How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings (Right from Frozen!)

There’s nothing like biting into a crispy, saucy chicken wing. But what if I told you that you could make restaurant-quality BBQ chicken wings right from frozen in your air fryer—and in less time than it takes to preheat your oven? If you’ve got frozen chicken wings and an air fryer, you’re already halfway there.

This blog will walk you through exactly how to make juicy, crispy, and flavorful BBQ chicken wings using your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for convenient meal ideas, a food blogger trying a new recipe, or just someone who loves wings, this is for you!


Why Cook Frozen Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?

Cooking wings in an air fryer isn’t just easy—it’s a game changer. Here’s why:

  • No Thawing Needed: Skip the hassle of defrosting. Frozen wings go straight into the air fryer.
  • Faster Cook Time: Compared to ovens or deep fryers, air fryers drastically reduce cooking time.
  • Extra Crispy Exterior: You’ll get wings with that perfect crunch, without the excess oil.
  • Even Cooking: The rapid air circulation in your air fryer cooks the wings evenly, leaving the meat tender and juicy.

Whether you’re prepping for game night or a quick dinner, air frying frozen wings will save you time without compromising flavor.


What You’ll Need for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound frozen chicken wings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce (about ½ cup)

Equipment

  • Air fryer (any model will work, though larger ones allow you to cook more wings at once)
  • Food thermometer (for checking internal temperature)
  • Tongs (for flipping and coating wings with sauce)
  • Paper towel (to pat wings dry after initial cook)

Pro Tip: If you don’t have your favorite BBQ sauce on hand, you can make a quick homemade version with ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar. More on that below!


Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps you achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

2. Prepare the Wings

While your air fryer heats up, separate any wings that might be stuck together in the bag. You can run the bag under cool water to make this easier. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess frost.

3. Arrange the Wings in a Single Layer

Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—this allows the hot air to circulate properly. If you’re making a large batch, cook in batches for the crispiest results.

4. Time and Temperature Settings

Air fry the frozen wings at 400°F for 12–15 minutes to cook through. Use tongs to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. (Psst—baked wings can’t compete with this level of efficiency!)

5. Achieving Crispy Perfection

Once the wings are fully cooked, pat them dry with a paper towel one more time (if needed) and toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and your seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder). Air fry again for an additional 4–6 minutes until the skin is perfectly crispy.

6. Toss in BBQ Sauce

Remove the wings from the air fryer basket and toss them generously in your favorite BBQ sauce. Classic barbecue, honey BBQ, or bold and smoky—go with your go-to flavor! Want to try something different? Mix BBQ sauce with a teaspoon of honey or hot sauce for a custom blend.

7. Final Touch

Pop the sauced wings back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 380°F. This step caramelizes the BBQ sauce, giving it that sticky, finger-licking good texture.

Check with a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.


Tips for Nailing the Perfect Chicken Wing

  • Use Baking Powder: Sprinkle a bit of baking powder on the wings before adding seasonings. This helps create that signature crispy skin.
  • Flip Halfway Through: For even cooking, don’t skip flipping your wings mid-cook.
  • Experiment with Sauces: Don’t limit yourself to BBQ sauce. Try teriyaki, honey mustard, or even buffalo for a spicy twist.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Too many wings at once prevents proper airflow, leaving your wings less crispy. Cook in batches if needed!

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Wings

Serve these air fryer BBQ chicken wings with:

  • Fresh celery and carrot sticks
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing as a dipping sauce
  • Traditional sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy french fries

Make it a full-on feast or a simple snack—the choice is yours!


Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover wings (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Storage: Place cooled wings in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Air fry at 375°F for 4–6 minutes for crispy, reheated wings.

Tip: Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.


FAQs

How long does it take to cook frozen wings in an air fryer?

Cooking frozen wings in an air fryer typically takes 15–20 minutes at 400°F, plus a couple of minutes if you want extra crispy skin.

Can you use fresh wings in the air fryer?

Yes! Fresh wings can go directly into the air fryer. They’ll cook slightly faster, usually in about 18–22 minutes.

What are some other delicious air fryer recipes?

Explore more air fryer recipes like buffalo chicken wings, garlic parmesan wings, or lemon pepper wings. The air fryer is also great for mozzarella sticks, fries, and even veggies like carrots and potatoes.


Time to Fry Up Some Delicious Wings!

Cooking frozen BBQ chicken wings in an air fryer is a game changer for busy nights, gameday snacks, or satisfying your wing cravings! With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have crispy, juicy, and delicious wings on your table in no time.

Grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try today—you won’t regret it! Got questions or tips? Share them in the comments below.

Happy frying!