Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings (no thaw)

Name: Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings (no thaw)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2.5 lb frozen chicken wings (abt 1,094 g); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Kosher salt to taste (I used 1 ½ teaspoons); 2 tablespoons baking powder

Smoky, spicy, and simple are the right words to describe this easy air fryer frozen chicken wings recipe. It’s fiery, tasty, and will have you going for seconds, just like my chicken peri peri.

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If you’ve ever forgotten to thaw your chicken before dinner, this recipe will come in handy for those busy days. Did I mention it’s ready in under 35 minutes?

Let’s get into it!

baked wings on a platter with dipping sauce and veggies.

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Why We Love this Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings Recipe
📃Ingredient Description
💭Variations and Substitutions
📝Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🏽‍🍳Expert Tips
📝Recipe FAQS
Love Chicken? Here are Some Chicken Related Recipes to Try
📖 Recipe

Why We Love this Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings Recipe

Easy to make: busy nights call for easy dinners. This recipe is as easy as dumping the wings in the airfryer, seasoning, and baking more; that’s it! I see you smiling; I’ve got you.
Great for large gatherings: triple the recipe and feed a crowd. My favorite sauces to smear over these crispy wings are mango habanero hot sauce, honey soy sauce, or this fall favorite cranberry BBQ sauce. They are worth a try.
Make ahead: hosting game night or movie night? Make the mango sauce ahead of time, season the wings, and toss them into a ziplock bag to marinate overnight on the day of your hosting. Pop the wings in the oven or airfryer, heat the sauce, and give them both a little wiggle; there you are! Now, watch your guest go “ooh ahh.”
Easily Customizable: I will share more seasoning choices with you at the end of this post, but rest assured, you only need a few ingredients. Better yet, an already-made sauce can elevate these air-fried wings effortlessly. Think BBQ sauce, mango habanero sauce, or Cajun seasoning.

📃Ingredient Description

The ingredients needed to make the recipe.

Chicken: You can use frozen chicken wings with or without drumettes. If the chicken is stuck together, place it in a colander and run it under running water to separate it. Pat dry before transferring it to the air fryer basket.
Olive oil: any oil with a high smoke point works as well.
Seasonings: Although you could use a different combination of spices or a pre-made sauce, these are my go-to: smoked paprika, ground garlic, oregano, onion powder, and sometimes cumin.
Baking powder: this acts as a coating to crisp the wings for that restaurant-style crisp we all love.

Please refer to the recipe card for the exact measurements.

It’s important to note that when making substitutions in recipes, the texture and flavor may be slightly different. However, these substitutes are the best options for changing the original recipe.

A close up of crisp wings garnished with chopped parsley.

💭Variations and Substitutions

You can achieve various flavor profiles with these substitutes or variations, from spicy and bold to fragrant and earthy.

Cajun Seasoning: Swap out individual spices for a Cajun blend, which includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs for a bold, zesty kick.
Lemon Pepper: Use lemon pepper seasoning for a tangy, citrusy flavor that pairs well with chicken wings.
Chili Powder: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder for a more robust heat.
Herbs de Provence: For a fragrant, aromatic flavor, substitute dried thyme with Herbs de Provence, which includes thyme, rosemary, and lavender flowers.
Chipotle Powder: Use chipotle powder instead of pepper flakes for a smokier, slightly sweeter heat.
Five-Spice Powder: For a dash of sweetness, use Chinese Five-Spice with notes of anise, cloves, and cinnamon.

Click the "JUMP TO RECIPE" button at the top of this page, or scroll down to find the printable recipe with all the ingredients and instructions.

📝Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed instructions are outlined in the recipe card below, but here are a few steps with visuals to guide you:

Frozen wings in the basket of an air fryer getting thawed.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. Once it’s hot, spray the bottom with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan's bottom. Dump the frozen wings in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: heat for a few minutes to release the frost. Depending on your air fryer, there will be water in the tray. Discard it once you’ve removed the chicken. Wipe and preheat again.

Mixing the dry rub ingredients in a bowl and sprinkling over the thawed chicken with olive oil and baking powder.

Step 3: combine the dry seasoning in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Use kitchen tongs to transfer the defrosted wings into a wide bowl, season, and Coat the chicken until all parts are thoroughly covered.

Cooked wings in the air fryer browned and crispy.

Step 5: Spray the air fryer basket, add the wings in a single layer, and continue to bake.

Step 6: Shake the chicken at intervals for a crisp and golden hue. Check for doneness and remove from heat. Serve with your favorite sauce, blue cheese, or ranch dressing.

👩🏽‍🍳Expert Tips

If the chicken is stuck together, place it in a colander and run it under running water to separate it. Pat dry before transferring it to the air fryer basket.
Don’t skip drizzling the olive oil over the chicken before adding the seasoning. This helps the chicken take in all the seasoning.
The baking powder acts as a coating to crisp the wings. Let the chicken release water in the airfryer, then pat it dry before adding the spices and baking soda for the perfect texture.
Although I used a drumette and wings, you can use either or even a drumstick. If using drumsticks, be sure to adjust the cooking time.
While the chicken air fry, turn occasionally to ensure crisp sides.
Although most airfryer baskets are non-stick, I’d still advise spraying the basket with cooking spray for a quick release.
If you want a crispier finish, spray more cooking oil over the wings for 5 minutes before removing them from the heat. You’ll be glad you did!

📝Recipe FAQS

What is the best temperature to cook frozen wings for the best results?

Cook frozen wings at 360°F-400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping at intervals to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the wings should be around 170-175℉ (77-79℃).

Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures consistent cooking and helps the wings crisp better. Preheating creates an optimal cooking environment from the start.

Do I need to thaw the wings first, or can they go straight into the air fryer?

There is no need to thaw! Frozen wings can go straight into the air fryer. Just be sure to separate any stuck-together pieces before cooking. Place them in a colander and place them under running water.

Have you given this recipe or any other from my website a try? Please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and sharing your experience in the 📝 comments section. Your feedback means the world to me, and I'm excited to hear from you!

PEACE & LOVE

Maureen

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