I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a road trip with my best friends. We made an impromptu stop at a Wingstop, and while the wings were amazing, it was the Cajun Fried Corn that truly captured our taste buds. The crispy, golden kernels seasoned to perfection with a blend of Cajun spices had us all hooked. Naturally, I had to recreate it at home, adding my little tweaks here and there.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you have a deep fryer or prefer a healthier air fryer version, the outcome is equally delicious. I love how the deep-fried method gives the corn a wonderfully crunchy texture, while the air fryer version offers a lighter, yet still satisfyingly crispy bite. Both methods are a hit, and it’s fun to see which version my guests will prefer each time.
The spice mix is the real star here. With a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne for that extra kick, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. I often find myself tweaking the spice levels to cater to my audience – a bit more cayenne for the heat lovers, or a tad more paprika for a smokier profile.
This recipe not only brings the taste of Wingstop right into your kitchen but also sparks memories of fun, laughter, and the joy of sharing good food with great company. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire just as it has in mine.
How to Prepare Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn
Ingredients
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne powder
- Vegetable oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
- Pinch of thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- 3 ears of corn
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
Directions
- Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne powder, salt, oregano, ground pepper, and thyme in a small bowl to create the Cajun seasoning.
- Fill a deep pot with enough vegetable oil to submerge the corn and heat it to 350-375°F.
- Cut each ear of corn into 4 pieces.
- Fry the corn pieces in batches, ensuring each piece is completely submerged in the hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a kitchen towel to drain excess oil.
- Brush the fried corn with melted butter (vegan or regular). Place the corn in a bowl and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over it. Use your hands to coat the corn evenly with the seasoning.
- Enjoy your Cajun fried corn, but be careful as it might be very hot!
- For the air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Brush each corn piece with melted butter and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning.
- Place the corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the corn to cool slightly before serving.
FAQs:
What type of corn should I use for the Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn recipe?
For the Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn recipe, it is best to use fresh ears of corn. Fresh corn provides a sweet, juicy flavor and better texture compared to frozen or canned corn. However, if fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn cobs as an alternative, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
Can I use other oils instead of vegetable oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point for frying, such as canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. These oils can handle the high temperatures needed for deep frying and will not affect the flavor of the corn significantly. Avoid using oils with low smoke points like olive oil, as they may burn and impart a bitter taste.
How do I ensure the corn is evenly coated with Cajun seasoning?
To ensure the corn is evenly coated with Cajun seasoning, it’s essential to first brush the corn with melted butter. This helps the seasoning stick better. After brushing with butter, sprinkle the seasoning generously and use your hands to rub and rotate each piece of corn to achieve an even coat. If you prefer, you can also place the seasoned corn in a sealed bag and shake it to distribute the seasoning evenly.
What is the best way to reheat leftover Cajun fried corn?
To reheat leftover Cajun fried corn, you can use an oven or air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the corn on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For the air fryer, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help retain the crispiness and flavor of the corn.
Can I make the Cajun seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Cajun seasoning ahead of time. Mix all the spices and store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it will be ready to use whenever you decide to make the Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn. The seasoning mix can be stored for up to 3 months without losing its potency.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier or less spicy?
Absolutely! To adjust the spiciness of the recipe, you can modify the amount of cayenne powder in the Cajun seasoning. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne powder to ½ teaspoon or more, depending on your preference. To make it less spicy, reduce the cayenne powder to a pinch or omit it entirely. You can also add more paprika for flavor without increasing the heat.
Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn
Ingredients
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- Pinch of thyme
- Vegetable oil
- 3 ears of corn
Instructions
Deep Fryer Recipe (Wingstop Original)
- Prepare the Cajun seasoning by mixing the spices in a small bowl and set it aside.
- Add enough oil to a deep pot to submerge the corn completely. Heat the oil on medium heat until it reaches 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut each ear of corn into 4 pieces.
- Add each piece one by one into the hot oil. Fry in batches.
- Fry them until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Once fried, move them to a plate lined with a kitchen towel to drain the excess oil.
- Brush each corn cob with melted butter (vegan or non-vegan).
- Place them into a bowl and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning on top. Use your hands to coat the seasoning evenly over each corn cob.
- Dig in and enjoy! Just make sure they aren't too hot.
Air Fryer Recipe
- Prepare the Cajun seasoning by mixing the spices in a small bowl and set it aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
- Brush each corn cob with melted butter (vegan or regular). Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over the corn, ensuring an even coat.
- Place the seasoned pieces of corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them in the preheated air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once the corn is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer.
- Let it cool slightly and serve!
