Air Fryer Frozen Buffalo Wings: Quick, Easy, Delicious

It is possible to cook frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer. In fact, cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer is a popular method because it results in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The air fryer's ability to cook frozen foods is one of its biggest strengths, and it is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. There are various recipes for cooking frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer, but most involve cooking the wings at 400°F for 10–20 minutes, tossing them in a sauce, and then cooking for another 10–15 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures for frozen wings

Cooking frozen wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy wings. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the model of your air fryer, the size of the wings, and how crispy you like your wings.

For raw frozen wings, cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. You can also cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, turn the wings, and then cook for another 15 minutes. If you want your wings to be crispier, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. For an even crispier result, spray the wings with olive oil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

For precooked frozen wings, cook at 400°F for 11-15 minutes. If you are cooking more than 12 wings, you may need to increase the cooking time to 14-16 minutes.

It is important to ensure that your wings are cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature of the wings should be 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

Cooking frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect crispy texture. The beauty of the air fryer is that you don't need to defrost frozen foods before cooking them, and they'll still turn out crispy. In fact, cooking frozen wings in an air fryer is preferable to baking them in the oven, as they'll be crispier and cook faster.

To get the perfect crispy texture, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the frozen wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don't overcrowd the basket, as they need plenty of airflow to cook thoroughly and get crispy. Close the drawer and set a timer for 15 minutes.

Once the time is up, open the drawer and flip each wing over. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F again and cook for another 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, spray the wings with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.

Check the wings after the second 10-minute interval. If you want them crispier, flip them again, spray with olive oil, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, the size of the wings, and how crispy you like your wings. The wings are done when they are crispy, golden brown, and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, which you can check with a meat thermometer.

Once your wings are cooked, you can sauce them. You can either toss the wings in a bowl with your chosen sauce, or brush the sauce on top of the wings.

The best sauces and dips to use

Buffalo wings are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces and dips to enhance their flavour. Here are some of the best options:

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is a classic choice for Buffalo wings. The sharp, pungent, and slightly funky flavour of blue cheese pairs perfectly with the spicy and tangy Buffalo sauce. You can make it chunky or smooth, using any variety of blue cheese you prefer. Blue cheese is a rich and salty dip that helps to balance out the heat of the wings.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is another popular option for Buffalo wings. It has strong garlic and pepper flavours that complement the Buffalo sauce well. Ranch is made with buttermilk and has a tangy, herbal taste with ingredients like onion, dill, parsley, and celery seed. You can easily make it at home and adjust the ingredients to your taste. For an extra kick, add some wasabi to your ranch, which will give your nose a spicy kick without adding heat to the sauce.

Honey Buffalo Sauce

For a sweeter option, try tossing your wings in a honey buffalo sauce. This sauce adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spice and acidity of the Buffalo sauce. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.

Sour Cream and Onion Sauce

If you're looking for a lower-fat dip option, a simple sour cream and onion sauce can be a great choice. It will still provide a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the wings.

Mustard

If you're looking for something different, mustard can be a great choice to pair with Buffalo wings. A Dijon or honey mustard can add a nice kick of flavour without overwhelming the taste of the wings.

Celery Sticks and Cream-Based Dipping Sauce

To cool down the spice of Buffalo wings, they are often served with celery sticks and a cream-based dipping sauce. The cream helps to soothe the burn of spicy food, making it a delicious and functional choice.

Whether to thaw wings before cooking

It is possible to cook frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer without thawing them first. This method can produce crispy and delicious wings. However, there are a few potential issues with cooking frozen wings. Firstly, if the wings are stuck together, it may be necessary to thaw them slightly to separate them. This can be done by running them under water or microwaving them for 30 seconds. Additionally, cooking frozen wings may result in a less crispy texture due to the extra water in the wings, which can also impact the juiciness of the meat.

To thaw wings before cooking in an air fryer, one method is to defrost them overnight in the fridge. This ensures that the wings are completely thawed and can help reduce the risk of bacteria growth during the defrosting process. Once thawed, the wings can be cooked in the air fryer according to the desired recipe.

Another option is to thaw the wings in the air fryer itself. This can be done by placing the frozen wings in the air fryer basket and cooking at a lower temperature, such as 350°F or 360°F, for 9-10 minutes or until defrosted. After thawing, the wings can be seasoned or coated in a dry rub before being cooked further in the air fryer.

Thawing wings before cooking can have several benefits. Firstly, it can help ensure even cooking, as the wings will cook at a consistent rate. This can result in more juicy and tender meat. Additionally, thawing the wings can allow for better seasoning adhesion, as the spices or coatings can stick to the surface of the wings more easily when they are not frozen.

Ultimately, the decision to thaw wings before cooking in an air fryer depends on personal preference and time constraints. Cooking frozen wings can save time and still produce tasty results, while thawing the wings beforehand can allow for more control over the cooking process and the final texture and flavour of the dish.

Other foods you can cook in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place the wings in the basket and cook for 9–10 minutes until defrosted. Drain any liquid from the basket, then add oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the wings and toss to coat. Return the wings to the basket and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the wings and cook for another 15 minutes. Flip the wings again and cook for a final 6 minutes, or until crispy.

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. Here are some ideas for other dishes you can make:

Chicken

Air fryers are excellent for cooking chicken. In addition to wings, you can cook chicken thighs, legs, and breasts in an air fryer. For juicy and tender chicken Parmesan, use thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts cut in half horizontally. Air fry the chicken for about 5 minutes per side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, add a spoonful of marinara sauce and some fresh mozzarella to each piece and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.

Fish

Salmon fillets cook beautifully in an air fryer. Try coating the salmon with Dijon mustard and sprinkling with Old Bay seasoning, or use your favorite herb seasoning. For a lighter meal, slice up some halloumi, spray it with cooking spray, and air fry for 5–6 minutes. Serve the crispy halloumi on a salad.

Vegetables

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, green beans, and potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer. For a tasty side dish, try making buffalo-style cauliflower by cooking it in the air fryer and adding your favorite buffalo sauce.

Meat

Steak, pork chops, and beef joints can all be cooked in an air fryer. For steak, cook for about 6 minutes per side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a 1-inch New York strip cooked medium-rare. You can also use an air fryer to make crispy bacon with less fat.

Snacks and Appetizers

Air fryers are great for making snacks and appetizers like grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and tofu batons. For a classic snack, cook some hot dogs in the air fryer or make a ham and cheese toastie.

Frequently asked questions