Home » Recipes » How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Sharing is caring!

The easiest way to cook frozen chicken wings is here. Air-fried frozen chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. Serving air fryer frozen chicken wings in the right portion helps you and your family’s chicken cravings. Chicken wings in the air fryer is a delightful treat for everyone. Can be served as a snack or as a full meal with sides.

A plate of seasoned and cooked chicken wings.
How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

On days that I want to eat chicken, air-fried chicken wings are my go-to recipe to make. There’s no need for me to buy a whole chicken since I am only making a portion for two to three in my household, chicken wings are the best choice. It is budget-friendly and hassle-free.

Banner for Free E-Book
Subscribe

Cooking Frozen Chicken Wings

The common way to cook chicken wings is deep-fried in lots of oil. In this way, the chicken absorbs a lot of the oil, making it greasy. In this recipe, we use the air fryer to make frozen chicken wings which is a healthier option. Less oil, more flavor.

Defrosting Frozen Wings in the Air Fryer

Yes, it is possible to defrost chicken wings in an air fryer. A quick and easy way to thaw the chicken compared to regular thawing which takes a long time. Straight from frozen to defrosted, let the hot air to circulate while keeping an eye on the chicken wings. The goal is to defrost not to cook the chicken.

Frozen Foods as an Air Fryer Recipe

Cooking frozen foods in an air fryer is a time-saver. Frozen foods take time to thaw but with the help of the air fryer that becomes easier. You can reheat pancakes and waffles that have been frozen. Any food that has been frozen can be reheated using the air fryer.

A plate of seasoned chicken wings on a bed of cabbage, accompanied by sliced bell peppers and a bowl of dipping sauce in the background.
Plate of seasoned chicken wings.

Easy Instructions for Cooking Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings

In making air fryer frozen chicken wings, pop them in the air fryer to thaw. Open the air fryer and collect the chicken to be seasoned. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the wings in the basket and put it back in the air fryer. For the step-by-step process be guided using the detailed directions below.

Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen

  • Air Fryer: The kitchen device needed to cook the frozen chicken wings.
  • Clipper Tong: A V-shaped grabber that will help mix and pick up the chicken.
  • Bowl: Mixing bowl for the chicken wings and the seasonings.

Key Ingredients:

  • Frozen Chicken Wings: We will be using this part of the chicken for this recipe. Make sure to have the best quality and fresh chicken wings.
  • Olive Oil: A little bit of oil makes the chicken skin crispy.
  • Smoked Paprika: An additional flavoring that adds a smokey flavor to the dish.
  • Granulated Garlic: Compared togarlic powder, garlic in granule form is the best option for marinating the chicken.
  • Onion Powder: Adds a hint of sweet taste to our chicken wings recipe.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Balances all the flavors of the seasoning and spices.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Detailed Directions for Frying Frozen Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

One: Prepare the Ingredients

Get the chicken wings from the freezer. Have all the seasonings and spice ready on the side. Don’t forget to prepare the air fryer basket, make sure that it is clean and ready to use.

Ingredients for air-fried frozen chicken wings displayed: frozen chicken wings, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, granulated garlic, oil. Air fryer also visible.
Ingredients for air-fried frozen chicken wings.

Two: Thaw the Frozen Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Chicken wings from frozen form are hard to cook which is why it is important to thaw the chicken first. Check the internal temperature of the air fryer, it should be set to 400°Fahrenheits (200°Celsius). Place the frozen wings in the air fryer for 10 minutes.

Top view of raw chicken wings arranged on an air fryer tray next to a digital control panel displaying “0” at the start of cooking.
Raw chicken wings on an air fryer.

Three: Season the Chicken Wings

Once the 10 minutes is up, take out the chicken wings from the air fryer. In a bowl, toss in the chicken and all the seasonings and spices. Mix well using the clipper tong. After that, place the wings in a single layer (or two layers depending on your air fryer), and add them one by one at the bottom of the air fryer. Set the cooking time to 8 minutes.

A four-step image collage showing: chicken wings in a bowl with seasonings (step 1), seasonings being added to the wings (step 2), the wings being mixed (step 3), and the wings in an air fryer (step 4).
Cooking air-fry chicken wings.

Four: Flip and Oil the Chicken Wings

Check the chicken wings in air fryer after 8 minutes. Brush a little bit of oil on the wings to give it that crispy skin texture. Flip the wings for it to be evenly cooked. 

Two-image collage showing chicken being cooked in an air fryer. The first image shows seasoned chicken pieces placed inside the air fryer. The second image shows a person brushing sauce onto the chicken.
Brushing chicken.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Drying out the Chicken Skin: Before cooking the fresh wings make sure that it is all dried up, this is the secret to having a crispy chicken skin. If the chicken is not dry it will become soggy after cooking.
  • Marinating: For all the flavors to soak into the chicken, marinate the raw chicken. Wings are cooked best when all the flavors can be tasted when eaten.
  • Rest before Serving: Cooked frozen chicken wings in air fryer still have that heat that needs to cool down so that all of the flavors inside the chicken will be soaked in.
A plate of seasoned chicken wings on a bed of cabbage, with a side of sliced tomatoes and a cup of white dipping sauce in the background.
Seasoned chicken wings on a plate.

Common Questions Answered

What are the Perfect Pairings for Air-Fried Frozen Chicken Wings?

Sauces and Dips: Dipping or coating the chicken in sauce is the best way to enjoy the cooked chicken wings. Buffalo chicken wings is a classic flavor and one of my favorite sauces. Ranch dressing is a good option for a creamy sauce. To add a little spice, use sweet chili sauce for a balance of sweetness and heat.

Sides: A very common side dish for chicken recipes is potato salad or mashed potato. You can add coleslaw for something fresh and creamy. French fries are the kids’ favorite so make sure to have it as a side.

Drinks: When eating chicken wings I always look for something refreshing so I pair it with lemonade or a soda. Beer is also a good match for chicken wings.

What is the Proper Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Wings?

Leftover chicken wings need to be stored in an airtight container this is a way to ensure your wings are still fresh even when stored. Before storing, make sure that the chicken is cool at room temperature. Put it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

A dish of seasoned chicken wings on a bed of cabbage, with a side of halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, green bell peppers, and a bowl of creamy dip garnished with parsley in the background.
Seasoned chicken wings dish.

How to Freeze Chicken Wings Cooked from the Air Fryer?

Cooked chicken wings can last up to 3 months so make sure that it is properly labeled with the date to avoid spoiling. Airtight container or freezer-safe bags needs to be sealed tightly, making sure that there is no air stored inside. Cooked chicken wings need to be inside the freezer after making sure that it is tightly sealed and labeled properly.

Additional Easy Small-Serving Recipes You’ll Love

Craving for a vegetable dish? check out our recipe on how to Air Fry Cabbage Steak. For some almond goodness, you can have a look at our recipe on How to Make Almond Meal or Is Ground Almonds the Same as Almond Flour?

Pin This Recipe for Later

Cooked chicken wings in a pan with tomatoes and lettuce, accompanied by text that reads, "Food for One or Two: How to Air Fry Chicken Wings - Small Batch Cooking for Two - Small Portions.
Seasoned chicken wings on cabbage.

Need Support or have Questions? Join our Free Facebook Group.

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Flipboard, or YouTube.

For weekly New Recipes and a FREE E-Book get into our NEWSLETTER.

Printable Recipe Card

We Appreciate Your 5-Star Rating

A plate of seasoned, roasted chicken wings garnished with herbs, served on a bed of cabbage, with a bowl of dip and fresh vegetables in the background.

How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

Zuzana Paar
No ratings yet
The easiest way to cook frozen chicken wings is here. Air-fried frozen chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. Serving air fryer frozen chicken wings in the right portion helps you and your family's chicken cravings. Chicken wings in the air fryer is a delightful treat for everyone. Can be served as a snack or as a full meal with sides.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Course Main Dishes, Snacks
Cuisine American, International
Servings 3 Servings
Calories 153 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 Frozen Chicken Wings
  • 1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Get the chicken wings from the freezer. Have all the seasonings and spice ready on the side. Don't forget to prepare the air fryer basket, make sure that it is clean and ready to use.
  • Chicken wings from frozen form are hard to cook which is why it is important to thaw the chicken first. Check the internal temperature of the air fryer, it should be set to 400°Fahrenheits (200°Celsius). Place the frozen wings in the air fryer for 10 minutes.
  • Once the 10 minutes is up, take out the chicken wings from the air fryer. In a bowl, toss in the chicken and all the seasonings and spices. Mix well using the clipper tong. After that, place the wings in a single layer (or two layers depending on your air fryer), and add them one by one at the bottom of the air fryer. Set the cooking time to 8 minutes.
  • Check the chicken wings in air fryer after 8 minutes. Brush a little bit of oil on the wings to give it that crispy skin texture. Flip the wings for it to be evenly cooked. 

Notes

  • Drying out the Chicken Skin: Before cooking the fresh wings make sure that it is all dried up, this is the secret to having a crispy chicken skin. If the chicken is not dry it will become soggy after cooking.
  • Marinating: For all the flavors to soak into the chicken, marinate the raw chicken. Wings are cooked best when all the flavors can be tasted when eaten.
  • Rest before Serving: Cooked frozen chicken wings in air fryer still have that heat that needs to cool down so that all of the flavors inside the chicken will be soaked in.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PortionCalories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 424mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 401IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sharing is caring!

By Zuzana Paar on October 5th, 2024
Photo of author

About Zuzana Paar

I'm Zuzana, the creator of Tiny Batch Cooking. With my skills as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, videographer, blogger, and photographer, I focus on small batch recipes that are easy and delicious. My aim is to help you enjoy cooking.

More Posts by this author.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating