The best way to cook frozen chicken wings is in your air fryer. You don't even need to defrost them first! Just toss them in, season with your favorite spice rub, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
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These frozen wings are the perfect appetizer for game day. Serve them with crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, cold spinach dip, and gluten-free taco dip.
If you have defrosted chicken wings, then try my Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings or my super delicious Smoked Chicken Wings and Crispy Smoked 0-400 Chicken Wings on Pellet Grill.
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Why you'll love making chicken wings from frozen
- No need to defrost the chicken first. Just place the frozen wings straight in the air fryer basket.
- No prep is required to make these wings.
- They are tender and juicy with a crispy coating on the outside.
- These wings are low in carbs, making them keto-friendly.
Ingredients
You can easily prepare these flavorful chicken wings from frozen in the air fryer using simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Chicken wings. I used fresh chicken wings that I bought at Costco and froze. You can also use pre-cooked seasoned wings, boneless wings, and breaded wings.
- Spice rub for chicken. I used my homemade dry rub for smoked chicken, which contains garlic powder, black pepper, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, Roasted Garlic and Peppers seasoning, chili powder, and seasoning salt. Feel free to use your favorite dry rub. Lemon pepper is a great spice to use as well.
- Oil. This helps the wings crisp up on the outside. I used avocado spray, but you can use any kind you have on hand. You could also brush them with olive oil.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
These frozen wings are very easy to make. Read the instructions below or watch the video.
- Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket. You do not need to reheat the air fryer first.
- Air fry the wings at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon to break apart any chicken wings that are still frozen together. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is okay if they are touching. Air fry for 10 more minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Shake the basket. Spray the wings lightly with cooking spray, then sprinkle the dry rub evenly on the wings. Air fry for 5 more minutes.
- Shake the basket again, spray lightly with oil, and sprinkle the dry rub on again. Air fry for 5 more minutes.
- The wings will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the crispy wings from the air fryer and toss with your favorite sauce!
Variations
- Make buffalo chicken wings by mixing in buffalo wing sauce.
- Toss with BBQ sauce or honey mustard sauce.
- Make hot wings by tossing them in hot sauce.
- Use my protein ranch dip or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Wrap them in plastic, then place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Top Tips
- When the wings break apart, make sure they are not piled high on top of each other in the air fryer basket. They will not cook properly or evenly if they are. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket every few minutes initially to help the wings break apart.
- Just spray a very light layer of cooking spray on the wings. You don't want them to be greasy. You could also not add the cooking spray, but it does help get a crispy skin.
- Because all air fryers cook differently, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Larger wings will need a longer cooking time, smaller wings will need less.
FAQ's
It takes about 30 minutes to cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer at 400 degrees F.
If the chicken wings are not fully cooked after the air fryer has been on for 30 minutes, continue cooking them until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. They are really easy to make, require no prep, and turn out crispy and juicy.
What to serve with chicken wings?
You can serve almost anything with chicken wings. I like to place them in a large bowl and serve them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and apple slices. You could also serve them with Instant Pot Jasmine Rice and Miracle Whip Coleslaw.
More air fryer recipes
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- Jeri
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon dry rub for chicken or your favorite chicken rub
- 1 tablespoon olive oil spray or avocado oil
Instructions
- Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket. No need to reheat the air fryer first.
- Air fry the wings at 400℉ for 10 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon to break apart any chicken wings that are still frozen together. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the wings for 10 more minutes at 400℉. Shake the basket, spray the wings lightly with oil, and sprinkle the dry rub evenly on them.
- Air fry the wings for 5 more minutes. Shake the basket again, spray lightly with oil, and sprinkle on more seasoning.
- Air fry the wings for 5 more minutes. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Remove the crispy wings from the air fryer and toss with your favorite sauce.
Video
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Notes
- When the wings break apart, make sure they are not piled high on top of each other in the air fryer basket. They will not cook properly or evenly if they are.
- Shake the basket every few minutes initially to help the wings break apart.
- Just spray a very light layer of cooking spray on the wings. You don't want them to be greasy. You could also not add the cooking spray, but it does help get a crispy skin.
- Because all air fryers cook differently, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Also, the wings are not always the same size. Larger wings will need a longer cooking time, smaller wings will need less.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
Giangi Townsend says
I must get an air fryer, your recipe looks amazing. Easy and I bet super delicious.
On my list to prepare for my family
Cayla says
I always wondered how frozen wings would work in the air fryer. Turned out great!!
Jeri says
I'm so glad you liked them, Cayla! 🙂