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Cajun Oven-Crisped Turkey Wings

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 (assuming around 4 wings per person)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or roasting pan heavy-duty preferred; line with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.
  • Wire rack (oven-safe) ensures air circulates under the wings so they crisp all over. No rack? Use a broiler-safe cooling rack—just check fit first.
  • Mixing bowls one small for the rub, one medium for tossing.
  • Measuring spoons & scale (optional) helpful if you prefer more precise seasoning.
  • Tongs for turning wings halfway through baking.
  • Sharp knife or poultry shears for separating wing segments cleanly, if not pre-cut.

Ingredients
  

Turkey wings – 4–6 medium-sized (about 3–4 pounds), separated at the joints; include wing tips for extra crispiness, optional.

Cajun Rub

  • 2  tbsp paprika smoked or sweet, depending on what you have
  • 1  tbsp garlic powder
  • 1  tbsp onion powder
  • 2  tsp dried oregano
  • 2  tsp dried thyme
  • 1  tbsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1  tbsp black pepper
  • 1  tbsp kosher salt
  • 1  tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra depth

Oil spray or olive oil: 2–3 Tbsp, to help the rub adhere and encourage crisping.

Finishing Butter Sauce (optional):

  • 2  tbsp butter melted
  • 1  tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½  tsp hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven & Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
  2. If your oven runs hot, set to 400 °F (205 °C). High heat helps render fat and crisp the skin.

Break Down the Wings

  1. Pat wings dry; moisture hinders browning.
  2. Use poultry shears or a sharp knife to separate into drumettes, flats, and tips.
  3. Discard tips or save for making stock.

Mix the Cajun Rub

  1. In a small bowl, whisk paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika (if using).
  2. Taste a pinch; it should be vibrant and spicy.

Coat Wings

  1. Lightly coat wings in oil or spray; this helps rub adhere.
  2. Toss wings in the rub until evenly coated.
  3. Reserve a teaspoon of rub for sprinkling mid-bake.

Bake on a Rack

  1. Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
  2. Bake 30 minutes, then flip and sprinkle the reserved rub.
  3. Continue baking 25–30 minutes, until skin is deep golden-brown and crisp, and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).

Finish with Butter Sauce (Optional)

  1. Whisk melted butter, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
  2. Drizzle over wings right after they come out and toss gently.
  3. This adds glossy flavor, perfect if you're hoping for that Southern vibe or reminding of smothered turkey wings in oven.

Rest & Serve

  1. Rest for 5 minutes so juices redistribute.
  2. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot sauce.