How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings is simple: defrost the chicken in the air fryer, season, then air fry again and toss in a yummy sauce.

Baked chicken wings are so easy to make in the air fryer, and now even easier if you forgot to defrost the chicken. Wings are my favorite part of the chicken and I find that the ratio of meat to bone is simply perfect. I make these very often when I have nothing to eat. They are quick, easy, and so crispy.

If you love this recipe and have properly defrost chicken, feel free to try my Harissa Honey Chicken Wings and my Gochujang Wings.

Jump to:

• Why should I air fry frozen chicken wings?
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wing Ingredients
• How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings
• Substitutions
• Air Fried Frozen Chicken Wings Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Air Fried Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings Top tips
• Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe
• Food safety

Why should I air fry frozen chicken wings?

Air frying frozen chicken wings has several benefits:

• Quick and easy: Air frying frozen chicken wings is a quick and easy way to prepare them. Since the wings are already frozen, there's no need to defrost them, which saves time.
• Healthier option: Air frying uses less oil compared to traditional deep-frying, making it a healthier option. This method can reduce the fat content of your chicken wings by up to 70%.
• Crispy texture: Air frying frozen chicken wings can result in a crispy texture that is similar to deep-frying. The hot air circulating in the air fryer helps to create a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Less mess: Air frying frozen chicken wings produces less mess compared to traditional deep-frying. There's no oil to dispose of, and the air fryer basket and tray are easy to clean.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wing Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Frozen Chicken Wings
• Olive oil spray
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and Pepper
• Your favorite sauce

See recipe card for quantities and How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings.

How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

Place the frozen chicken wings in the basket of the air fryer (it is okay if they are stuck together). Cook for about 10 minutes to defrost.

With tongs, remove the chicken (they should easily separate) and place them in a large bowl. Spray the chicken with olive oil spray. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and toss to coat. With a. paper towel, dab the liquid that accumulates on the bottom of the air fryer.

Return the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket and air fry for another 15 minutes (flipping once halfway), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Return the chicken into that large bowl again and toss in the sauce of your choice.

Hint: Every air fryer brand cooks differently, so keep an eye on the wings.

Substitutions

Chicken wings: This recipe calls for frozen chicken wings. It is okay if they are stuck together, as when you defrost them, they will separate. If you happen to already have defrosted chicken, just skip to the seasoning part.

Spices: I love using the traditional onion and garlic powder, if you would like a spicier wing, you can add some chili powder or paprika.

Sauce: There are so many sauces available to purchase like buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, chili garlic sauce, lemon pepper sauce, ranch, jerk sauce, or even honey mustard. Feel free to get creative!

Meat thermometer: Since we are cooking chicken that was previously frozen, it is important to use a meat thermometer to make sure you get an internal temperature of 165°F.

Air Fried Frozen Chicken Wings Variations

Here are some variations for air frying frozen chicken wings:

• Buffalo Wings: Toss the cooked wings with buffalo sauce and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
• Honey Mustard Wings: Mix honey and dijon mustard together and brush the mixture onto the wings before air frying. Serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.
• BBQ Wings: Toss the cooked wings with BBQ sauce and serve with coleslaw or potato salad.
• Garlic Parmesan Wings: Mix garlic powder, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter together and brush the mixture onto the wings before air frying. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
• Lemon Pepper Wings: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper together and brush the mixture onto the wings before air frying. Serve with lemon wedges.
• Teriyaki Wings: Toss the cooked wings with teriyaki sauce and serve with rice and steamed vegetables.
• Cajun Wings: Mix Cajun seasoning with melted butter and brush the mixture onto the wings before air frying. Serve with a side of creamy ranch dressing.

Check out this Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings.

Equipment

To air fry frozen chicken wings, you will need the following equipment:

• Air fryer: An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air to cook food quickly and evenly. You will need an air fryer with a basket or tray that can accommodate frozen chicken wings.
• Tongs: Tongs will come in handy for handling the frozen chicken wings as they may be too hot to touch.
• Cooking oil spray: You will need a cooking oil spray to coat the frozen chicken wings before air frying. A non-stick cooking spray will work well.
• Seasonings: You may want to season the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.
• Sauce and dipping bowls: You will need bowls to hold any sauces or dipping sauces you plan to serve with the chicken wings.

How to store Air Fried Chicken Wings

To store air fried chicken wings, follow these steps:

• Let the chicken wings cool down to room temperature.
• Place the chicken wings in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
• Store the chicken wings in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat the chicken wings, place them in the air fryer and heat them at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken wings in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet and heating them at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

It's important to note that the longer you store the chicken wings, the more the texture and flavor may deteriorate. It's best to consume them within a few days of cooking them for the best taste and texture.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings Top tips

Here are some top tips for making air fried frozen chicken wings:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken wings. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot and ready to cook the wings evenly.
• Do not overcrowd the basket: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many chicken wings as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked wings. Leave enough space between the wings to allow for proper air circulation.
• Spray the wings with cooking oil: Spray the frozen chicken wings with a cooking oil spray to ensure that they come out crispy and golden brown.
• Shake the basket: Shake the air fryer basket a few times during the cooking process to ensure that the chicken wings cook evenly on all sides.
• Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings. The FDA recommends cooking chicken wings to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are safe to eat.
• Season the wings before cooking: Season the frozen chicken wings with salt, pepper, or other spices before cooking to add flavor.
• Let the wings rest: Let the cooked chicken wings rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the wings juicier and more flavorful.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.