Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but have you ever tried making them in an air fryer? This method is not only quick and easy but also yields delicious results with a crispy skin and tender meat. The best part is that you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer without even defrosting them first!

To make chicken wings in an air fryer from frozen, start by placing the desired number of wings in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 9-10 minutes to defrost the chicken. Remove the wings from the basket and drain any liquid that has accumulated.

Next, add your choice of seasonings and oil to the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Place the wings back into the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

You can serve these wings as-is or toss them with your favourite sauce, such as honey buffalo, barbecue, or teriyaki sauce. Enjoy!

Defrosting frozen chicken wings

Defrosting Chicken Wings with Cold Water

Double bag your chicken wings to prevent leaks. Place the sealed chicken wings in a large bowl or basin and fill it with cold water, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged. If the package floats, weigh it down with a plate. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed. This method will take about an hour for a 1-pound package of chicken wings, and longer for chicken wings that are frozen together in a larger mass. Once thawed, cook the chicken immediately.

Defrosting Chicken Wings with the Microwave

Place unwrapped chicken on a microwave-safe plate or bowl and use the defrost function. Check that all parts of the chicken are thawed before removing it from the microwave. Cook the chicken immediately after defrosting and do not refreeze until it has been fully cooked to avoid bacteria growth.

Other Methods

You can also defrost chicken wings by allowing them to sit on the counter for 15 minutes, or by cooking them in the air fryer for 5 minutes. However, these methods may pose food safety risks.

Food Safety Tips

• Always disinfect any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken, such as your cutting board or sink.
• Use a separate cutting board for raw meat, preferably in a different colour, to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
• Wash your hands!
• Place chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid juices dripping onto other foods.
• If you are not planning to cook the chicken wings immediately after defrosting, they should be placed back in the refrigerator. Chicken that has been thawed for two days should be cooked or discarded.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature is recommended by multiple sources and will ensure your chicken wings are cooked thoroughly and evenly.

Air Frying from Frozen

When cooking chicken wings from frozen, it is best to defrost them first if you have the time. This will help the wings cook more evenly and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. However, if you are short on time, you can cook the wings directly from frozen.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of the wings, as well as the model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Defrost the chicken wings in the air fryer at 400°F for 9-10 minutes.
• Remove the wings from the air fryer and place them in a bowl. Drain any liquid that has accumulated in the air fryer basket.
• Add your choice of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the wings. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
• Place the wings back into the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• The wings are done when they are crispy, golden brown, and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Crispy Wings

• Cook the wings in a single layer to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Pat the wings dry before adding seasonings to help them get crispy.
• If your wings are stuck together, microwave them for about 30 seconds to separate them before placing them in the air fryer.

Air fryer cooking time

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer will depend on whether the wings are frozen or defrosted, and whether they are pre-cooked or raw.

Frozen Wings

If you are cooking frozen wings in an air fryer, you can cook them straight from frozen without defrosting them first. The cooking time will depend on the number of wings you are cooking, the size of the wings, and the model of your air fryer. As a general rule, frozen wings will take between 18 and 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F.

• For one pound of frozen wings, cook for a total of 23-25 minutes at 400°F.
• For 12 frozen wings, cook at 350°F for 12-16 minutes.
• For 16 frozen breaded wings, cook at 400°F for 14 minutes.
• For two packages (about 16) of frozen sauced wings, cook at 400°F for 18 minutes.
• For one pound of frozen wings, cook at 400°F for a total of 20-25 minutes.
• For frozen wings that come in a vacuum-sealed package, there may not be much ice on the wings, and they may not drip water while cooking.
• If your frozen wings are packed in ice, you may need to drain water from the air fryer during cooking.

Defrosted Wings

If your wings are defrosted, the cooking time will be shorter than for frozen wings. Here are some guidelines for cooking defrosted wings in an air fryer:

• Cook wings at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
• If you are cooking multiple batches of wings, you may need to adjust the cooking time for each batch.
• Wings are done when they are crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pre-Cooked Frozen Wings

If you are cooking pre-cooked frozen wings, the cooking time will be shorter than for raw wings. Here are some guidelines for cooking pre-cooked frozen wings in an air fryer:

Cook frozen pre-cooked wings at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

• It is important to ensure that chicken wings are fully cooked before consuming. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If your wings are stuck together, microwave them for about 30 seconds to thaw them just enough to separate them.
• If your wings are frozen, you can defrost them on the counter for 15 minutes before air frying to make it easier to remove the packaging.
• You can serve chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and fresh veggies like celery or carrot sticks.

Chicken wing seasoning

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning chicken wings, specifically when cooking them from frozen in an air fryer.

Choosing a Seasoning Blend:

• A blend of sweet and savoury spices works well with chicken wings. For example, a combination of sweet paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and mustard powder creates a flavourful and well-balanced rub.
• You can adjust the level of cayenne or add some chilli powder to increase the spiciness of your wings.
• For a simpler option, a basic blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper can also create delicious, crispy wings.
• If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought seasoning blend such as blackening seasoning, Montreal chicken seasoning, or Creole seasoning.

Preparing the Wings:

• Before seasoning, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick better and promote crispiness.
• If desired, you can allow the wings to marinate in the refrigerator for up to overnight after applying the rub. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the chicken more deeply.

Applying the Seasoning:

• When applying the rub, ensure that you use enough to fully coat the chicken wings. Add more spices if necessary to avoid any unseasoned spots.
• If you're using flour or baking powder in your seasoning blend, make sure the wings are completely coated. This will help create a crispy texture.

Cooking the Wings:

• When cooking from frozen in an air fryer, follow the instructions outlined in the previous response, adjusting the timing and temperature according to the specific seasoning blend you've chosen.
• For a basic blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cook the wings at 400°F for 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Experiment with different seasoning blends and cooking techniques to find your perfect chicken wing recipe!

Chicken wing sauces

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, and choosing the right sauce can take your wings to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering sauce options to try with your air-fried chicken wings:

• Honey Buffalo Sauce: A delicious combination of spicy and tangy flavours, this sauce is made with hot sauce, butter, and honey. It's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it a popular choice for those who like their wings with a kick.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who prefer a creamy, tangy dip for their wings, ranch or blue cheese dressing is the way to go. It's a classic choice that pairs perfectly with the crispy, juicy wings.
• Barbecue Sauce: A classic choice for chicken wings, barbecue sauce comes in various flavours, from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy. You can even make your own by mixing in a can of Dr Pepper for a unique twist.
• Honey-Mustard Sauce: This sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with the honey adding sweetness and the mustard providing a bit of heat. It's a simple sauce to make, requiring only six ingredients.
• Sticky Maple Pepper Glaze: This sauce offers a tantalising blend of sweet and spicy, with the maple syrup providing sweetness and the pepper and garlic adding a kick. It's a perfect choice for those who want a unique flavour profile for their wings.
• Lemon-Pepper Butter: This sauce is simple yet flavourful, combining butter with lemon-pepper seasoning for a creamy, bright taste. For an extra zing of lemon, add some grated lemon zest to the mixture.
• Ginger-Orange Sauce: Infuse your wings with an Asian-inspired flavour by marinating them in a mixture of ginger, soy sauce, and orange marmalade. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Peanut Wing Sauce: This sauce brings a fusion of flavours with creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, savoury soy sauce, and a kick of curry powder. It's a unique and tasty option that your guests will surely remember.
• Chili-Lime Wing Sauce: A surprising combination of sweet, tangy, and bold flavours, this sauce mixes maple syrup, chili sauce, and lime juice. It's a perfect choice for those who want something different from the usual wing sauces.
• Buffalo Sauce: The classic wing sauce, Buffalo sauce, is a spicy blend of cayenne pepper, vinegar, and salt, enhanced with butter and other ingredients. It's richer and smoother than regular hot sauce, making it the perfect dip or condiment for your crispy wings.

Frequently asked questions