
This take on Wingstop Cajun Corn recreates the bold flavor and buttery goodness of the restaurant version right at home using an air fryer. You get those craveable crispy edges and tender sweet corn, all doused in a garlicky Cajun butter, without needing to deep fry. It is a total crowd pleaser for any backyard get-together or game night.
I first made this for a summer barbecue after spotting it on a takeout menu my whole family absolutely demolished it before the burgers even hit the grill.
Ingredients
- Fresh corn cobs: choose ones with bright green husks and plump golden kernels for juiciest results
- Avocado oil spray: helps crisp up the corn in the air fryer without drenching it in oil a light mist is all you need
- Butter: brings rich flavor and helps the Cajun spices stick to the corn use unsalted for best control over seasoning
- Cajun seasoning: the soul of this recipe I use my own blend so I can keep the salt low and bump up the smoked paprika and garlic powder
- For any seasoning blend check that the first few ingredients do not list salt or sugar first for more control over the final flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Corn:
- Slice off both ends of each cob for stability. Stand on end and cut into three or four even two-inch chunks. Remove all husk and silks by hand or with a soft brush to avoid burning strands.
- Load the Air Fryer:
- Arrange corn pieces in a single even layer in the basket affording enough airflow between each so the sides brown and caramelize instead of steam. Give a generous mist of oil spray for better browning.
- Air Fry the Corn:
- Set air fryer to four hundred degrees. Cook five minutes untouched then flip each piece. Spray again and cook another five minutes. Rotate again if needed and add two to three more minutes until every side has golden crisp edges and tender juicy centers.
- Make the Cajun Butter:
- Microwave butter for about fifteen seconds just until mostly melted. Stir in Cajun seasoning and whisk to a silky smooth sauce with no spice lumps visible.
- Toss and Finish:
- Tip the hot corn from the air fryer into the big bowl of Cajun butter. Use a large spoon to gently turn the cobs over and over until every bite has a thick spicy buttery coating. For even application you can gently baste into the corn’s rings with a pastry brush.
- Serve Up:
- Heap the glistening corn on a plate and serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The flavor is brightest while hot.

Corn is my favorite summer ingredient those juicy rows are pure nostalgia from childhood picnics where my grandfather would serve cobs hot off the grill smeared with garlic butter and a sprinkle of chili powder no two batches were ever the same.
Storage tips
Store any leftover Cajun corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place back into the air fryer for three to four minutes until warmed through and crisp or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent the butter from separating.
Ingredient substitutions
No fresh corn on hand frozen mini cobs work in a pinch just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before air frying so they roast not steam. If you want a milder spice try a Creole seasoning blend or mix your own with smoked paprika garlic powder a pinch of cayenne and salt. For a dairy free version use a plant based butter alternative.
Serving suggestions

This Cajun corn is ideal as a game day snack or as a lively side with grilled chicken wings barbecue ribs or burgers. You can pile the cobs high on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing or tuck a few into taco shells with slaw and extra drizzle of Cajun butter for a snack style street corn experience.
Cultural roots
Corn on the cob seasoned with spice and butter is a staple at Southern and Texan cookouts. The Cajun twist brings bold Louisiana flavors commonly found in shrimp boils and fried seafood platters. This recipe is a crowd pleasing mashup that captures summer’s best flavors in every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen corn cobs for this dish?
Yes, thaw the corn fully and pat dry to ensure it crisps well when air fried.
- → How do I make homemade cajun seasoning?
Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, oregano, and salt for a quick blend.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Swap the butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free alternative that's still flavorful.
- → What dipping sauces pair best?
Classic ranch is a favorite, but chipotle mayo or blue cheese dip also work well with these spicy corn bites.
- → How do I keep the corn pieces juicy?
Don’t overcook the corn and toss quickly in warm, melted butter after air frying to lock in moisture.