Air fryer frozen chicken wings recipe! Ever wondered if you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer without the need to thaw it first. Yes, you can, it is simple, easy, and quick too. Juicy, tender, and crispy wings! It makes a great party food or appetizer. Toss in any dipping sauce of choice or serve as it is with some curly fries.
I am never one to buy frozen wings let alone one that is already seasoned. That quickly changed when I visited my friend recently and oven-baked frozen bbq wings were on the menu. I was taken aback at first as I didn’t believe you could buy things like that, I apologize if I sound ignorant.
Well, the wings spent some time in the oven but I knew it could be done half of the time it spent in the oven if cooked in an air fryer. I decided to give it a try and yes, frozen chicken wings can be cooked in the oven at 200C/400F in 20 to 25 minutes depending on how crispy you want it.
The wings come out tender and juicy, more importantly, crispy if that is what you are aiming for. it is totally hand-free and you can cook in batches if there will be a need for it.
Quick overview of how to cook frozen chicken in the air fryer.
I used pre-seasoned fresh-frozen wings which save you time on seasoning and marinating. All you have to do is preheat the air fryer, add frozen wings to the air fryer basket, cook until done, crispy and tender on the inside, flipping it halfway through.
If using chicken that has not been seasoned, then you can season it from frozen provided it is not covered with ice or stuck together. if the wings were frozen separately then you can season with salt, black pepper, and oil then air fryer.
This would be different if the wings were stuck together, you will have to cook the chicken for about 5 minutes at 180C/365F to defrost so you separate them. Once separated, season with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of choice. Then cook until crispy on the outside
Related post: why not try my dry rub chicken wings seasoning and air fryer whole chicken wings recipe, you will be glad you did. Flavourful wings that are tender and delicious.
FAQs
Do I need to thaw the wings before air frying
No, you do not have to thaw the chicken wings before cooking in the air fryer.
Can you put frozen chicken in an air fryer?
Simple answer, yes and you will be guaranteed a great success
How many wings can fit in an air fryer?
Depending on the size and shape of the air fryer, you will be able to fit 2 pounds (1kg) of wings in the air fryer without the need for stacking them. I use a 5.7L COSORI air fryer, it is large, squared shape and can fit about 20 wings (drumettes and winglets)
Best seasoning for chicken wings
My go-to seasoning is my dry rub seasoning which is made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. If I would be coating the wings in sauce or a dipper then I will season the wings with salt, black pepper, and a little bit of oil
What you will need
Frozen chicken wings: pre-seasoned (or breaded) or frozen from fresh with no seasoning
Add the following if the chicken is not already seasoned.
Salt
Black pepper
Vegetable oil: this will help the seasoning stick on the wings.
How to cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer at 200C/400F for 3 to 5 minutes
Pre-seasoned wings instructions: add the frozen chicken wings in a single layer (it doesn’t matter if they are touching).
Cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes, remove the air fryer basket and flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. check on the chicken at this point to see if it is done to your liking otherwise, cook for an additional 5 minutes for the chicken to crisp up.
Serve and enjoy!
PS: if the chicken weren’t already seasoned, spray cooking oil on the chicken then season the salt and black pepper or any other seasoning of choice and cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes, flip and cook for additional 10 to 15 minutes or until well done.
The internal temperature of cooked chicken should register 165F/73C
How to store
Leftover cooked chicken wings can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Make sure it is completely cooled before storing. Do not refreeze the cooked chicken wings.
More party food recipes
Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks
Watch how to make it
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Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lb (1kg) frozen chicken wings pre-seasoned or breaded or frozen from fresh with no seasoning
Seasoning for wings if not already seasoned
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil this will help the seasoning stick on the wings.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 200C/400F for 3 to 5 minutes
- Pre-seasoned wings instructions: add the frozen chicken wings in a single layer(it doesn’t matter if they are touching).
- Cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes, remove the air fryer basket and flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. check on the chicken on this point to see if it is done to your liking otherwise, cook for an additional 5 minutes for the chicken to crisp up.
- Serve and enjoy!
Instuctions for frozen wings not already seasoned:
- If the chicken weren’t already seasoned, spray cooking oil on the frozen chicken then season with salt and black pepper or any other seasoning of choice and cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes, flip and cook for additional 10 to 15 minutes or until well done.The internal temperature of cooked chicken should register 165F/73C
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