Description

These New Orleans Chicken Wings bring the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine right to your kitchen. Baked to crispy perfection and tossed in a tangy hot sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or game day snack. With a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, these wings are bursting with authentic southern heat and flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing

1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Louisiana or Crystal)
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture during baking.
Toss Wings with Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the wings with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using for extra heat), salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated in the spice mixture.
Arrange and Bake: Spread the seasoned wings out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to allow air circulation and even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
Toss with Hot Sauce and Serve: Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven while still warm and immediately toss them with the hot sauce to coat thoroughly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For those who prefer extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning or serve the wings with additional hot sauce on the side.
You can also cook these wings in an air fryer at 375°F for 25 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
Serve with classic accompaniments like ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks to balance the spiciness.