Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Wings, Crispy And Quick

Cooking frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get crispy wings without the calories of deep-fried wings. There's no need to thaw the wings before cooking, and they can be ready in as little as 20 minutes. The key to getting crispy wings is to ensure there is enough airflow between them and to drain any liquid from the basket before putting the wings back in to cook. You can coat your wings in a variety of sauces, including buffalo, barbecue, or teriyaki sauce, or serve them with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

How to cook frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer

Defrosting the wings

Alternatively, if you have the time and remember to do so, you can defrost the wings overnight in the refrigerator, which will reduce the time needed in the air fryer. Leaving frozen food on the counter to thaw is not recommended due to the risk of bacteria growth.

If you are in a hurry, you can also try thawing the wings on the counter for a short period to separate them before placing them in the air fryer. This method is not recommended for food safety reasons, but it can be helpful if you are short on time.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking frozen wings directly in the air fryer without defrosting them first. This method still produces crispy and delicious wings, but the cooking time will be longer, typically around 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparing the sauce

To prepare the sauce, start by preparing the peppers. Wear gloves and remove the stems and seeds from the cayenne peppers, then transfer them to a food processor. You can also use Bird's eye chilies (Thai chilies) in addition to cayenne peppers for extra heat. Blend the mixture to extract as much juice as possible from the peppers. Then, strain and transfer the mixture to a hot sauce bottle or glass jar.

Next, take the butter out of the fridge, unwrap it, and cut it into tablespoon-sized pieces. Set the butter aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Allow the mixture to warm through and start to steam, but do not let it boil. Stir the mixture often. Once it starts to steam and barely simmer, remove the pan from the heat.

At this point, you can add the butter. Adding the butter after the hot sauce is heated will make it easier to melt the butter in smoothly. Stir the mixture until the butter has melted and combined with the other ingredients. You can also add honey to the sauce to act as a natural emulsifier and to reduce the heat.

Cooking the wings

To start, place the frozen wings in the basket of your air fryer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so only cook a single layer of wings at a time. This will ensure there is enough airflow for the wings to cook thoroughly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for 9-10 minutes until defrosted. If you are using pre-cooked store-bought wings, cook them for 11-15 minutes at this temperature. For raw wings, you will need to cook them for 20-25 minutes.

Once the wings are defrosted, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a bowl. Drain any liquid that has accumulated in the basket.

Next, add your chosen seasonings and toss the wings until they are coated. You can use olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. You could also try garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

Place the wings back into the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Finally, prepare your glaze or sauce. A classic buffalo sauce can be made by combining buffalo sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush the glaze on top of the wings, or toss the wings in the sauce, and serve immediately.

You can also serve the wings without sauce, or with a dry rub. They are delicious when served with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping, along with fresh vegetables like celery or carrot sticks.

Using a meat thermometer

When cooking frozen buffalo wings in an air fryer, you can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the wing. This is the best way to ensure the wings are cooked thoroughly, as it can be hard to tell if the meat is cooked just by looking at it. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, and if it reads 165°F, your wings are done.

You can also use a meat thermometer when reheating buffalo wings. It is important to reheat wings promptly and not leave them at room temperature for too long, as bacteria can multiply rapidly at certain temperatures. By using a meat thermometer, you can ensure the wings have reached a safe internal temperature.

A meat thermometer is a useful tool to ensure your buffalo wings are cooked properly and safely. It is a simple way to guarantee your wings are cooked to perfection, with a juicy, tender inside and a crispy exterior.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your buffalo wings. You can serve them naked, without any sauce, or toss them in your favourite sauce. Some sauce options include:

• Honey buffalo sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Teriyaki sauce
• Garlic butter
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing

You can also serve buffalo wings with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Fresh vegetables like celery or carrot sticks
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Corn on the cob
• Diced potatoes
• Butternut squash
• Zucchini

If you want to add more spice to your buffalo wings, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your sauce. You can also serve your wings with a side of your favourite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions