Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings Recipe

There’s nothing like the satisfying crunch of these perfectly seasoned chicken wings fresh out of the air fryer—I love how the smoky paprika and savory garlic create the perfect flavor explosion with minimal effort. Plus, the ability to customize them with my favorite sauces makes them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering!

I adore how fast and effortless it is to prepare crispy, tasty wings in an air fryer. With only a pound of frozen chicken wings and a handful of basic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, I can whip up a wing feast that’s loaded with flavor.

A drizzle of olive oil ensures that my wings are perfectly golden-brown, and they’re just as good with the sauce of your choice as they are plain.

Ingredients

Frozen Chicken Wings: A high-protein food that is indispensable for muscle growth and repair.

Olive Oil: Provides monounsaturated fats that are healthy for the heart and adds moisture.

Powdered garlic: Provides a robust flavor and serves as a source of antioxidants that support immune function.

Powdered onion: Enriches taste while furnishing minute quantities of roughage.

Paprika, Smoked: Provides smokiness and a red hue as rich as its flavor.

Sodium: Manage intake by using salt in moderation; it enhances flavor.

Black Pepper: Heats and boosts metabolism, also has antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound frozen chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Sauce of choice for coating after cooking (Buffalo, BBQ, etc.)

Instructions

1. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to preheat.

2. In a big bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. The frozen chicken wings go into the bowl, and they are tossed until they are evenly covered with the seasoning mixture.

4. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and ensure they’re not overcrowded.

5. Bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning them midway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

6. Ensure that the wings attain an internal temperature of a minimum of 165°F (75°C).

7. Take the wings out of the air fryer and place them in a clean bowl.

8. If you want, add the sauce of your choice to the wings and toss to coat them evenly.

9. The sauced wings should be returned to the air fryer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes in order to set the sauce.

10. The wings should be served hot and may be garnished with any of the optional items listed below:
– Celery sticks
– Dipping sauces

Enjoy them in good company!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Tongs
5. Spoon or spatula for mixing
6. Meat thermometer

FAQ

• Can I cook fresh wings instead of frozen in the air fryer?Fresh wings can be used in this recipe. Simply reduce the cooking time by approximately 5-7 minutes.
• What temperature should I set the air fryer to for cooking frozen chicken wings?The air fryer should be set to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispiness.
• How long should I cook the frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?Wings should be cooked for 25-30 minutes, with a flip halfway through to guarantee even cooking.
• Can I stack the wings in the air fryer?For even cooking, arrange the wings in a single layer; if your air fryer is large, you can slightly stack them and shake the basket occasionally.
• Do I need to thaw the wings before cooking them?There is no need to defrost. Cooking from frozen is where air fryers really shine.
• Can I skip the olive oil in the recipe?The oil assists in achieving a level of crispness, but if you prefer not to use it or it is unavailable, a cooking spray can work in its place.
• What are some good sauces to serve with these wings?After cooking, the wings can be tossed in any of these sauces: buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic. They are all excellent choices.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: Use melted butter or avocado oil to attain a different flavor profile.
Use fresh minced garlic or granulated garlic if preferred. Garlic powder:
Onion powder: You can replace it with the same amount of finely chopped fresh onions or shallots.
Smoked paprika: Use standard paprika or chili powder for a different taste that’s only slight.
Salt: Think about opting for sea salt or kosher salt to bring a different texture and flavor profile to your dish.

Pro Tips

1. Pat Dry for Extra Crispiness Before seasoning, pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture.

2. Elevate Flavor with Marinade For deeper flavor, consider marinating the wings in the spice mixture overnight or for a few hours in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the spices to permeate the meat.

3. Even Layer for Even Cooking When placing the wings in the air fryer basket, ensure they are in a single layer with a little space between each wing to allow air to circulate freely for even cooking.

4. Adjust Cooking Time for Larger Wings If your wings are larger than standard, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Rest After Cooking After the final air frying with sauce, let the wings rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and enhances the flavor.