Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn - A Delicious Sweet, Spicy Snack

Name: Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn - A Delicious Sweet, Spicy Snack
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 1/2 tsp paprika; 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2-1 tsp sea salt flakes; 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 6 ears fresh sweet corn; Frying oil

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Today’s Wingstop cajun fried corn copycat recipe is (in my opinion) better than the original! I’ve also included a guide for making these in an air fryer to cut back on unhealthy fats and calories. The corn is super crispy, loaded with authentic Cajun flavors, and is still able to retain its delicious sweet juices!

If you want to recreate some of your favorite Hollywood recipes, you can start with this famous Krabby Patty Burger or my Stranger Things Upside Down Milkshake! Check out my website for loads more!

Table of Contents

What Is Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn?

This is a side dish I recently discovered from Wingstop, and let me tell you, I cannot get enough! So today, I decided to recreate it in my own way!

This recipe is perfect for anyone that doesn’t have access to a Wingstop restaurant and if you want to make a budget-friendly version that costs you a fraction of their selling price.

And before you go “cheaper versions aren’t as good,” just wait until you try this recipe.

Recreating the Cajun seasoning mix is honestly the most difficult part of this entire recipe. But don’t worry, because I did all the work so that you don’t have to!

Once you have made your Cajun spice, you can simply follow my easy directions for making crispy fried sweet corn.

What Do You Need To Make Cajun Fried Corn From Wingstop

So, the recipe consists of two parts: the Cajun seasoning mix and the fried corn. To start, let’s take a look at the seasoning mix.

For The Cajun Spice Mix

For this recipe, you need all the basic ingredients commonly used for spice mixes and rubs. They include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

None of these ingredients makes a massive impact alone. But removing them or reducing their quantities (which alters the ratio of spices and ultimately, the flavor) will make the seasoning mix bland.

Then, you will also need some paprika and oregano. These are two more flavorings that go into MANY mixes because of the subtle yet crucial savory flavors they add.

I have also added some thyme to this recipe. I don’t know if the original Wingstop cajun fried corn recipe includes it. But I LOVE the slight herbaceous undertones it adds.

And finally, we have cayenne pepper, a staple in any Cajun mix. I don’t add a ton because it is spicier than chili powder. But this is definitely an add-in you can play around with. Increase the amount if you love very spicy foods.

For The Fried Corn

Next, you will need some fresh corn. Do not use frozen corn or canned corn. The entire dish is inspired by traditional corn on the cob. The only difference is that the fresh corn has been cut into smaller, easier-to-handle pieces.

To clean the ear of corn, remove all of the outer leaves (husks) and make sure to pull off as many fibers (white stringy bits) as you can. They are all edible but not very appealing. And they get stuck between your teeth, which is super annoying!

To fry these pieces of corn, you can use any frying oil. Usually, a vegetable oil blend, canola oil, or sunflower oil is used.

How to make Wingstop Corn

preheat your frying oil or air fryer until it reaches a temperature of 380ºF (190ºC). Proceed to make the Cajun spice mix by thoroughly blending all the herbs and spices together to ensure uniform flavor distribution.

Next, prepare the corn by peeling off the husks and removing any stringy pieces.

Steps by Steps of Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn

Cut each ear of corn into four parts, modifying the size if necessary. When the oil is heated, gradually add two to three corn pieces and let them fry for around 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Remove the corn from the oil and place them on a couple of paper towels to drain the excess oil. Repeat the process with the rest of the corn pieces. After removing the excess oil, place the corn in a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle it with butter and add the Cajun seasoning mix. Toss the corn thoroughly so that each piece is evenly coated. Finally, serve your fried corn immediately while it is still hot.

Can You Make Wingstop Corn In An Air-Fryer?

Now, originally Wingstop fried corn is cooked in a deep-fryer. This cooking technique gives the corn a super crispy texture while making the inside (flesh) tender and juicy.

However, deep-frying food, as you already know, is extremely unhealthy. The frying oil is pure fat (and unhealthy saturated and trans-fats at that)!

This makes the fried ingredients extremely high in calories (which increases weight gain) and can also lead to detrimental long-term negative effects on your health.

So, a great alternative is to use an air-fryer.

Now, if you don’t have an air-fryer and aren’t sure if it’s worth its price tag, I can hands-down guarantee that it is. At the very least, you won’t be ingesting as much fat (and calories) and still get that uber-crispy deep-fried texture.

How To Make This Wingstop Corn Recipe In An Air Fryer

To start, you will still make the spice mix and cover the prepared corn pieces in it.

Place them in a single layer in the air frying basket.

You can leave them to fry at 380ºF (190ºC) for roughly 3-5 minutes.

This way, you can get super crispy seasoned corn with up to 80% fewer calories! Incredible, right?

Tips And Tricks For This Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn Recipe

The best corn to buy is regular sweetcorn that still has its husks attached. The husk helps protect the corn from debris (dust and sand) and helps keep it fresher for longer.
If your frying oil or air-fryer isn’t hot enough, the corn will not get crispy. You will likely end up with very soggy corn.
You can use your hands to properly coat the corn pieces with spices. Just make sure they are clean or that you wear gloves. The pieces will still be hot after they have been fried, so be careful or just toss them in a bowl.

Variation of Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn

There are many ways to make this Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn. If you want a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder. For an Asian twist, add some ground ginger and five-spice powder. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure to adjust the amount of each spice accordingly.

More Air-Fryer Recipes

FAQs

Does the corn have to be cut into small pieces?

Yes, this is important for frying and also so that you can coat all of the surfaces in spices. Cut each ear of corn into 3-4 pieces depending on size.

Do I have to fry the corn?

No, you don’t have to fry the corn. You can also roast it in an oven or air-fryer. Roasting will give you a more sweet and nutty flavor that goes great with the spices. Plus, it’s much healthier than deep-frying!

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

No, you should not use frozen or canned corn for this recipe. The entire dish is based on using fresh sweetcorn. Plus, the flavor isn’t quite the same. The best way to enjoy this Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn is with fresh ears of corn!

How much spice mix should I use?

The amount of spice mix you use is totally up to your personal preference. The original Wingstop recipe uses a small amount that adds just the right kick and flavor, but you can easily increase or decrease the spiciness by adjusting the quantity of spices you ad-in. Increase the amount if you want a spicier version or decrease it for a milder flavor.