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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Easy Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

    Published: Feb 19, 2022 · Modified: Jun 21, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

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    Four pictures showing the process of cooking the frozen wings, one is frozen wings in the air fryer, one is cooked wings in air fryer basket, one is wings with dipping sauces, and one is a wing dipped in ranch dipping sauce.

    Did you know you can cook Frozen Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer? If not, you're in for a treat! They are quick and easy to make! You don't even need to defrost them first! Throw them in the air fryer, season with your favorite spice rub, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces! You will love these delicious little morsels. Best of all, they come out nice and crispy every time!

    PIN the recipe to try it later!

    Crispy chicken wings on parchment paper on a white table with buffalo sauce in a container in the background. this …

    Who doesn't love a good chicken wing? In my family, we find any excuse to eat chicken wings.

    When we crave wings, I like to make them anytime I want. Even if I forget to take them out of the freezer ahead of time to defrost. It doesn't matter if they are rock hard and frozen together in one big clump.

    Toss them in the air fryer and turn it on! You will have crispy and juicy wings in no time! These taste delicious as naked wings or dipped in your favorite dipping sauce.

    These are the perfect appetizers if you watch the football game or have a few friends over!

    They are also ideal for game day served with crispy sweet potato fries, spinach dip, and taco dip.

    Do you have defrosted chicken wings? Then be sure to try these Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings or my super delicious Smoked Chicken Wings.

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    Jump to:
    • More air fryer recipes
    • Why you will love making chicken wings from frozen
    • What kinds of wings are best to cook from frozen?
    • Ingredients for air fryer frozen chicken wings
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • What to serve with chicken wings?
    • More recipes using frozen food
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Food safety
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you will 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. Just turn on the air fryer and place them in the basket. Done!
    • You may be surprised by how delicious these wings are. They are so tender and juicy with a crispy coating on the outside.
    • The whole cooking process is only about 30 minutes!
    • Very little oil is needed, making these much healthier than deep frying.
    • Any fat drips down to the bottom of the basket, making these wings a healthy meal, and cleanup a breeze.
    • These wings are low in carbs, making them keto-friendly.

    What kinds of wings are best to cook from frozen?

    There are so many brands of frozen chicken wings to choose from. There are raw frozen wings, pre-cooked seasoned wings, boneless wings, and breaded wings.

    Essentially, all wings need to be cooked until they reach the proper internal temperature.

    The boneless wings will cook faster, as will the pre-cooked wings.

    This recipe is specifically for fresh chicken wings that are frozen. Always use a meat thermometer to check for proper doneness.

    Ingredients for air fryer frozen chicken wings

    You can easily prepare these flavorful chicken wings from frozen in the air fryer using simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

    Ingredients needed for frozen chicken wings in the air fryer.
    • Chicken wings. I used raw fresh wings that I bought at Costco and froze. I find it is cheaper to buy in larger amounts and freeze in meal size portions.
    • Spice rub for chicken. I used my homemade chicken rub which contains garlic powder, black pepper, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, roasted garlic and peppers seasoning, chili powder, and seasoning salt; but feel free to use your favorite dry rub or spices. Lemon pepper is a great spice to use as well.
    • Cooking oil spray. This is to help the wings crisp up on the outside. I used avocado spray, but use any kind you have on hand. You could also brush them with olive oil.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Open up the bag of frozen chicken wings.

    Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket—no need to reheat the air fryer first.

    A block of frozen wings in the air fryer basket.

    Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, and set the timer for 10 minutes.

    After the 10 minutes is up, open up the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or tongs to break apart any chicken wings that are still frozen together. Once the chicken wings are broken apart, they should be in a single layer in the basket. It is okay if they are touching.

    Frozen chicken wings in the air fryer after 10 minutes.
    Chicken wings broken up until they are separated from each other.

    Set the timer 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.

    Set the timer for 5 more minutes. Shake the basket again or flip the wings over. Spray lightly again with cooking spray and sprinkle the dry rub on again. Set the timer for 5 more minutes.

    Check to see if the wings are done when the timer is up. The wings will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.

    Remove the crispy wings from the air fryer and toss with your favorite sauce!

    Enjoy!

    Fully cooked chicken wings in the air fryer basket.

    Variations

    Change how these wings taste by using different wing sauces or dipping sauces. Some fun ones to try are:

    • Make buffalo chicken wings by mixing in buffalo wing sauce
    • BBQ sauce
    • Make hot wings by tossing in hot sauce
    • Honey mustard sauce
    • Ranch dressing
    • Blue cheese dressing

    Equipment

    To make these frozen chicken wings, you will need an air fryer. There are many different air fryer models and air fryer ovens. They all use hot air for cooking food quickly and evenly, but they all cook differently.

    I made these wings in an Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer, and they cook pretty quickly in it. I also have a Ninja Foodi Air fryer with dual drawers, and it cooks a little slower.

    Storage

    FRIDGE: If you have leftover chicken wings, they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    FROZEN: The chicken wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them in plastic before storing them in an airtight container.

    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.
    • 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.
    Crispy chicken wings on white paper on a white table with buffalo sauce in the background.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How long does it take to cook frozen chicken wings?

    It takes about 30 minutes to cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer at 400 degrees F.

    What if the chicken wings are not fully cooked after the air fryer has been on for 30 minutes?

    If the chicken wings are not fully cooked after the air fryer has been on for 30 minutes, you can continue cooking them until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

    Does it work to cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?

    Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. They are really easy to make with no prep, and they turn out crispy and juicy.

    A hand dipping a chicken wing in ranch dipping sauce.

    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 rice, sweet potato fries, and coleslaw.

    More recipes using frozen food

    • Four pieces of air fryer salmon on a white plate, with a plae of broccoli in the background and sliced lemon beside it.
      Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer (Low-Carb)
    • Frozen broccoli cooked in an air fryer until tender yet crispy.
      Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer
    • Instant pot chicken breast lightly seasoned and placed on a bed of lettuce.
      Frozen Chicken Breast in Instant Pot
    • BBQ sauce brushed on pork ribs on a table with waffle fry potatoes.
      Instant Pot Pork Ribs - From Frozen

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer or main course for your next party! They are quick and easy to make, and everyone will love them! Be sure to try this recipe today!

    I hope you enjoyed these Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer. If you try it out and like it, I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a star rating below.

    You can also Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don't forget to tag me in your photos @caseymarkeeindingcreek_ranch!

    📋 Recipe

    Crispy chicken wings on parchment paper on a white table with buffalo sauce in a container in the background.

    Easy Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

    Did you know you can cook Frozen Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer? If not, you're in for a treat! They are quick and easy to make! You don't even need to defrost them first! Throw them in the air fryer, season with your favorite spice rub, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces! You will love these delicious little morsels. Best of all, they come out nice and crispy every time!
    5 from 39 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 226kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 bag frozen chicken wings
    • 1 tablespoon dry rub for chicken
    • cooking spray or olive oil

    Instructions

    • Open up the bag of frozen chicken wings. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket. No need to reheat the air fryer first.
    • Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, and set the timer for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes is up, open up the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or tongs to break apart any chicken wings that are still frozen together. Once the chicken wings are broken apart, they should be in a single layer in the basket.
    • Set the timer and cook for 10 more minutes at 400 degrees F. Shake the basket. Spray the wings lightly with cooking spray, then sprinkle dry rub evenly on the wings.
    • Set the timer and cook for 5 more minutes. Shake the basket again or flip the wings over. Spray lightly again with cooking spray and sprinkle the seasoning again. Set the timer for 5 more minutes.
    • Check to see if the wings are done when the timer is up. They should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
    • Remove the crispy wings from the air fryer and toss with your favorite sauce!
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Homemade smoked chicken rub
    STORAGE:
    Fridge: If you have leftover chicken wings, they can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    Frozen: The chicken wings can be frozen up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them in plastic before storing them in an airtight container.
    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.
    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 30.3g | Fat: 9.8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 77.5mg | Sodium: 111.4mg | Potassium: 294.6mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 30.4IU | Vitamin C: 2.2mg | Calcium: 62.5mg | Iron: 2.8mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

    Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds

    More Easy & Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

    • A halibut fillet on a white plate with homemade tartar sauce, sweet potato fries, and broccoli.
      Air Fryer Halibut with Crispy Parmesan Crust
    • Two air fried filet mignon with bacon on a white plate with garlic herb compound butter on top.
      Easy Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Bacon
    • Crispy chicken tenders on a white plate with a small white dish of buffalo dipping sauce.
      Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
    • Crispy golden brown shrimp tempura in a white bowl with lemon slices, and a yellow napkin in the background.
      The BEST Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Giangi Townsend

      February 20, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I must get an air fryer, your recipe looks amazing. Easy and I bet super delicious.
      On my list to prepare for my family

      Reply
    2. Cayla

      February 20, 2022 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      I always wondered how frozen wings would work in the air fryer. Turned out great!!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        February 20, 2022 at 9:40 am

        I'm so glad you liked them, Cayla! 🙂

        Reply

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    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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