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My air fryer frozen chicken wings are truly crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. These are perfect for an appetizer, game day, or anytime you’re craving wings.
We enjoy chicken wings every week, whether they’re grilled chicken wings or fried chicken wings. Because of this, we always keep a pack or three of frozen wings on hand, which is great when we want to cook them in the air fryer.
You get crispy and juicy chicken wings that cook up in a fraction of the time. They don’t taste like they’ve been cooked from frozen, and you skip out on using all the excessive oil WITHOUT sacrificing flavor or texture. My family requests I make these ALL the time.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes. Pair them with air fryer French fries for the ultimate takeout fakeout meal!
- Crispy outside, tender inside. The texture is everything you’d want with chicken wings. The addition of baking powder guarantees this!
- Easy to customize. While delicious on their own, you can toss them through your favorite dipping or marinade sauces for the ultimate flavor explosion!
If you love chicken air fryer recipes like we do, try my air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken drumsticks, and air fryer chicken tenderloins next.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen chicken wings. I like to use a mix of wings, flats, and drumettes, but use any specific cut you prefer.
- Olive oil. Enhances the crispy skin and keeps the juices intact.
- Brown sugar. A touch of brown sugar caramelizes the exterior and gives the skin an even crispier texture.
- Smoked paprika. I find paprika gives the wings a very subtle smokiness that makes them taste even more delicious.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Baking powder. The secret ingredient to guarantee crispy chicken wings, but don’t fret- you won’t taste anything metallic or acidic whatsoever! Baking soda can be used, but add a teaspoon of vinegar to activate it.
How to cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Season. Toss the frozen wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.
Step 2- Air fry. Add a single layer of frozen chicken wings to the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a meat thermometer. This is my #1 tip for checking when chicken (or any meat) is ready to eat. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it is ready to eat!
- Cook in batches. Arrange in a single layer and ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, allowing the hot air to cook the skin to ultimate crispiness.
- If you notice significant ice crystals, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Too many ice crystals will result in chewy wings.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! If they are fresh wings, simply cook them as instructed.
Yes, air fry frozen breaded wings. I do recommend increasing the air frying time by two minutes to compensate for the breading.
More chicken wing recipes
- Smoked chicken wings
- Lemon pepper wings
- Garlic parmesan wings
- Korean chicken wings
- Hot wings
- Boneless chicken wings
If you tried this Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds frozen chicken wings drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Lightly grease an air fryer basket, Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- Toss the frozen chicken wings in a bowl with olive oil. Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder and mix well.
- Add the frozen and seasoned chicken wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using different spices, like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin, are all flavor boosters that can amp up the flavor.
- Make buffalo wings. Toss the wings through 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce before adding them to the air fryer basket.
These are the best air fryer chicken wings and SO fast. I can’t believe I had wings cooked in under 10 minutes.
Chicken is my favourite this recipe is so delicious 😋 thank you ☺️ Arman 🥰
Cooking time was perfect.
Make these chicken wings every time the game is on and it’s a winner.
LOVE this!
For that is baking powder here? Just curious what it is making in recipe in air fryers.
The baking powder is to help make the chicken crispy. Maybe I should have used more. But hubby loves them!
Thank you. Making these tonight.
Been following you. Your Recipes are wonderful and so helpful. Plan to get your cookbook. Thank you!