Wingstop makes great chicken, but it doesn’t stop there as their sides are also delicious! In fact, I enjoy Wingstop corn so much that I had to create a copycat version to make in my air fryer so I don’t have to get takeout for it. It’s buttery, savory, and actually really easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just like your Wingstop favorite. Enjoy the bold, buttery Cajun flavor you love without leaving home
- Perfectly cooked in the air fryer. The corn gets tender with lightly charred edges that add even more flavor!
- Ready in no time. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or game day
- Buttery, spicy, and slightly smoky. Every bite is packed with the signature flavors that make this dish so addictive
- Easy to customize. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it as mild or spicy compared to Wingstop’s version as you like (that’s the benefit of making it at home)!
- Pairs with almost anything. Serve it alongside wings, burgers, barbecue, sandwiches, or your favorite comfort foods
- Great for parties. It’s an easy side dish that’s always a hit at cookouts, tailgates, and family gatherings, plus it’s naturally gluten free and vegetarian so it works for a variety of dietary needs without trying
- Less mess than traditional cooking. The air fryer makes cleanup quick and easy while delivering fantastic results
- Better than takeout. You can enjoy your favorite Wingstop-inspired side whenever the craving strikes; no drive-thru required!
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Ingredients List
- 12 count frozen sweet corn on the cob segments (or 4 ears fresh sweet corn, shucked, and cut into 3 segments (discard the tips) each
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 ½ tsp Wingstop Cajun seasoning (see below)
- 1 tsp Wingstop fry seasoning (see below)
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
Wingstop Fry Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tablespoon white granulated sugar
- ½ Tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wingstop Cajun Seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or you can use chili powder for a slightly less spicy option)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp marjoram
- ¼ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Cooking time only varies by a minute or two to use frozen corn instead of fresh, making it easy to make this dish year round!
- Wingstop’s Cajun seasoning is largely unusual in that it contains white pepper and marjoram. If preferred, you can use a store bought Cajun seasoning as a base and try to adjust with any missing ingredients
- Since both the fry seasoning and the Cajun contain salt, I do not add any additional salt to my corn. However, you can absolutely adjust to taste (including not using salt in one of the mixes if you want to reduce saltiness)
Step By Step Instructions
- Brush or toss the corn with the olive oil and place into your air fryer in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until the corn is browned to your liking. This is a good time to mix all your seasonings!
- Transfer the cooked corn to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the melted butter, fry seasoning, and Cajun seasoning, then toss until evenly coated. Feel free to adjust seasoning levels by adding more as desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Copycat Wingstop Cajun corn is buttery, smoky, spicy, and just a little sweet, making it the perfect side for comfort food favorites, barbecue, and just about anything with bold flavors. Here are some of my favorites!
Chicken Favorites
- Crispy chicken wings: The ultimate Wingstop-inspired pairing. Garlic Parmesan Wings are a great option!
- Chicken tenders: A family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy
- Fried chicken: Crispy chicken and Cajun corn are a classic combination
- Grilled chicken thighs: Smoky, juicy chicken complements the buttery corn
- Buffalo chicken sandwiches: Cool the heat with sweet, buttery corn
Burgers & Sandwiches
- Cheeseburgers: A juicy burger and Cajun corn are hard to beat
- Bacon cheeseburgers: Smoky bacon complements the Cajun seasoning
- Pulled pork sandwiches: Sweet barbecue and spicy corn are a natural match
- Philly cheesesteaks: Rich and hearty with a flavorful side
- Crispy chicken sandwiches: Especially with spicy mayo or pickles!
Barbecue Favorites
- Baby back ribs: Sticky barbecue sauce and Cajun corn are a winning combination
- Smoked brisket: Rich beef pairs perfectly with the bold seasoning
- Grilled steak: A hearty pairing for summer cookouts
- Barbecue chicken: Sweet and smoky flavors work beautifully together. My Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters are a delicious option!
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa: A flavorful, satisfying meal. Try any of my Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipes!
Side Dishes
- Coleslaw: Cool, creamy slaw balances the Cajun spice
- Mac and cheese: Rich, cheesy comfort food alongside spicy corn
- French fries: A restaurant-style combination
- Potato wedges: Crispy potatoes are always a great choice. Air Fryer Frozen Potato Wedges make a great quick option!
- Baked beans: Sweet and savory flavors round out the meal
Drink Pairings
- Sweet tea: A Southern classic that complements the spice
- Fresh lemonade: Bright citrus helps cool the palate
- Iced tea: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened works well
- Light lager: Crisp beer pairs nicely with buttery Cajun flavors
- Sparkling water with lime: Refreshing and palate-cleansing
Best Occasions
This copycat Wingstop Cajun corn is perfect for game day spreads, backyard barbecues, family dinners, tailgates, potlucks, and summer cookouts.
It also makes an excellent side whenever you’re serving wings, burgers, barbecue, or other comfort food favorites with bold, savory flavors!
Recipe FAQs
What Kind Of Corn Does Wingstop Use?
Wingstop serves corn on the cob that’s cut into small sections, making it easy to pick up and eat. For a copycat recipe like this, frozen corn cob halves or mini corn cob sections work especially well and cook beautifully in the air fryer.
What Flavor Is The Corn At Wingstop?
Wingstop’s Cajun corn is coated in melted butter, fry seasoning, and a bold Cajun seasoning blend, creating a buttery, smoky, savory flavor with just the right amount of heat. The sweetness of the corn helps balance the spices, making every bite incredibly addictive.
What Does Wingstop-Style Corn Taste Like?
Wingstop-style corn is sweet, buttery, smoky, and spicy all at once. The naturally sweet corn is coated in rich butter and zesty Cajun seasoning, creating a bold flavor that’s slightly spicy, incredibly savory, and perfectly balanced.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Wingstop Corn
- This recipe was made in my 8-qt Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, which can fit 6 frozen mini corn cobs in each basket (for a total of 12 at a time). Other air fryers may vary, so you may need to cook in batches (or halve the recipe for a smaller serving)
- For a spicier corn, add more Cajun seasoning, and for sweeter corn, add more of the fry seasoning. Adjust salt as needed for your tastes!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the corn cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture from building up
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
- Store any extra seasoning separately so you can add a fresh coating after reheating
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture. I do not recommend re-freezing if you used frozen corn to start
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer (best method): Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, turning the corn halfway through, until heated through and lightly crisp around the edges
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until hot
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, though the corn won’t be as crisp
- Brush with a little melted butter after reheating to refresh the flavor, and help any added seasonings stick (I usually add another dusting to give it a kick)!
Make Ahead
If you’re making this for a party or game day, cook the corn until it’s heated through, then give it a quick 1-2 minute reheat in the air fryer right before serving. Finish with the melted butter and another light dusting of Cajun seasoning for that just-made, restaurant-style flavor!
Final Thoughts
Making copycat air fryer Wingstop corn is one of my favorite summer sides! It’s just the right balance of sweet, heat, and savory flavors. I also love that you can adjust the seasoning levels (unlike takeout) to add extra spice if you like (or a side of their amazing ranch dressing)!
It’s a perfect easy side to cookout food, and it works well for game day too since it’s a natural pairing with wings! I just mix the seasonings in advance and store them in little containers and then it’s easy to just throw everything together and enjoy.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten free too, making it great no matter your crowd! For more great options featuring this sweet veggie, check out all of my Air Fryer Corn Recipes for inspiration for any occasion!
Air Fryer Copycat Wingstop Cajun Corn
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (or similar)
Ingredients
- 12 count frozen sweet corn on the cob segments (or 4 ears fresh sweet corn, shucked, and cut into 3 segments (discard the tips) each
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 ½ tsp Wingstop Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Wingstop fry seasoning
- 3 Tbsp butter (melted)
Wingstop Fry Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tbsp white granulated sugar
- ½ Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wingstop Cajun Seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp dried marjoram
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Brush or toss the corn with the olive oil and place into your air fryer in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)12 count frozen sweet corn on the cob segments, 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until the corn is browned to your liking. This is a good time to mix all your seasonings – see ingredients list above!1 Tbsp white granulated sugar, ½ Tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp white pepper, ¼ tsp dried marjoram, ¼ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder
- Transfer the cooked corn to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the melted butter, fry seasoning, and Cajun seasoning, then toss until evenly coated. Feel free to adjust seasoning levels by adding more as desired. Enjoy!1 ½ tsp Wingstop Cajun seasoning, 3 Tbsp butter, 1 tsp Wingstop fry seasoning
Notes
- Cooking time only varies by a minute or two to use frozen corn instead of fresh, making it easy to make this dish year round!
- Wingstop’s Cajun seasoning is largely unusual in that it contains white pepper and marjoram. If preferred, you can use a store bought Cajun seasoning as a base and try to adjust with any missing ingredients
- Since both the fry seasoning and the Cajun contain salt, I do not add any additional salt to my corn. However, you can absolutely adjust to taste!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, amount of seasonings actually used, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
