Fried Corn Cajun Style

Featured in: Easy Dinner Recipes for Any Night

Make Cajun-style Fried Corn that mimics the Wingstop favorite. You’ll enjoy crisp corn chunks fried to perfection, tossed in a flavorful butter blend with garlic, herbs, Cajun seasoning, and a hint of lemon. Crunchy outside, tender inside, it’s ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect as a snack or a side dish. Serve it up with ranch or parmesan for a full-on flavor fest.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 17:47:51 GMT
A bowl filled with golden corn chunks beside a dipping sauce. Pin it
A bowl filled with golden corn chunks beside a dipping sauce. | yummygusto.com

Homemade Cajun Corn Bites pack all the knockout flavors of Wingstop's popular side but make them even better right in your kitchen. This simple approach turns everyday corn into something spectacular with just the right mix of Cajun kick, buttery goodness, and that perfect crunch factor.

I found this gem last year during a family cookout when regular corn seemed too boring. The second I put these spicy, crispy kernels out, they were gone faster than anything else on the table.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich foundation that helps all the Cajun flavors blend together beautifully.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness that balances out the strong spices nicely.
  • Minced Garlic: Brings in that deep, fragrant taste that boosts the whole savory experience.
  • Lemon Juice: Gives a nice zing that cuts through the butter's richness.
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These basic seasonings make everything else taste even better.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Delivers that signature spicy-sweet heat with lots of different flavor notes.
  • Onion Powder: Makes the savory taste even stronger, working with the garlic and spices.
  • Paprika: Adds nice color and a touch of sweet earthiness to the mix.
  • Dried Basil: Throws in a hint of herb flavor that ties everything together.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Getting Your Corn Ready:
Pick fresh corn with bright green husks. Skip any with brown spots or dried-out silk threads.
Cutting Strategy:
Grab the ear with a kitchen towel for stability. Cut into even chunks about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Setting Up Your Oil:
Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat it over medium-high until it reaches 325°F-350°F.
Frying Your Corn:
Drop corn pieces gently into the hot oil. Cook in small batches, flip after 2 minutes, and fry until golden and crunchy (about 4-5 minutes total).
Adding The Butter Mix:
Stir all Cajun butter ingredients together in a bowl. Toss hot corn in this mixture right away so it soaks up all the flavors.
A bowl of corn on the cob with a dipping sauce. Pin it
A bowl of corn on the cob with a dipping sauce. | yummygusto.com

My grandma always told me to use the freshest corn possible, and now I get why. There's a huge taste difference between corn picked that day compared to stuff that's been sitting around.

Full Louisiana Flavor Experience

Team this crispy corn with other Southern favorites for a true Louisiana-style meal. It goes great next to jambalaya, blackened fish, or creole shrimp. The crunchy texture really stands out against saucy dishes while the spices match perfectly.

Mix It Up Your Way

Feel free to switch things around for different tastes. Try a Mexican twist with Tajín, lime, and crumbled cotija cheese. For an Asian take, swap the Cajun spices for Chinese five-spice, add a bit of soy sauce to your butter, and sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds.

What To Do With Extras

Keep any leftover corn in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get better overnight. Don't microwave to reheat or it'll get soggy. Just warm it in a 375°F oven for 7-10 minutes to bring back the crunch. You can also chop cold leftovers and toss them into salads or grain bowls.

A bowl of corn on the cob with seasoning. Pin it
A bowl of corn on the cob with seasoning. | yummygusto.com

This dish always reminds me why basic ingredients treated right can make the most unforgettable food. Every time I cook this corn, I'm taken back to those summer nights on my grandma's Louisiana porch, where eating wasn't just about filling up but really enjoying the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute frozen corn for fresh corn on the cob?
Fresh corn is best because it stays firm and crunchy when fried. Frozen corn tends to get mushy and may not hold up well.
→ How do I check if the oil is ready for frying?
The temperature should hit 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, toss in a bread piece—if it bubbles and turns golden within a minute, you’re good to go.
→ Is it possible to cook this without deep frying?
Sure, air fry or roast the corn at 425°F until browned, then coat it with spiced butter. The texture will vary, but it’ll still taste great!
→ What foods go well with this Cajun Fried Corn?
Pair it up with grilled meats, wings, burgers, or even on an appetizer tray. A side of ranch dressing and some Parmesan complete the vibe.
→ Can I pre-make the flavored butter?
Absolutely! Make the butter mix up to two days prior and chill it. Just reheat when you’re ready to toss it with hot fried corn.

Fried Corn Cajun Style

This Cajun Fried Corn transforms simple corn into crispy, buttery bites with bold seasoning. It's irresistibly good and super easy to make.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Dinner Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 5 Servings (16-20 chunks of corn)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Corn

01 4 ears of corn, sliced into chunks about 1 to 1.5 inches wide
02 Frying oil (like vegetable oil)

→ Butter Mix

03 1/2 cup of melted butter (unsalted)
04 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped up small
05 2 teaspoons of garlic, minced
06 2 teaspoons of cajun spice blend
07 1/4 teaspoon of salt (taste and tweak if needed)
08 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
10 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil leaves
11 1 teaspoon of paprika
12 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (optional)

→ Extras for Eating (Optional)

13 Parmesan cheese, grated
14 Ranch dipping sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a medium bowl and mix together the melted butter, parsley, garlic, cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, basil, paprika, and optional lemon juice. Stir until smooth and set aside for now.

Step 02

Carefully slice each piece of corn into sections about 1 to 1.5 inches long. Be cautious since it can get slippery.

Step 03

Fill a deep pan or pot with frying oil, enough for full submersion. Heat it up to 350°F. No thermometer? Drop in a breadcrumb to test—it should sizzle and brown in about a minute.

Step 04

In small batches, lower the corn cuts into the bubbling oil (don’t jam them in too close together). Let one side turn golden brown before flipping, frying each side to crispy perfection.

Step 05

Scoop out the fried corn with a slotted spoon and let any extra oil soak off onto paper towels.

Step 06

Throw the drained corn into a big bowl and pour the butter mixture over it. Toss gently so all pieces are fully covered in buttery goodness.

Step 07

Spread the hot corn on a platter and serve right away. Want extra flair? Include ranch and some parmesan for dipping or topping.

Notes

  1. This take on Wingstop’s cajun corn is loaded with flavor and the perfect balance of crispy and buttery.
  2. Different cajun spice blends can have varying saltiness, so start with less and add more once coated if needed.
  3. To keep it tasting its best, serve while the corn is piping hot and freshly seasoned.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot or deep pan for frying
  • Slotted spoon to remove corn
  • Sharp blade for cutting
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Paper towels to drain

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (from butter)
  • May contain gluten depending on the cajun spice used

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 215
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g