Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Cooking your frozen chicken wings in the air fryer (no thawing!) is the easiest way to cook chicken wings. Crispy skin, juicy meat and super versatile, this is my go-to way to cook chicken wings now.
Ingredients needed
- Frozen chicken wings. No need to thaw, the frozen chicken wings can be cooked straight from the freezer in the air fryer making this air fryer frozen chicken wings recipe super easy and fool-proof.
- Olive oil. I use olive oil spray but you can use a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil too.
- Seasonings: I used salt and garlic powder only because I made a flavorful soy-ginger sauce to toss the cooked chicken wings in but you can use any seasoning/dry rub of your choice. My easy taco seasoning is delicious on chicken wings.
- Sauce: I made an easy ginger and soy glaze but you can toss the cooked wings in any of your favorite wing sauce. Buffalo sauce, lemon black pepper, Garlic Parmesan, teriyaki sauce, honey bbq etc. will all be delicious.
How to make frozen chicken wings in an air fryer
- Thaw the chicken wings in the air fryer: Place the frozen wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket then cook for 10 minutes at 190°C/375°F until they are thawed.
- Air Fry until crisp and golden: Spray with olive oil then season with salt and garlic powder and toss to coat. Cook for another 20 minutes at 205°C/400°F, flipping the wings over half way through cooking, until crisp and golden. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow the chicken wings plenty of space to cook and crisp up.
- Serve: Transfer the air fried chicken wings to a large bowl then toss in the sauce of your choice and serve. The crispy air fried chicken wings can also be served with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, hot sauce bbq sauce or blue cheese dressing with celery sticks.
What to serve with chicken wings
Chicken wings are delicious served with oven-baked fries, corn salad or macaroni salad. It’s also a great low-carb meal served with a big zesty salad or Easy Air Fryer Zucchini.
Storing and making ahead
The chicken wings can be cooked then cooled to room temperature and transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-heat the chicken wings in the air fryer until crisp and hot throughout.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! The frozen chicken wings thaw in the air fryer before being tossed in seasonings and cooked until crisp and golden. So easy!
This is likely due to overcrowding the basket. If the wings all touch each other, the heat will cause steam to escape and as there isn’t enough space for the hot air to circulate around the wings, the steam gets trapped and causes the skin to become soggy.
I don’t find this necessary but if you want more of a “fried” chicken wing, coating the wings with seasoned flour then spraying liberally with oil and air fryer will create a super crisp crust.
Chicken wings are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 75°C/175°F on a meat thermometer. The meat will be opaque white to the bone.
Chicken Wing Recipes
Air fryer frozen chicken wings
Ingredients
- 750 g (1½lb) frozen chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the ginger-soy glaze
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar / lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Place the frozen chicken wings in the air fryer basket and cook at 190°C/375°F for 10 minutes until the wings are thawed.
- Drizzle/spray the chicken wings with olive oil then season with salt and garlic powder. Toss to coat then air fry for 20 minutes at 205°C/400°F, flipping the wings over half way through, until crisp and golden.
- Make the glaze while the chicken wings cook. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened then remove from the heat.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken wings to a large bowl and pour over the glaze. Toss to coat the wings in the sauce then serve.
Nutrition
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