Get ready for the ultimate game-day or party snack with this quick and easy recipe for cooking frozen chicken wings in the air fryer (straight from your freezer!).

Air fryer frozen chicken wings on a white plate.

This time-saving recipe will revolutionize the way you cook chicken wings and make them your new go-to game-day or party snack.

Ingredients notes

Frozen chicken wings

This recipe is for split frozen raw chicken wings. You can also use frozen whole chicken wings for this recipe, but the cooking times will be longer. Add an extra five minutes to the cooking times below, and confirm that the wings are cooked to 165°F / 74°C before consuming.

Oil

The recipe below uses light olive oil, but you can substitute another cooking oil with a high smoke point.

Tip

Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point to reduce the chance of your air fryer smoking.

Seasoning

I use a chicken seasoning rub to flavor the chicken wings. You can use your favorite seasoning rub, or make a simple homemade mix from 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and salt.

Expert tips

  • Place chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. It is fine if they are slightly touching, but try to ensure there is space around them so the air flow can reach all surfaces of the chicken.
  • After 5 minutes cooking, season the wings. When the 5 minutes cook time it up, open the air fryer and gently blot the wings dry with a paper towel. Brush the oil/seasoning mix onto the wings, flipping them over to cover both sides.  
  • Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Check the temperature when the cooking time is up, to ensure they have reached at least 165°F / 74°C all the way through.

Cooking times

The cooking time will depend on a number of factors, including how large the chicken wings are, what their starting temperature is, and how powerful your air fryer is.

The key thing to get right is to make sure that the internal temperature is 165°F / 74°C or higher all the way through to ensure they are cooked properly.

Use an instant-read thermometer at the end of the cook time to check the temperature in the center of the thickest part of a few of the largest chicken wings. If required, air fry for additional 2-3 minute intervals until they are cooked correctly.

Tip

For an accurate temperature reading, ensure that the tip of the thermometer does not touch the bone.

Air fried chicken wings on a white plate with dipping sauce.

Serving ideas

Toss the cooked wings in sauce to serve. For spicy wings, toss them in buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or sweet chili. Try honey mustard sauce, teriyaki sauce, bbq sauce, or Jerk chicken sauce for tang without the heat. Warm the sauce slightly before tossing it and the wings together in a large bowl.

And don’t forget the dipping sauces! Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are classic options that pair perfectly with spicy hot sauce wings.

A side of celery sticks and/or carrot sticks provide a satisfying crunch and refreshing coolness to balance out the spiciness of the wings, making it the perfect addition to your plate.

Air fryer frozen chicken wings on a white plate.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings

How to cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb / 450g frozen chicken wings raw
  • 3 teaspoons chicken seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon light olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 360°F / 180°C.
  • Place frozen wings in air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5 minutes.
  • While the wings are air frying, mix the seasoning and oil together in a small bowl.
  • Once the five minute initial cook time is up, open the air fryer and pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Brush the oil/seasoning mix over the wings on both sides.
  • Air fry frozen wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over half way through the cooking time. The wings are cooked when they are golden brown and have reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C [Note 1]. Air fry for additional 2-3 minute intervals if required.
  • Toss with your favorite dipping sauce, and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperaure in the center of the largest few wings. Always confirm safe internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C has been reached at the thickest part before consuming.

Nutrition

Serving: 1  Calories: 402kcal  Carbohydrates: 12g  Protein: 19g  Fat: 31g  Saturated Fat: 10g  Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g  Cholesterol: 92mg  Sodium: 442mg  Fiber: 1g

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.