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Smoky Brown Sugar Cajun Wings

Crispy, flavorful wings perfectly coated with a sweet and smoky brown sugar dry rub, ideal for game days and casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Party Food
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dry Rub
  • 3 tablespoons C&H® Dark Brown Sugar
  • 2.5 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Fine Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 tablespoons Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 tablespoon Ancho Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 0.5 tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 0.5 tablespoon Dried Thyme
For the Wings
  • 5 pounds Chicken Wings
  • 4-4.5 tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided
  • 4 tablespoons Baking Powder
  • 4 tablespoons Butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the dry rub by combining C&H® Dark Brown Sugar, smoked paprika, fine kosher salt, garlic powder, ancho chili powder, ground black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano & dried thyme. Set aside.
  2. Pat the wings dry. Lightly drizzle with 2-2.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Coat with baking powder followed by 3-3.5 tablespoons of prepared dry rub, ensuring that the wings are well coated.
Cooking
  1. Grease & preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Once hot, place the wings in the air-fryer & cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
  2. While the wings cook, prepare the glaze by melting the butter on low heat in a skillet, add 5 tablespoons of the rub & whisk well to combine.
  3. Remove from heat & add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk again and adjust salt and additional dry rub to taste.
  4. Add the wings to a bowl, drizzle with the sauce & toss well to coat.
  5. Air fry again for 2-3 minutes at 400°F or until the sugar caramelizes.

Notes

Serve the wings hot with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, accompanied by sides like celery sticks or coleslaw. Store cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.