You'll love how easy it is to make these air fryer frozen chicken wings. This recipe guide includes instructions for making them from fresh and frozen, raw or pre-cooked. Get perfectly crispy chicken wings every time with this easy recipe.
This post is part of my beginning air fryer recipes series. Stay tuned for more easy and delicious recipes using this popular kitchen appliance!
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What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a powerful countertop appliance that uses hot, circulated air to cook food. Little to no oil is necessary to get crispy, golden brown results that mimic foods that have been deep fried.
Why should I use an air fryer?
Air fryers are so powerful. They can shorten cooking times so you can spend less time in the kitchen.
Air fryers use air, not oil, so you can cook healthier meals that are lower in fat and calories without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Air fryers are versatile enough to cook a variety of foods, including casserole dishes, cookies, and cakes!
What are the best air fryers?
My personal favorite is the Cosori Max XL, 5.8 quart. I use this model to test all the recipes for this series. The basket is large and the cooking is quite even. It’s easy to use and affordable. Best of all, this basket is dishwasher safe.
The Phillips Digital Twin Turbo Star XXL is one of the highest recommended air fryers on the market. It has a multitude of cooking functions and is big enough to cook a whole chicken. However, it’s one of the most expensive models out there.
If you're only cooking for one of two, or you have very limited counter space, you may want to consider a compact size. The Dash Tasti Crisp 2.6 quart.has been reviewed over 19,000 times on Amazon! It’s sleek and easy to use and clean, but less powerful than full size models.
Now, let's make some crispy chicken wings!
Why you'll love it
- Simple and easy to make - you just need a couple ingredients
- Crispy skin on the outside and juicy on the inside
- Save time and money by making these at home instead of buying from a restaurant
- Customize the flavor
- Perfect appetizer for game day or parties, but also makes a fun lunch or dinner with a side dish of my cornbread pudding casserole or my baked mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- Frozen chicken wings sections like the one pictured below. You can buy them raw or precooked and pre-seasoned.
- Cooking spray, your favorite seasonings, wing sauce or BBQ sauce
- I bought three different kinds of frozen chicken wings from Target - natural raw chicken wing sections, Buffalo style, and honey BBQ, which are precooked.
Order the ingredients for this recipe from your local grocery store straight from the recipe card below! Click Get Ingredients and place your online order.
Instructions
Frozen Chicken Wings - Raw:
Step 1: Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Place wings in air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray (optional) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings.
Don't overcrowd the basket, but it's ok if they are overlapping a bit. The photo shows one pound of wings.
Step 2: Cook for 18-25 minutes turning wings over at the halfway point. If there is an accumulation of liquid in the bottom of the basket, discard it at the halfway point. This will help the wings crisp nicely.
Wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
If you want to sauce your wings, pour an even amount of sauce over the wings as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Then place them back in the basket and air fry 2 or 3 minutes more. Evenly coat in sauce again.
Frozen Chicken Wings - Pre Cooked
Step 1: Preheat air fryer at 380 degrees F (193 degrees C). Place wings in the air fryer basket. There is no need to use cooking spray.
Don't overcrowd the basket, but it's okay if they are overlapping a little bit.
Step 2: Air fry for 18-25 minutes, turning at least once around the halfway point.
Wings are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Brush with more sauce if desired.
Top tips
Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
Use a timer to remind you to flip the wings for even cooking.
Don't over crowd the air fryer basket. Wings will not crisp if overlapping.
Use a meat thermometer. I use this digital one from Oxo.
Variations
Tex Mex - try my Easy Taco Seasoning as a rub.
This dry rub from The Chunky Chef
Dips for chicken wings
Homemade buttermilk blue cheese dressing
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 380 degrees F (194 degrees C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Freeze for up to 3 months longer storage.
Refreezing precooked wings isn't recommended.
Common Questions
Frozen chicken wings are usually cut into sections: the drums or drumettes and flats. They cook faster, are easier to eat. and allow people to choose their favorite part.
Chicken wings are a great source of protein. Raw air fried wings are lower in fat than those that have been deep fried in oil making them a better choice.
Be sure to preheat the air fryer. Discard any accumulated liquid from the basket. Turn wings frequently.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Corn on the Cob
- Waffle Fries
- Baked Potatoes
- Whole Chicken
- Frozen Biscuits
- Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Turkey Meatballs
- Frozen Chicken Wings
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen chicken wings raw, precooked, seasoned
Instructions
Frozen Chicken Wings - Raw
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (205 C). Place wings in basket in an even layer (it's okay if they are touching or overlapping slightly).
- Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning.
- Cook for 18-25 minutes, tossing at least once, or more often as necessary to crisp skin. Discard any liquid that may accumulate in the bottom of the basket and continue to cook until internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C) is reached.
Frozen Chicken Wings - Pre cooked
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F (194 C). Place wings in basket in an even layer (it's okay if they are touching or overlapping slightly).
- Cook for 18-25 minutes, tossing at least once, or more often as necessary to crisp skin. Cook until internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C) is reached.
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