Air Fryer Precooked Chicken Wings — Are crispy, crunchy, and delicious chicken wings something you constantly crave? Have you always been a fan of fried chicken but had to give it up due to health or diet constraints?

frozen chicken wings in the air fryer
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With the invention of air fryers, there is now an easy and healthy way to enjoy all your favorite meals without feeling guilty! Today we will discuss making precooked chicken wings in an air fryer to taste as good as full-fledged fried wings. In addition, we’ll break down why this method is so much healthier than traditional deep frying. So let’s dive in and learn how to cook tasty air fryer precooked chicken wings!

Cook You Cook Pre-Cooked Chicken Wings In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook pre-cooked chicken wings in an air fryer to reheat and make them crispy. Air frying is a convenient and efficient method for reheating cooked chicken wings, and it helps to restore their crispy texture without drying them out.

Why Cook Frozen Wings In Air Fryer

Cooking frozen wings in an air fryer has several benefits and advantages, making it a popular method for preparing these tasty treats:

  • Time-Saving: Cooking frozen wings in an air fryer is much quicker than using traditional oven methods. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation and high heat allow the wings to cook faster, reducing cooking time.
  • Convenience: Frozen wings can be cooked directly in the air fryer without thawing, making it a convenient option for busy days or when you want a quick and effortless meal.
  • Crispy Texture: Air frying frozen wings help achieve a crispy and crunchy exterior, similar to deep-frying, without excessive oil. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures even browning and crisping of the wings’ surface.
  • Moist and Tender Inside: Despite the crispy exterior, air frying retains moisture inside the wings, keeping them juicy and tender. Quickly cooking ensures the wings are thoroughly cooked while maintaining their succulent texture.
  • Healthier Option: Air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods. This means you can enjoy delicious crispy wings with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
  • No Mess: Air frying is a clean and mess-free method of cooking. There’s no need for dealing with hot oil or cleanup of greasy frying pans.
  • Versatility: Air fryers can accommodate a variety of frozen wing styles, including breaded, sauced, or plain. Depending on your preferences, you can season or sauce the wings before or after air frying.
  • Ideal for Snacking and Parties: Cooking frozen wings in the air fryer is perfect for impromptu snacks or hosting parties. You can quickly serve your guests a batch of hot and crispy wings.
  • Great for Single Servings: The air fryer is an excellent option if you have a small batch of frozen wings. You can cook just a few wings without preheating in a large oven.
  • Consistent Results: Air fryers provide consistent and reliable cooking results. You can expect your frozen wings to turn out crispy, delicious, and evenly cooked each time you use the air fryer.

In summary, cooking frozen wings in an air fryer offers a quick, convenient, and healthier way to enjoy crispy and delicious chicken wings without thawing or deep frying. It’s a game-changer for wing enthusiasts looking for a hassle-free and delightful meal or snack option.

Ingredients Needed For Pre-Cooked Chicken Wings In Air Fryer​

Chicken wings can be cooked in various ways, but if you want to save time and avoid frying them in oil, air fryer chicken wings are the way to go. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic prep work, you can have delicious pre-cooked chicken wings ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dip.

Not only do they cook quickly and easily, but they also come out perfectly crispy every time. So read on to learn how to prepare pre-cooked chicken wings in an air fryer!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Garlic and Ginger Sweet Chicken Wings

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

​Chicken:

  • Pre-cooked chicken wings: Use your favorite pre-cooked chicken wings, whether they are plain, breaded, or sauced. You can find these in the frozen section of your grocery store or use leftover wings from a previous meal.

Optional Ingredients for Flavoring and Seasoning:

  • Olive oil or cooking spray: For added crispiness and flavor, lightly brush the wings with olive oil or use cooking spray before air frying.
  • Seasonings: Customize the flavor of the wings by adding your preferred seasonings. Some popular choices include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a BBQ seasoning blend.

Sauce Options:

  • BBQ sauce: For a tangy and smoky flavor, brush the wings with your favorite BBQ sauce before air frying or use it as a dipping sauce after cooking.
  • Buffalo sauce: If you prefer a spicy kick, toss the wings in Buffalo sauce before air frying or serve it on the side for dipping.
  • Teriyaki sauce: For a sweet and savory twist, coat the wings in teriyaki sauce before air frying or drizzle it over the wings after cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Ranch dressing: Serve the wings with a side of ranch dressing for a classic dipping option.
  • Blue cheese dressing: For a traditional Buffalo wing experience, pair the wings with blue cheese dressing.
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks: These crunchy veggies complement the wings.
  • Lemon wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the wings for a citrusy flavor.

How To Cook PreCooked Chicken Wings In Air Fryer

Are you looking for a quick and easy meal to whip up in no time? Look no further than pre-cooked chicken wings! These delicious morsels of savory goodness are great on their own, but when cooked in an air fryer, they become crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

With minimal effort and fewer ingredients required than traditional fried chicken wings, this recipe will make your taste buds dance with delight! So whether you’re looking for game day eats or something special to make any night of the week, keep reading to learn how to cook precooked chicken wings in an air fryer.

frozen wings in air fryer
  1. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking pre-cooked chicken wings. Preheat the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C).
  2. If desired, lightly brush the pre-cooked chicken wings with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step helps enhance the wings’ crispiness during air frying.
  3. Season the wings with your preferred seasonings, tossing them to ensure even coating.
  4. Place wings in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  5. Air fry the chicken wings for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking until they are heated and have achieved your desired crispiness.
  6. If you use sauce, toss the wings in your preferred sauce immediately after air frying to coat them evenly.
  7. Serve the pre-cooked chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces and side accompaniments.
How To Make Frozen Chicken Wings In Air Fryer

Pro Tips For Cooking Pre-Cooked Frozen Chicken Wings In Air Fryer

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking the frozen chicken wings. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  • Do Not Thaw: Cooking frozen wings directly in the air fryer is the key to achieving the best results. Avoid thawing the wings, as this may result in uneven cooking and loss of moisture.
  • Single Layer: Arrange the frozen chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
  • Seasoning: While the pre-cooked wings already have some seasoning, you can enhance the flavor by adding spices or seasonings before air frying. Consider garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a BBQ seasoning blend.
  • Oil or Cooking Spray: To achieve extra crispiness, lightly brush the frozen wings with olive oil or use cooking spray before air frying. This step helps the wings develop a golden and crunchy exterior.
  • Shake or Flip: Shake or flip the chicken wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides. This step helps prevent any spots from becoming overly crispy.
  • Check Internal Temperature: To ensure the wings are fully cooked, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Sauce After Cooking: If you want sauced wings, toss the cooked wings in your preferred sauce immediately after air frying. This prevents the wings from becoming soggy during the cooking process.
  • Air Fryer Capacity: Consider the capacity of your air fryer when cooking a large batch of frozen wings. You may need to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Reheat Leftovers: If you have leftover cooked wings, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Remember to lightly oil or spray them before reheating.

Following these pro tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked and crispy pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in your air fryer. They make a fantastic snack, party appetizer, or quick and delicious meal option. Enjoy the convenience and mouthwatering flavor of air-fried wings without the hassle!

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings

FAQ’s:

Can I cook breaded or sauced pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in the air fryer? You can cook breaded or sauced pre-cooked frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. The air fryer will help reheat and crisp up the breading or sauce, giving you deliciously crunchy wings.

How long should I cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer? Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the frozen chicken wings. As a general guideline, it usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes per side at 375°F (190°C). Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I stack the frozen wings in the air fryer to save cooking time? It’s essential to avoid stacking the frozen wings to allow proper air circulation for even cooking. Cooking the wings in a single layer ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for frozen chicken wings? Yes, preheating the air fryer is recommended for the best results. Preheating ensures the air fryer reaches the optimal cooking temperature, which helps the wings cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Can I add additional seasonings to the pre-cooked frozen chicken wings? Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of the pre-cooked wings by adding your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other herbs and spices you enjoy.

What dipping sauces go well with air-fried frozen chicken wings? Use your favorite dipping sauce some of my favorites include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or Buffalo sauce. Choose your favorite to complement the flavor of the wings.

Can I cook other frozen foods in the air fryer using the same method? The air fryer is versatile and can cook frozen foods like fries, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and more. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed for each food item.

Can I use the same method for cooking frozen chicken wings from different brands? Yes, the cooking method remains the same regardless of the brand of frozen chicken wings. However, cooking times may vary slightly, so watching them during cooking is essential.

Can I use a sauce before air frying, or should I apply it afterward? Apply the sauce to the wings after air frying for the best results. This prevents the wings from becoming soggy during cooking and allows the sauce to coat the crispy exterior.

Can I reheat leftover air-fried frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can reheat leftover air-fried frozen chicken wings in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Remember to lightly oil or spray them before reheating.

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cooked air fryer frozen chicken wings

Air Fryer Precooked Chicken Wings

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Precooked Chicken Wings — Are crispy, crunchy, and delicious chicken wings something you constantly crave?

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken wings, Pre-cooked chicken wings:

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking pre-cooked chicken wings. Most air fryers require preheating at around 375°F (190°C).
  • If desired, lightly brush the pre-cooked chicken wings with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step helps enhance the wings’ crispiness during air frying.
  • Season the wings with your preferred seasonings, tossing them to ensure even coating.
  • Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
  • Air fry the chicken wings for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are heated through and have achieved your desired level of crispiness.
  • If you are using sauce, toss the wings in your preferred sauce immediately after air frying to coat them evenly.
  • Serve the pre-cooked chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces and side accompaniments.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 136kcalProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 96mgVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg

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