Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer (Easy Recipe)

Discover the ultimate hack for crispy, delicious chicken wings with our guide on cooking frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. Quick, easy, and mess-free, this method delivers perfect wings every time, making it ideal for impromptu snacks or gatherings.

You know how we always end up craving those crispy, delicious chicken wings at the most random times? Well, I’ve found our new go-to solution that’s going to save us so much time and hassle. 

Let me introduce you to the magic of cooking frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.

So, the other day, I was rummaging through my freezer, trying to figure out what to whip up for a quick snack, and there they were – a bag of frozen chicken wings, just sitting there. Usually, I’d think about the thawing and the mess of frying, but then it hit me: why not toss them straight into the air fryer? 

And oh boy, am I glad I did.

The beauty of this method is its simplicity and the fact you can go from freezer to feast in about half an hour, no fuss needed. Perfect for impromptu game nights or when you’re just feeling too lazy to cook anything complicated.

So, next time you’re stuck thinking about what to make, or if you suddenly have friends dropping by, remember the frozen chicken wings in the air fryer trick. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s ridiculously satisfying. 

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making them like this all the time. Cheers to less time cooking and more time eating!

If you love easy air fryer recipes you should also try my Easy Teriyaki Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer or my Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE FROZEN CHICKEN WINGS IN THE AIR FRYER

Oh, you’re going to be obsessed with making frozen chicken wings in the air fryer, and here’s why: It’s pretty much the definition of easy and awesome. Picture this – no defrosting required (because who remembers to do that?), and in about 30 minutes, you’ve got wings that are so crispy on the outside but still super juicy inside.

 It’s like some kind of kitchen magic. Plus, you’re skipping the whole deep-frying mess, which means you’re not drowning them in oil, making it a tad healthier. 

And the cleanup? It’s nothing. Just wash the basket, and you’re done. 

You can play around with all the spices and sauces you love, making every batch a new adventure. Trust me, once you try wings this way, you’ll wonder why you ever did it differently. It’s a total game-changer for when those wing cravings hit.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE FROZEN WINGS

You will need this full list of ingredients listed below to make the raw chicken wings (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Frozen chicken wings (however many fit comfortably in your air fryer basket in a single layer)
• Your favorite seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dry rub seasoning, etc.)
• Your choice of sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, honey buffalo sauce, etc.)
• Optional – Olive oil cooking spray to ensure extra crispy skin, dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Turn your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures the wings cook evenly and get that delicious crispy exterior.
2. Season the Wings: While the air fryer is heating up, take your frozen wings and toss them with your chosen seasonings. You don’t need oil due to the air fryer’s cooking method, but a little can help the seasonings stick if you prefer.
3. Arrange the Wings: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to allow the air to circulate freely around the wings, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
4. Cooking Time: Cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the wings to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
5. Check for Doneness: Your wings should be golden brown and crispy when done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if you want to be extra sure they’re cooked through.
6. Sauce Them Up: Once cooked, toss the wings in your favorite sauce. Do this in a bowl to ensure they’re evenly coated and deliciously messy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy wings straight from the air fryer with some celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

STORING THE LEFTOVER CHICKEN WINGS

1. Cool Down: Let the wings cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the wings soggy.
2. Choose the Right Container: Place the cooled leftover wings in an airtight container. If you have a lot, you might want to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking and make it easier to grab just a few at a time later.
3. Refrigerate: Store the container in the fridge. The wings will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Remember, it’s important to get them in the fridge within two hours of cooking to avoid any food safety issues.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Getting those frozen chicken wings just right in the air fryer involves a little know-how beyond the basic steps. 

First off, never skip preheating your air fryer; this ensures that the wings start cooking at the optimal temperature for crispiness right from the get-go. It’s like giving your wings a head start toward that golden, crispy finish we all love. 

And when it comes to arranging the wings in the basket, resist the urge to overcrowd. Giving each wing its own space is key to allowing the hot air to circulate fully around each piece, ensuring even cooking and that perfect crunch on every side.

Remember, the beauty of the air fryer is its ability to crisp up food with minimal oil, so use it sparingly if you decide to help the seasonings adhere. 

Halfway through cooking, take a moment to flip the wings. This little step makes a big difference in achieving an all-around crispiness that rivals your favorite restaurant’s wings. 

And when they’re done, don’t rush to box them up if you have leftovers; let them cool properly first to avoid soggy, reheated disappointments later. 

These simple adjustments and attentions to detail can elevate your frozen chicken wing game from good to great, making your air fryer your new best friend in the kitchen.

FAQS

DOES COOKING TIME VARY FOR DIFFERENT BRANDS OF AIR FRYERS?

Yes, cook times can vary slightly between different air fryer models. It’s always a good idea to start checking your wings a few minutes before the recommended time, especially the first time you try a new chicken wings recipe in your air fryer.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS ARE FULLY COOKED?

Using a meat thermometer is the safest way to ensure your wings are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This method removes any guesswork, especially when trying out new recipes or cooking with raw wings for the first time.

CAN I ADD BUFFALO WING SAUCE OR BBQ SAUCE DURING THE COOKING PROCESS?

It’s best to add BBQ sauce or buffalo wing sauce during the last few minutes of cooking or toss the cooked wings in the sauce afterwards. Adding sauce too early can prevent the wings from getting crispy and might cause burning due to the sugar content in the sauces.

IS IT NECESSARY TO ADD OIL SPRAY WHEN COOKING THE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS?

While not strictly necessary, a light spritz of cooking oil can help the seasoning stick to the wings and promote an even crispier finish. However, the air fryer is designed to cook with minimal oil, so use it sparingly.

CAN I MAKE OTHER APPETIZERS LIKE TATER TOTS, FRENCH FRIES OR MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MY DELICIOUS WINGS?

Yes, the air fryer is versatile enough to cook a variety of appetizers, including tater tots, french fries, and mozzarella sticks. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to each recipe for the best results.

WILL THE COOKING TIME CHANGE FOR PRE-COOKED FROZEN CHICKEN WINGS?

Yes, the cooking time for pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in an air fryer will generally be shorter than for raw frozen wings. Since they’re already cooked, you’re essentially reheating them and aiming to get that crispy exterior.

Typically, pre-cooked frozen wings need about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees F, compared to the 25-30 minutes you might allocate for raw frozen wings. 

However, it’s always a good idea to start checking a few minutes earlier than the recommended time, as air fryer models can vary in their cooking efficiency. Just look for that golden brown crispiness and ensure they’re heated through before serving.

Other Air Fryer Appetizers You May Enjoy Trying!

• Precooked Shrimp In The Air Fryer
• Frozen Curly Fries In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Air Fryer Tortilla Garlic Bread
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Tortilla Pizza In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Steak French Fries
• Frozen Pickles In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Crispy Buffalo Tofu In The Air Fryer
• Crispy Calamari
• Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders

IF YOU TRIED THIS AIR FRYER FROZEN CHICKEN WINGS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS CRISPY CHICKEN WINGS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails