Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings (No Thaw)

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.

1. Place the frozen wings in the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry for 6 minutes.
3. Open the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the chicken.
4. Air fry the wings for an additional 4 minutes.
5. Open the basket and season both sides of the wings.
6. Air fry for 8 minutes.
7. Open the basket and flip the wings.
8. 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.