Air Fryer Frozen Wings: Is It Possible?

Chicken wings are a beloved snack, but frying them can be a messy affair. Enter the air fryer—a healthier, quicker, and easier alternative to deep frying. You can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer without thawing them first, and they'll turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.

The process is simple: preheat your air fryer to 400°F, season your frozen wings, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 20-30 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking, and you're done! You can also coat them in your favourite sauce or dry rub for extra flavour.

So, the next time you're craving chicken wings, remember that your air fryer is your best friend. It's a quick, easy, and mess-free way to enjoy crispy, juicy wings without the fuss of deep frying.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken wings in an air fryer will depend on the size of the wings, your desired level of doneness, and the type of air fryer you own. As a general rule, you can expect to cook frozen wings in the air fryer for 20-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Some recipes suggest cooking the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to partially defrost them before adding seasoning and returning them to the air fryer for a further 12 minutes at the same temperature. This two-stage method helps to ensure the wings are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

If you are cooking pre-cooked frozen chicken wings, the cooking time will be shorter, as you are essentially just reheating them and crisping up the exterior. Pre-cooked frozen wings typically need about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken wings reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid foodborne illness. A meat thermometer can be used to check this.

When cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer, it is recommended to arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space between each wing to allow for even cooking and crispiness. It is not necessary to defrost the wings before cooking, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Defrosting and prep

Defrosting Chicken Wings:

• While some sources suggest that you can cook frozen chicken wings directly in the air fryer, others recommend defrosting them first for more even cooking and to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
• If you choose to defrost your chicken wings, place them in a bowl of cold water and leave them on the counter for a few hours. Alternatively, for a safer defrosting method, place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
• If your chicken wings are stuck together, a quick fix is to microwave them for about 30 seconds to thaw them just enough to separate them.

Preparing the Chicken Wings:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving that desirable crispy exterior.
• While the air fryer is heating up, season your frozen or defrosted chicken wings with your chosen spices and oils. A light spritz of cooking oil or olive oil can help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness.
• Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• For optimal cooking, remove any chunks of ice from the wings and leave as much space between them as possible. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• If you're cooking a large batch, consider investing in an air fryer with a large basket, such as the Ninja Air Fryer, which is highly rated for even cooking and crispy results.

Sauces and dips

When it comes to sauces and dips, the sky is the limit! You can toss your wings in your favourite sauce or serve them with a dip on the side. Here are some ideas:

Sauces

• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Honey garlic sauce
• Honey buffalo sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Smoky BBQ sauce
• Parmesan garlic sauce
• Creamy buffalo sauce
• White barbecue sauce

Dips

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Hot sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce

Storing and reheating

Chicken wings are best reheated in an air fryer, oven, or skillet. The air fryer and oven methods are best for reheating wings covered in sauce, but the skillet method is better for wings without sauce. If you're in a hurry, you can also use a microwave, but your wings will lose their crispiness.

To reheat chicken wings in an air fryer, first, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the basket, leaving a little space for the hot air to circulate. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you're reheating chicken wings in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the wings from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving about an inch of space between each wing. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for five to six minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

To reheat chicken wings in a skillet, let the wings sit out for about 15 minutes to reach room temperature. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and heat on high. Add the chicken wings to the hot oil and heat for two to three minutes, turning them halfway through. Once the wings start to brown, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F, then remove them from the pan.

If you're using a microwave, line a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel and place the chicken wings on top. Cover the wings with another damp paper towel and microwave on high for two to three minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or your wings will dry out.

When storing leftover chicken wings, let them cool to room temperature first to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the wings soggy. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge, where they will keep for three to four days. You can also freeze leftover wings to save them for later.

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently, but they're not the only option available. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Convection Oven: Convection ovens use fans to circulate hot air around food, similar to air fryers. They are larger and take up more space but can be used for a wider range of cooking tasks.
• Deep Frying: Deep frying is the traditional method of frying food and will give you a crispy texture and flavour. However, it uses a lot more oil than air frying and can be messy and potentially dangerous.
• Pan Frying: Pan frying is another classic cooking method that uses less oil than deep frying. It's a good option for smaller quantities of food, but it can be tricky to get consistent results.
• Oven: A standard oven can also be used to cook food, but it may take longer and use more energy than an air fryer. Ovens are versatile and can handle a wide range of cooking tasks.
• Microwave: Microwaves are compact and convenient for reheating food, but they don't always produce the same crispy texture as air fryers.

Each of these alternatives has its pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook food, an air fryer is a great choice. But if you're short on space or want more versatility, one of these other options might be a better fit.

Frequently asked questions