar: Balances spice with just a pinch of sweetness.
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference): Delivers a lively kick—tune it to your liking.
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked for sharp, peppery depth.

How to Make Wingstop Cajun Corn

Step 1: Prep the Corn

Start by husking and thoroughly cleaning each ear of corn. To make it easy to eat and perfect for an air fryer, cut each ear into 3 to 4 bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches each. This ensures even cooking and gives you those perfect little nuggets of smoky corn goodness.

Step 2: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Place the corn pieces in a single layer inside your air fryer basket to get that crisp exterior. Lightly spritz the corn with your choice of oil—olive or avocado oil works great for heart-healthy, light char. If your air fryer requires preheating, warm it up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the corn inside. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each piece over, spritz the other side lightly, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes at the same temperature. Keep a close eye and add an extra 1 to 2 minutes per side if needed, rotating as you go, until each piece reaches a gorgeous golden brown and tender texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Cajun Butter Sauce

While the corn is roasting, melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large bowl—about 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave is perfect. Stir in the 1.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until it forms a smooth, aromatic sauce. This buttery mix is where all the spices come to life, ready to coat every crevice of your corn pieces.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Once the corn is hot and perfectly roasted, transfer it right from the air fryer basket into the bowl of melted Cajun butter. Toss everything together with a spoon or use a basting brush for extra coverage, ensuring every bite is evenly coated in spicy, buttery deliciousness. This step really energizes the flavors and makes the corn irresistible.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

The magic of Wingstop Cajun Corn is best appreciated fresh and warm. Serve it immediately, ideally accompanied by your favorite ranch dressing or dipping sauce to contrast that smoky, spicy kick.

How to Serve Wingstop Cajun Corn

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that balances the rich spices. A dash of grated Parmesan or crumbled queso fresco can also complement the spiciness elegantly. For a zesty twist, a squeeze of lime juice over the top awakens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Wingstop Cajun Corn pairs wonderfully with a range of mains. Think crispy fried chicken, juicy grilled steaks, or even hearty seafood like blackened shrimp. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to barbecue classics, providing a vibrant contrast with its spicy-sweet profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Skewer the corn pieces on small wooden sticks to make spicy corn kebabs, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Alternatively, serve the corn in a rustic cast-iron skillet right on the table to keep it warm and invite everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Wingstop Cajun Corn has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it an excellent leftover to enjoy as a snack or side.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal as corn can lose some texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze, place the cooled corn pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag. Use within 1 month for best quality and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Wingstop Cajun Corn is to pop it back into the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which revives the crisp exterior beautifully. Alternatively, you can warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain flavor and texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make Wingstop Cajun Corn without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can roast the corn pieces in an oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and tender. A grill also works wonderfully to add a smokier char.

How spicy is Wingstop Cajun Corn?

The heat level is moderate with a nice build-up, thanks to cayenne, chili powder, and black pepper. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper amount to your preference, dialing down for milder heat or upping if you love some serious spice.

What’s the best butter to use?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness, but feel free to use salted butter if you prefer. Clarified butter or ghee works beautifully for a more intense buttery flavor and higher smoke point.

Can I prepare the Cajun seasoning mix ahead of time?

Yes! Make a big batch of the Cajun seasoning blend and store it in an airtight container for several weeks. This makes whipping up Wingstop Cajun Corn even quicker and adds convenience for other recipes too.

Is this recipe suitable for a larger crowd?

Definitely. The recipe scales up nicely. Just increase the ingredients proportionally and cook the corn batches in the air fryer in multiple rounds for consistent crispy results.

Final Thoughts

Wingstop Cajun Corn is truly one of those dishes that brings excitement and comfort all at once. Its irresistible combination of smoky, spicy, and buttery flavors makes it a standout crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to side dish for game days, barbecues, or whenever you want a simple yet spectacular treat. So go ahead, try the Wingstop Cajun Corn and savor every tantalizing bite!

Wingstop Cajun Corn Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Wingstop Cajun Corn is a flavorful and spicy air-fried corn dish coated in a buttery Cajun seasoning blend. Perfect as a savory snack or side dish, this recipe features juicy corn pieces that are crispy on the outside and packed with robust southern Cajun flavors, balanced with a slight smoky heat and herbs.

Instructions

Prepare the Corn: Husk and clean each ear of corn thoroughly. Cut each ear into 3-4 bite-sized pieces, each about 1.5 inches long, to ensure even cooking.
Air Fry Corn – First Side: Place the corn pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the corn with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if your model requires preheating. Cook the corn for 5 minutes.
Air Fry Corn – Second Side: Flip the corn pieces to expose the other side. Spray the exposed side with oil and continue cooking for another 5 minutes at 400°F, allowing the kernels to begin browning evenly.
Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the corn for an additional 1-2 minutes per side, rotating as needed to achieve a golden brown exterior. The total cooking time will be approximately 13-14 minutes, resulting in tender yet crispy corn pieces.
Prepare Cajun Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Whisk in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and cracked black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Toss Corn with Cajun Butter: Transfer the hot corn pieces directly into the bowl with the Cajun butter mixture. Toss them thoroughly using a spoon or basting brush to ensure each piece is evenly coated, allowing the seasoning to settle into the crevices.
Serve: Serve the Cajun corn warm, ideally accompanied by ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Use fresh herbs where possible for enhanced flavor, though dried works well.
Air fryer cook times might vary slightly based on your model; check for desired crispiness.
To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure Cajun seasoning does not contain animal products.
For gluten-free, confirm all spices and seasonings have no gluten additives.
Leftover Cajun corn can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for best texture retention.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Southern Cajun