Make frozen chicken wings in the ninja foodi air fryer quickly without defrosting. Tantalize your tastebuds with this quick and easy air fryer frozen chicken wings recipe that's crispy on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside!
These crispy chicken wings are a perfect appetizer for game day, potlucks, or an easy dish with a side of salad. They are so easy to make, and the texture turns out just perfect.
If you're like me and you constantly forget to bring out your chicken wings the night before to defrost, then this recipe is for you. This delicious recipe is also gluten-free, paleo, low carb, and keto-friendly!
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Why use an air fryer?
Using an air fryer to cook chicken wings is so much more convenient because it takes way less time than waiting for the frozen chicken wings to defrost first before cooking.
An air fryer drastically reduces the overall cook time. My personal favorite is the Ninja Foodi though you can use any for this recipe.
You can pop the chicken wings into your air fryer while they're still frozen. The air fryer does the work, so you only have to monitor it for a bit. There's also less cleaning up when cooking with an air fryer.
The best part of these air fryer frozen chicken wings is that it's ready in just 25 minutes from freezer to plate. You certainly can't beat that!
Ingredients Used
- Frozen chicken wings: you can easily get a frozen bag of chicken wings from the grocery store. I use about a pound for this recipe.
- Spices: Salt and black pepper are all you need for the most basic chicken wing recipe.
- Olive oil spray helps the wings crisp up nicely. You can also use your preferred cooking spray instead.
How To Make Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F. If you use an air fryer that doesn't go all the way up to that temperature, select the highest temperature on it.
- Spray some olive oil in the air fryer basket, so the wings do not stick to the bottom of the basket.
- Place the frozen chicken wings in the air fryer and air fry for 10 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon to separate the pieces in the air fryer. You can also use tongs for this.
- Let the wings cool down slightly, then take them out.
- Mix the spices together in a large bowl.
- Spray the chicken with some olive oil and rub the spices into each chicken wing.
- Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into a large bag along with the chicken wings. Then give a good shake till the chicken is fully covered up in the spice mix.
- Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Do not stack the wings in the air fryer basket so that the hot air can fry each piece equally.
- Switch off the air fryer, but leave the chicken wings in for a minute or two. This will further crisp up the skin of the wings.
- Serve your delicious air fryer chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storing and Reheating
You can store leftover air-fried chicken wings in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just put them in an airtight container in the fridge. To preserve them for longer, you can freeze the wings in a plastic freezer bag for up to a month or two, and they will retain their freshness.
To reheat leftover juicy chicken wings, pop them into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between the wings.
Reheat for about 5 minutes at a lower temperature, like 350F, then increase the temperature to 400F and let it air fry for about 3 minutes more. This will get the chicken wings crispy while it remains juicy and tender on the inside.
What can I eat air fryer chicken wings with?
Enjoy these delicious wings with your favorite sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dip. Pair it with a spicy coleslaw or an easy broccoli salad for a main dish.
These crispy wings also go great with veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.
Tips on making this recipe
- If the frozen wings are stuck to the plastic wrapper, let them sit out to thaw for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, use the microwave defrost function to thaw for a few minutes, just until the plastic wrapper comes off.
- The recipe can be easily scaled up or down, but remember to adjust the spices accordingly.
- When you mix the wings with spices and put them back in the air fryer, make sure you do not stack them. Do them in smaller batches if you need to for the best results.
- If you're using fresh chicken wings, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
Recipe variations
- You can add your favorite spices like garlic powder, garlic salt, or your favorite dry rub before air frying the chicken wings.
- Alternatively, use this homemade chicken seasoning mix for an infusion of flavor.
- Enjoy hot wings by making these fiery ghost pepper chicken wings. You can also use your favorite hot sauce.
- Make air fryer buffalo chicken wings with this easy keto buffalo sauce.
- If you want to make bbq chicken, try this low-carb spicy bbq sauce. So good!
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to thaw chicken wings before cooking in an air fryer?
No, you don't have to thaw the chicken wings before cooking them. Instead, you can pop them into the air fryer whole and let them cook (after removing any plastic covering) while you're doing other things.
How long do I cook air fryer frozen chicken wings?
Cook frozen chicken wings for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway. To check for doneness, use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the cooked wings is at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If using fresh chicken wings, you can cut that time in half. But, again, don't forget to check for doneness using a thermometer.
Here are a few of my favorite air fryer recipes!
Crispy Skin Baked Chicken Drumsticks
📖 Recipe
Frozen Chicken Wings in Ninja Foodi
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings frozen
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F.
- Place the completely frozen chicken wings in the air fryer.
- Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon to separate the pieces in the air fryer.
- Let the wings cool down slightly, then take them out.
- Pour in your olive oil, salt, and pepper, then mix together.
- Place back in the air fryer and air fryer for 10-15 mins, flipping halfway.
- Take out when done and serve with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- If the chicken wings are stuck to the plastic wrapper, let them sit out for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, use the microwave defrost function to thaw for a few minutes, just until the plastic wrapper comes off.
- The recipe can be easily scaled up or down; just adjust the spices accordingly.
- When you mix the wings with spices and put them back in the air fryer, make sure you do not stack them.
Nutrition
Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.
Much healthier version than deep frying. When reheating them if you re-sauce them it tastes like you just made them.
Thanks for the tip on reheating with the sauce, Nick. I'll be sure to try it!