The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Frozen Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Chicken wings are a classic appetizer that never seem to go out of style. With flavors ranging from spicy buffalo to tangy BBQ everyone loves sinking their teeth into these juicy, saucy treats. But deep frying wings loads them with fat and calories – not exactly healthy.

That’s where the air fryer comes in! Air frying lets you get all the taste and crunch of deep-fried wings without all the fat. Even better, most air fryers let you cook frozen wings right away without having to thaw them first.

But exactly how long should you cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer to achieve perfectly crispy, mouthwatering results? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Wings in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer offers several advantages:

• You can put frozen wings right into the air fryer basket without letting them thaw first. Thawing is not necessary.

• Super fast cooking—air-fried wings are crispy and tasty in 20 to 30 minutes, while baked wings take more than an hour.

• Crispier texture – the circulating hot air mimics deep frying creating an uber-crunchy exterior.

• Lower fat – air frying uses little to no oil compared to traditional frying methods. Wings end up crisp, not greasy.

• Juicy interior – unlike oven baking, the rapid air fryer heat seals in moisture Wings stay tender on the inside

• Even cooking—as the wings fry, air moves around them to keep them from getting too hot or too cold.

Recommended Time and Temperature

Cooking frozen chicken wings in an air fryer takes only 25-35 minutes at a temperature of 380 ̊F to 400 ̊F. Key tips:

• Always preheat the air fryer before adding the frozen wings. This helps ensure crispy skin.

• For food safety, cook until wings reach an internal temp of 165 ̊F.

• Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

• Cook times can vary slightly based on the size of the wings and your particular model of air fryer.

• Check early and adjust cook time if needed. Optimal texture is crispy skin with tender, juicy meat.

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for foolproof frozen chicken wings every time:

1. Prepare Your Wings

• For plain wings, no prep needed. Use frozen as-is.

• For added flavor, lightly coat with oil and seasonings of choice before air frying.

• If wings are stuck together, gently separate for even cooking.

2. Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheating is key for crispy skin. Set temp to 380 ̊F-400 ̊F.

• Allow 3-5 minutes for preheating before adding wings.

3. Add Wings to Basket

• Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

• Avoid overcrowding for optimal texture. Work in batches if needed.

4. Air Fry Wings

• Cook at 380 ̊F-400 ̊F for 15-20 minutes initially.

• Shake basket halfway through to redistribute wings.

• Continue cooking 10-15 more minutes until 165 ̊F internal temp.

5. Finish with Sauce (Optional)

• Toss crispy cooked wings with your favorite sauce if desired.

• Try buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, lemon pepper, etc. based on preference.

And that’s it – crispy, juicy frozen chicken wings in your air fryer in 30 minutes or less!

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these additional pointers for extra crispy, delicious air fried frozen chicken wings:

• Pat wings dry before cooking for crisper skin.

• Use a light coating of baking powder or starch before air frying for added crunch.

• Make sure not to overcrowd the basket – cook in smaller batches for optimal texture.

• Crank up the heat at the end to help finish wings with uber-crispy skin.

• Toss in sauce after air frying rather than before to prevent burning or dripping.

Pair with Sides and Dips

Some tasty accompaniments that complement perfectly cooked air fried wings include:

• Celery and carrot sticks – classic choices that cut through rich flavors.

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing – cool, creamy dips for dipping.

• French fries or tater tots – crispy, salty favorites.

• Coleslaw or broccoli salad – lighter options to balance wings.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover wings keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated. To reheat, simply place back in a preheated air fryer at 350 ̊F for 5-8 minutes until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave but texture may suffer.

More Air Fried Chicken Recipes

The possibilities are endless when it comes to air frying chicken. Try out these reader favorites:

• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Air Fried Chicken Cutlets

So don’t wait – grab your frozen wings and fire up your air fryer! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll be biting into perfectly cooked, crispy, saucy, finger-licking wings. Enjoy this classic appetizer guilt-free thanks to your air fryer. Your family and friends will be amazed at the crunchy texture and flavor you can achieve. Happy air frying!