Wingstop Cajun Corn is a bold and flavorful dish that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with smoky, spicy goodness on the inside. Made with corn on the cob coated in a Cajun butter seasoning, this dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick weeknight snack, or just craving something delicious with a kick. The easy-to-follow recipe can be made using an air fryer, oven, or frying, making it versatile and quick.
Ingredients
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For the Cajun Corn:
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6 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
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Oil spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
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6 tbsp butter
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1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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For the Cajun Seasoning:
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1 tbsp paprika
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp dried parsley
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3/4 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp brown sugar
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3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
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1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
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Directions
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Prepare the Corn: Husk and clean the corn. Cut each ear into 3-4 bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 inches each).
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Cook the Corn:
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Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the corn in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 5 minutes, flip the corn, spray the other side, and cook for another 5 minutes. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown (total cook time: 13-14 minutes).
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Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F and roast the corn for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
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Frying Method: Fry the corn in hot vegetable oil for 4-5 minutes until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
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Prepare the Cajun Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (10-15 seconds). Whisk in the Cajun seasoning until smooth.
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Coat the Corn: Transfer the hot corn to the Cajun butter and toss well to coat evenly.
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Serve: Serve warm, optionally with ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrients (Per Serving – 1 piece of corn)
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Calories: 80 kcal
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 120mg
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Fat: 6g
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Saturated Fat: 3.5g
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Unsaturated Fat: 2g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fiber: 1g
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Protein: 1g
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Cholesterol: 12mg
The Appeal of Cajun Flavors
Cajun cuisine, which originated in Louisiana, is known for its rich, spicy, and smoky flavors, thanks to the careful blending of seasonings and spices. The magic of Cajun cooking lies in the combination of ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, which create a bold flavor profile. In this recipe, the corn is coated with a Cajun butter seasoning that infuses each bite with smoky, spicy goodness. The blend of spices works beautifully with the sweetness of the corn, creating a contrast that’s both exciting and satisfying.
The Key Ingredients
This recipe uses simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dish.
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Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn is the star of the dish. Its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the Cajun butter seasoning, making each bite a delicious balance of flavors.
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Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the flavor profile, the Cajun seasoning combines spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. These ingredients add warmth, smokiness, and heat to the dish. The sweetness of the brown sugar also enhances the seasoning mix and helps caramelize the corn during cooking.
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Butter: The butter serves as a rich base that helps the Cajun seasoning adhere to the corn, creating a luscious coating. It also adds a creamy richness to balance out the spice.
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Oil Spray: A light misting of oil ensures that the corn becomes crispy on the outside, especially when using an air fryer or frying method. It also prevents the corn from sticking to the cooking surface.
Cooking Methods: Air Fryer, Oven, or Frying
The versatility of this recipe lies in the multiple cooking methods you can use to prepare the Cajun Corn. Whether you prefer the speed and crispiness of an air fryer, the even roasting of an oven, or the deep-fried crunch, each method yields delicious results.
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Air Fryer Method: Air frying is a quick and healthy way to achieve a crispy texture without using excess oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then place the corn in a single layer, lightly spraying it with oil. The cooking time is only about 13-14 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. The corn is flipped halfway through to ensure even crisping.
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Oven Method: If you prefer using an oven, simply preheat it to 425°F and roast the corn for about 20 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through for even crispiness. This method is great if you’re making a large batch or prefer hands-off cooking.
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Frying Method: For those who enjoy the deep-fried texture, frying the corn in hot vegetable oil for about 4-5 minutes gives it a crispy, golden-brown exterior. After frying, drain the corn on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain its crunch.
Preparing the Cajun Butter
The Cajun butter is what truly elevates this dish. The butter serves as the vehicle for the Cajun seasoning, making the corn irresistibly flavorful. To make the Cajun butter, simply melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and whisk in the Cajun seasoning until smooth. The melted butter allows the spices to dissolve, creating a smooth, flavorful sauce that coats the corn evenly.
Coating the Corn
Once the corn is cooked, it’s time to coat it in the Cajun butter. Transfer the hot corn to the butter sauce and toss it well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. The warm corn will absorb the butter and seasoning, making each bite packed with flavor. The buttery seasoning also helps the corn retain its moisture while providing a crispy exterior, particularly when cooked in the air fryer or fried.
Serving and Enjoying
Wingstop Cajun Corn is best served warm, making it a perfect side dish for a family meal, party, or as a snack while watching the game. You can garnish the corn with chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra pop of freshness and color. For an added touch, serve it with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, which complements the spice and adds a creamy element to the dish.
Conclusion
Wingstop Cajun Corn is a quick, versatile, and mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. With its smoky, spicy Cajun butter seasoning, this dish is bursting with flavor and can be prepared in just minutes using an air fryer, oven, or frying method. The crispy corn, combined with the richness of the butter and the heat of the Cajun spices, creates an irresistible snack or side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a party, cooking for a family dinner, or just indulging in something flavorful, Wingstop Cajun Corn is the perfect choice.