These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings are the ultimate quick and crispy solution for wing lovers! No need to thaw—just toss them straight into the air fryer for perfectly golden, juicy wings in no time. With a dry rub crispy fried exterior and tender, flavorful meat, these wings are ideal for busy weeknights, game day, or anytime you’re craving a no-fuss, delicious meal.
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Why Readers Love This Recipe
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Thank you for this! So many times I forget to take wings out and they literally are a brick teasing me while waiting til they are thawed enough to cook. Also, will save my relationship with my guy when he forgets to take them out. So easy. Thank you!
~Keri
Key Ingredients
- Frozen Chicken Wings
- Chicken Rub/Seasoning
I get tons of questions on if you can air fry frozen wings? Yes, you can. In general, my preferred method is to cook the wings from fresh or thawed. It only takes a couple of hours to defrost frozen chicken in cold water.
But, air frying your wings from frozen only takes an additional 6-10 minutes if you are only using a pound of wings. That's not too inconvenient. Check out more of my observations below.
How to Make Frozen Wings in the Air Fryer
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place the frozen wings in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6 minutes.
- Open the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the chicken.
- Air fry the wings for an additional 4 minutes.
- Open the basket and season both sides of the wings.
- Air fry for 8 minutes.
- Open the basket and flip the wings.
- Air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until the wings have reached your desired level of crispiness.
How Long to Cook Frozen Wings
I find the wings only need to cook 6-10 minutes longer to cooking them fresh, which is pretty surprising. You will spend additional time opening the air fryer than you would with fresh wings.
In total, (for dry rub) the wings will need to cook for 23-25 minutes. Add additional cook time for breaded wings or if you're using more than 1 pound of wings.
Air Fryer Temperature
I recommend 400 degrees.
Will the Wings Drip Water?
Mine don't. It could be because of the vacuum sealed packaging on the wings I use. Because of this, there wasn't much frozen ice on the wings when I air fried them. The wings themselves were just frozen.
If you have wings that are packed in ice you may notice water drip into the bottom of the air fryer. Drain the water as you check in on the wings if this is the case.
How to Get Crispy/Breaded Wings
After the wings have defrosted in the air fryer (around 6 minutes), you can toss the wings in a light dusting of baking powder (not baking soda!) or all-purpose flour before continuing to cook, it helps draw out moisture and creates an ultra-crispy texture.
Is it Safe to Cook Frozen Chicken?
According to the USDA, chicken can be cooked from the frozen state in the oven or on the stove. The air fryer functions a lot like the oven and is applicable here.
The cooking time may be about 50 percent longer (with the oven, as we see in this recipe that time is more than cut in half when air frying). Be sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer.
Do You Have to Grease the Air Fryer?
Not necessarily, but it helps! Most air fryers have a nonstick coating, so you don’t always need extra oil. However, lightly greasing the basket can help prevent sticking and enhance crispiness.
Tip: If greasing, avoid aerosol sprays like PAM, which can damage the air fryer’s coating over time. Use a mister bottle with high-smoke-point oils like avocado or canola oil instead.
Can You Air Fry Other Frozen Food and Meat?
Yes. The key is to just check in and watch the food as it cooks. When air frying frozen meat, you want to be sure you check in on it frequently. You want to season the meat before it starts to brown so that the spices and seasoning are cooked into the meat and adds flavor.
Some of my other favorite frozen foods to cook are veggies. Check out my Air Fryer Broccoli and Air Fryer Green Beans.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- In general, I find it easier to use fresh or thawed wings, but these taste just as good and still get just as crispy in the air fryer.
- When using frozen wings, you can't brine or marinate the wings. I love to do this occasionally for added flavor. Keep in mind that won't work here.
- It's a tad bit harder to get the spices and seasoning to stick. If necessary, after the wings have cooked for 10 minutes, remove them from the air fryer and add them to a bowl. Toss in the seasoning and ensure both sides are fully coated. Add the wings back to the air fryer.
- Every air fryer will cook at varying speeds. During your first experience, get to know what works for your air fryer by constantly checking in and monitoring the results.
More Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipes
Thai Chili Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Honey BBQ Wings
Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Fried Chicken Salad
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Frozen Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
This recipe works great with my Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub and Air Fryer Lamb Chops, Air Fryer Crab Legs, Air Fryer Steak and Roasted Ranch Potatoes.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings (No Thaw)
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen chicken wings Drums and flats
- Chicken rub to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- I like to allow the wings to thaw on the counter for 15 minutes prior to air frying, just so that it's easy to remove the packaging. If the packaging is frozen and stuck on, you will have trouble.
- Place the frozen wings in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6 minutes on 400 degrees.
- Open the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the chicken. You may need to air fry it for a few additional minutes if 6 minutes isn't long enough for you.
- Air fry the wings for an additional 4 minutes on 400 degrees.
- Open the basket and season both sides of the wings.
- Air fry on 400 degrees for 8 minutes.
- Open the basket and flip the wings.
- Air fry for an additional 5 minutes on 400 degrees or until the wings have reached your desired level of crispiness, and an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The amount of wings you use and the air fryer brand and model you use may alter the cooking time. If you use more wings, allow a longer cooking time and check in on the wings to monitor doneness.
Video
Notes
- In general, I find it easier to use fresh or thawed wings, but these taste just as good and still get just as crispy in the air fryer.
- When using frozen wings, you can't brine or marinate the wings. I love to do this occasionally for added flavor. Keep in mind that won't work here.
- It's a tad bit harder to get the spices and seasoning to stick. If necessary, after the wings have cooked for 10 minutes, remove them from the air fryer and add them to a bowl. Toss in the seasoning and ensure both sides are fully coated. Add the wings back to the air fryer.
- Every air fryer will cook at varying speeds. During your first experience, get to know what works for your air fryer by constantly checking in and monitoring the results.
- If you have wings that are packed in ice you may notice water drip into the bottom of the air fryer. Drain the water as you check in on the wings if this is the case.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Keri says
The theme for 2021, is convenience.
Thank you for this! So many times I forget to take wings out and they literally are a brick teasing me while waiting til they are thawed enough to cook.
Also, will save my relationship with my guy when he forgets to take them out.
So easy. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy them!
donovan wettlaufer says
I really love this recipe along with other recipes you have on here!
staysnatched says
Thank you! This is a good one!
Kelly says
Easy and delicious! I forgot to defrost my wings so this recipe was a life saver!
staysnatched says
Comes in handy for that!
Tamara J says
I made these wings yesterday for lunch. Of course I was in a pinch because I didn’t take anything out of the freezer to cook. These were the perfect solution! Straight from the freezer, let them thaw enough to separate, and lunch was served about 20 mins later! I added a few more seasonings (just our preference). This will most certainly be happening again soon!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Cassie B says
Perfection! I used this and Brandi’s secret to super crisp and juicy wings in her “ Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings” and it’s the best wings I’ve ever made!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed these from frozen.
Simone says
Loved this quick and easy meal!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad these worked for you.
Ashley says
Thank you so much for another great recipe! Tried the creole seasoning and they were perfect. No one even guessed the wings were from frozen! *Insert the grinch sticker you use on IG*
staysnatched says
haha! I'm cracking up. Love it.
Felicia says
This is why Brandi is the real MVP. I forgot to plan for dinner and I remembered this recipe. I cooked 3 pounds of wings total but I put them in the air fryer one pound at a time to thaw. This recipe worked like a charm! I seasoned them using the lemon pepper recipe that Brandi posted and they were PHENOMENAL. Far better than any carryout wings I could’ve ordered. Thanks for a great recipe.
staysnatched says
haha thank you so much!
Emily says
I've made these for lunch for myself several times now! It feels like a treat and they are so good.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Angela says
I’ve tried so many recipes to create the perfect air fried wings and I’m delighted to say we have a winner, winner, chicken dinner! There really is an art to creating the crispness of chicken wings, all the while tender inside. Thank you so much! Truly.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Adrianna Joy says
Thank you for this! I always wondered if I could cook my wings from frozen. They were perfect!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear they were perfect!
Hailey says
Wow. This was easy. I love coming to Stay Snatched knowing I can LEARN something & eat well.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad to hear it was easy.
Katie Trudelle says
Hands down the best chicken wings ever! I probably make them 2 or 3 times a month. Do glad I found this recipe!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoy them.
Becky says
I have never written a review but wanted to say these are the best wings I have ever made! I like a lot of your recipes this is my fave so far thanks so much!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Cassie says
This Is such a great recipe and very convenient I love the crunch I got when I did this!!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Yolo says
This actually works. I often cook things on a whim and wasn't sure if I could cook my chicken wings while frozen. Thanks for this post. They came out great.
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad it worked out.
Shevvi says
Game changer post late sports practice and the teen needs second dinner. I couldn't figure out when to add the seasoning for frozen wings. Have made these dozen of times
staysnatched says
Great for when you are in a pinch!
Dianne says
This recipe is perfect, and is delicious even cooked with only salt and pepper. Sooo good that having a dipping sauce is not required. A little hint THAT WILL MAKE LIFE EASIER is to
. . . . . . . . . . freeze your wings when fresh, on a cookie sheet.
Once frozen, place individual pieces in a plastic bag, and keep frozen until needed.
This way, you simply take out the required number of wings, and start cooking from frozen!
I do this with my hamburger patties as well.
Makes life so much easier. I cook everything from frozen and have NEVER been disappointed!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you're never disappointed!
Jess says
Thank you! This was a great recipe for game day apps. Such a time savings and delicious wings!
staysnatched says
Time saver for sure!
Christina says
Brandi does it again!!
This is such a time saver and was clutch when I had last minute changes to my dinner plans! As usual, the post includes helpful info and the instructions did not miss!! Thank you!
staysnatched says
I'm glad the tips were helpful!
Bill says
If you want to actually learn how to cook the wings, things like the cooking temperature
Jesse says
We often bring home wings from a restaurant and freeze them for another day, what are your recommendations for air frying these.
staysnatched says
Use some of the guidance from this recipe to test it out. See how you like it.
Anonymous says
These are so simple! I love this recipe! They stay nice and juicy but also crispy! Thankyou!
staysnatched says
Your're welcome!
GMAN says
THANKS,GREAT JOB!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Ashley says
I’ve made these so many times and so many ways I feel like I should write another review after using this recipe again last night. This is just flawless and perfect for any time, so easy you literally just throw them in the air fryer. I cannot get tired of this one!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear that!
Circa Airfryer says
These air fryer frozen chicken wings sound delicious and convenient! I love that you can cook them straight from frozen without the need to thaw. The recipe instructions are clear and easy to follow. I can't wait to try them out and see how crispy and flavorful they turn out. Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
I hope you try them!
Tania says
Simple, was able to multitask and make amazing chicken, thank you!!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Tiffani says
Ohhhhh these were PERFECT! I was so glad because I hadn't eaten all day! I will definitely make these regularly.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!