Cooking up perfectly crispy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings is a snap to do and takes no time at all! The air-fried wings are crispier than oven-baked wings and much healthier than dropping your frozen wings into a deep fryer! Finish your wings with your favorite wings sauce and enjoy this popular appetizer in no time at all!
Easy Air Fried Frozen Chicken Wings
Chicken wings have always been a favorite among my family and friends. My family simply can’t get enough of the crispy skin, juicy meat, and the Buffalo wing sauce that provides that addictive spiciness!
While traditionally deep-fried chicken wings never go out of style, my air-fried version is just as tasty, without all the added fat.
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If you are an air fryer fan, you know how easy it is to use the gadget. And if you’re a newbie, you’ll soon become a frequent user, as they’re so versatile.
Make a batch of these Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings as an appetizer, a snack while watching sports, or for a late-night munchie on movie night. You can also pair them with a salad and a side for an easy supper!
🥘 Ingredients
Your shopping list will be super short for this recipe. Less is more when it comes to air fryer frozen chicken wings, yet the results are remarkable! Prepare to drool over the delicious wings that are arguably even better than what you’d order at your favorite restaurant or bar.
- Chicken Wings – If you want some variety, get the wings and drumettes, which also happens to typically be the most affordable option. However, using all wings is my go-to for this recipe for consistency.
- Salt & Pepper – Season up your wings to your liking, but if you’re serving with Buffalo chicken wing sauce, keep it light so they’re not overloaded.
For the Optional Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce
- Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce – A classic that doesn’t compare to any other kind. Is there any other? If you happen to have a different favorite, it will certainly work too!
- Butter – You need that fat for flavor and mouthfeel. Unsalted butter is best, but use what you have on hand!
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
It’s not a must to pre-heat your air fryer, but I recommend it for frozen foods like this chicken, especially since the cooking time is relatively short. Any sort of air fryer will work well.
However, the convection-style air fryers tend to need a few additional minutes of cooking time. Go for the basket-style if possible.
- Preheat your air fryer according to your model's instructions. Set the temperature to 380ºF (193ºC). If your air fryer model does not go up to this temperature, use the highest temperature setting that it will reach.
- Season your wings with salt and pepper if desired. Load the wings, “wingettes,” and/or "drumettes" onto your air fryer racks or into the air fryer basket. *They can be packed in a little closer - once the fat is rendered, you can finish the wings off for about 5-6 minutes in smaller batches to get that ultimate crispiness.
- Air fry the chicken at 380ºF (193ºC) for 30 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the wings with tongs every 10 minutes during this cooking time.
- Once the cooking time is up, increase your air fryer temperature to 400ºF (205ºC). In smaller batches with spacing between your wings, crisp the wings for 5-6 minutes. Repeat with the remaining wings until all are cooked. Wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- If desired, transfer your chicken wings into a large bowl and toss them with your favorite wing sauce. Serve and savor!
Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce (optional)
Simply combine Frank's Original Red Hot Sauce with slightly cooled, melted butter. Mix thoroughly, then toss with the chicken wings to generously coat.
I like to serve my wings with crisp celery stalks and ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, or a wedge salad of iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled bacon with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy!
💭 Tips & Recipe Notes
- Air fryer cook times will vary. The cook times listed are a general guide, your model, how big the wings are, etc. can effect the overall cook times.
- Don't crowd the tray/basket. Keep enough room around each wing so the heat can surround them, you will get crispier wings!
- Flip Em'. About every 10 minutes turn the wings, use a pair of tongs and flip the wings over.
- Cook in a single layer. You want to ensure that the wings are not piled up for crispy wings.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Pack your chicken wings in an airtight container for up to 3 - 4 days in the refrigerator. Simply reheat up in the microwave or oven. Don't forget to save some extra sauce for dipping!
The wings can also be shredded over a salad or wrapped in a tortilla with some melted cheese. Better yet, make some buffalo chicken quesadillas!
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📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen chicken wings (or wings and drumettes)
- each, salt & pepper (to taste - optional)
Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup Frank's red hot original sauce
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted, melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer according to your model's instructions. Set the temperature to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C). If your model does not go up to this temperature, use the highest temperature setting that it will go to.
- Season your wings with salt and pepper if desired. Then load your chicken wings, wingettes, and/or drumettes onto your air fryer racks or into the air fryer basket. *They can be packed in a little closer, once the fat is rendered, you can finish the wings off for about 5-6 minutes in smaller batches.
- Air fry the chicken wings at 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) for 30 minutes, shake the basket or turn the wings every 10 minutes during this cooking time.
- Once the cooking time is up, increase your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). In smaller batches with spacing between your wings, crisp the wings for 5-6 minutes. Repeat with the remaining wings until all are cooked.
- If desired, transfer your chicken wings into a large bowl and toss them with your favorite wing sauce. Serve immediately.
Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce (optional)
- To make the best buffalo wing sauce, simply combine Frank's Original Red Hot Sauce with slightly cooled, melted butter. Mix thoroughly, then toss with chicken wings.
Equipment You May Need
Notes
I have found that while any type of air fryer model will work, the basket-style air fryers do the best job with chicken wings. The convection-style air fryers may take a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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