Freezing Chicken Wings: Air Fryer Tips And Tricks

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but they can be messy and time-consuming to make. Here's where air fryers come in – they're a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook frozen chicken wings, and you don't even need to defrost them first! In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer, including cooking times, temperatures, and tips for getting that perfect crisp. So, get your wings ready and let's fry!

How long to cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer!

This depends on the type of wings you are cooking.

Plain Frozen Wings

For plain frozen wings, you don't need to defrost them first unless they are stuck together. If they are stuck, defrost in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then, cook at 400°F for 20 minutes for wings with crispy skin and tender meat. You don't need to flip them or move them around, but you do want to cook them in a single layer.

Reheating Frozen Wings

If you are reheating frozen wings that have already been cooked, put 12 wings in the air fryer basket at 350°F and cook for 12 minutes. If cooking more than 12 wings, increase the cook time to 14-16 minutes. These wings will get crispy but may end up a little dry, so you may want to use a sauce.

Breaded Frozen Wings

For breaded frozen wings, you can cook around 16 wings at 400°F for 14 minutes. There is no need to shake and redistribute during cooking.

Sauced Frozen Wings

For sauced frozen wings, add two packages (around 16 wings) to the air fryer and cook for 18 minutes at 400°F.

Tips

• Always ensure your chicken wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
• Don't overcrowd the basket—cook the wings in a single layer so that they crisp up nicely.
• Once the wings are defrosted, drain any water in the basket before putting them back in the air fryer to help them crisp up.
• If your wings are stuck together, defrost in the microwave for 30 seconds before cooking.
• If you are reheating wings that have already been cooked, they will get crispy but may be a little dry, so use a sauce.

Can you cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and mess-free method that delivers perfect wings every time. There's no need for defrosting, making it ideal for impromptu snacks or gatherings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Turn your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your wings cook evenly and get that delicious crispy exterior.

Step 2: Season the Wings

While the air fryer is heating up, take your frozen wings and toss them with your chosen seasonings. You can use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite dry rub seasoning. A little oil can help the seasonings stick if desired, but it's not necessary due to the air fryer's cooking method.

Step 3: Arrange the Wings

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Allow enough space for hot air to circulate freely around each wing, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Step 4: Cooking Time

Cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes. If your wings are precooked and frozen, air fry them for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the wings to ensure they get crispy on all sides.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Your wings should be golden brown and crispy when done. To ensure they're fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Sauce Them Up (Optional)

Once cooked, you can toss the wings in your favorite sauce, such as BBQ, Buffalo, honey garlic, or honey buffalo sauce. Do this in a bowl to ensure they're evenly coated.

Step 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. Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make wings!

Tips for Best Results:

• Always preheat your air fryer for optimal crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Use oil sparingly, as the air fryer is designed to cook with minimal oil.
• Flip the wings halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
• Let the wings cool properly before storing to avoid sogginess.

What temperature to cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. The temperature and time will depend on the type of wings you are cooking and the model of your air fryer.

Pre-cooked Frozen Wings

For pre-cooked frozen wings, cook at 400°F for 11-14 minutes.

Uncooked Frozen Wings

For uncooked frozen wings, cook at 400°F for 16-19 minutes.

Breaded Frozen Wings

For breaded frozen wings, cook at 400°F for 14 minutes.

Sauced Frozen Wings

For sauced frozen wings, cook at 400°F for 18 minutes.

General Guidelines

Regardless of the type of frozen wings you are cooking, make sure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If your air fryer is too small to fit all the wings in a single layer, cook them in batches.

How to make frozen chicken wings crispy in an air fryer?

How to Make Frozen Chicken Wings Crispy in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen chicken wings (enough to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket in a single layer)
• Your favourite seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dry rub seasoning, etc.)
• Your choice of sauce (optional: buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, honey buffalo sauce, etc.)
• Olive oil cooking spray (optional)
• Dipping sauces (optional: ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, etc.)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is heating up, take your frozen wings and toss them with your chosen seasonings. You don't need oil, but a little can help the seasonings stick if you prefer.
• 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, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Once cooked, toss the wings in your favourite sauce (if using). Do this in a bowl to ensure they're evenly coated.
• Serve your crispy wings straight from the air fryer with some celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favourite dipping sauce on the side.

Tips and Tricks

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure the wings start cooking at the optimal temperature for crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving each wing its own space allows the hot air to circulate fully, ensuring even cooking and a perfect crunch on every side.
• 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.
• A light spritz of cooking oil can help the seasoning stick to the wings and promote an even crispier finish, although this is not necessary as the air fryer is designed to cook with minimal oil.
• It's best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the wings cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the wings soggy.
• 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.
• Store the container in the fridge. The wings will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Remember to get them in the fridge within two hours of cooking to avoid any food safety issues.

Can you cook pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. In fact, cooking pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free method that delivers perfect wings every time. It is ideal for impromptu snacks or gatherings.

To cook pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Season the wings: While the air fryer is heating up, toss your frozen wings with your chosen seasonings. A little oil can help the seasonings stick, but it is not necessary due to the air fryer's cooking method.
• Arrange the wings: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate freely, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.
• Cooking time: For pre-cooked frozen wings, cook for about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your wings are raw and frozen, increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the wings to ensure even crisping on all sides.
• Check for doneness: Your wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy. To be extra sure, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Sauce them up: Once cooked, toss the wings in your favorite sauce. Do this in a bowl to ensure an even coating.
• Serve and enjoy: Serve your crispy wings straight from the air fryer with some celery and carrot sticks on the side, along with your favorite dipping sauce.

Some additional tips for cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer:

• It is not necessary to defrost the wings before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add sauce during the last few minutes of cooking or toss the cooked wings in sauce afterward to avoid preventing crisping and potential burning due to sugar content in the sauce.
• A light spritz of cooking oil spray can help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness, but it is not required as air fryers are designed to cook with minimal oil.

Frequently asked questions