If you own an air fryer, you know it’s a game-changer for getting that perfect crispy texture without all the oil. And when it comes to quick, delicious snacks or easy weeknight meals, nothing beats a batch of golden, juicy chicken wings. But with so many options in the freezer aisle, how do you pick the best frozen chicken wings for air fryer cooking?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve rounded up the top contenders that promise to deliver restaurant-quality wings right from your kitchen. We’re talking about wings that cook up beautifully in your air fryer, getting that ideal crunch on the outside while staying tender and flavorful on the inside. Get ready to elevate your snack game!
1. PERDUE Roasted Crispy Chicken Wings, 22 OZ
These Perdue Roasted Crispy Chicken Wings are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a reliably delicious and convenient option. What makes them stand out is Perdue’s commitment to animal welfare and feed standards, giving you peace of mind with every bite. They come pre-roasted, which helps them achieve that beautiful golden crisp in your air fryer with minimal fuss, making them an excellent foundation for whatever sauce you crave.
- Key Features:
- Meets high standards for animal welfare, feed, and more.
- Pre-roasted for quick and crispy results.
- Convenient 22 oz bag.
- Pros:
- Easy to prepare, straight from the freezer.
- Develops a great crispy texture in the air fryer.
- Ethically sourced, appealing to conscious consumers.
- Versatile for adding your preferred sauces.
- Cons:
- May require seasoning to taste if you prefer bolder flavors.
- Smaller bag size might not be enough for larger gatherings.
- User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and crispiness these wings offer. Many appreciate the good quality and often mention them as a solid base for their favorite BBQ, buffalo, or sweet chili sauces. They’re a consistent crowd-pleaser for easy weeknight dinners.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Tyson Any’tizers Buffalo Style Bone-In Chicken Wings, 22 OZ
Craving that classic buffalo kick without the messy prep? Tyson Any’tizers Buffalo Style Bone-In Chicken Wings are your go-to! These are fully cooked and coated in a hot and tangy buffalo sauce, meaning less work for you and more time enjoying the game or your favorite show. They’re designed for quick preparation, making them a perfect party appetizer or a speedy snack.
- Key Features:
- Fully cooked bone-in wings.
- Coated in hot and tangy Buffalo style sauce.
- 13g of protein per serving.
- Made with 100% all-natural chicken, no added hormones or steroids*.
- Perfect for air fryer or oven preparation.
- Pros:
- Pre-sauced for ultimate convenience.
- Quick and easy to prepare in an air fryer.
- Delivers authentic buffalo flavor.
- High protein content for a satisfying snack.
- Great for parties, game days, or quick meals.
- Cons:
- Flavor is pre-determined; less versatile if you want different sauces.
- Can sometimes be a bit spicier than some prefer.
- User Impressions: These wings are a hit with those who love the classic buffalo taste and appreciate the no-fuss cooking. Users often praise their convenience for gatherings and the reliable flavor that cooks up nicely crispy in an air fryer. They’re a staple for many wanting a quick, flavorful wing fix.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Grumpy Butcher Fully Cooked Jumbo Chicken Wings, 5 lb
The Grumpy Butcher brings a serious contender to the table with their Fully Cooked Jumbo Chicken Wings. These aren’t your average wings – they’re larger, roasted to perfection, and lightly seasoned, giving them a beautiful golden crisp. The “fully cooked” aspect is a huge win for speed, letting you get these juicy, crispy delights on the table in minutes. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, acting as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
- Key Features:
- Premium fully-cooked jumbo chicken wings (first and second sections).
- Roasted to perfection with a golden crisp.
- Lightly seasoned, allowing for versatile saucing.
- Ready in minutes for quick meals or parties.
- Sourced from free-range chicken grown on family-owned farms.
- Pros:
- Large, satisfying jumbo size.
- Excellent crispiness from being pre-roasted.
- Extremely quick preparation time due to being fully cooked.
- Versatile – add your own sauces (hot, BBQ, etc.).
- Ethically sourced, high-quality chicken.
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to quality and size.
- Might be too large for some air fryer baskets, requiring batch cooking.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the size and quality of Grumpy Butcher wings, often noting how meaty and flavorful they are. The convenience of them being fully cooked is a big plus, and many enjoy customizing them with their own sauces. They’re often highlighted as a premium choice for a satisfying wing experience.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Tyson Chicken Wing Sections, 2.5 Lb. (Frozen)
If you’re a purist who prefers to season and sauce your wings exactly how you like them, Tyson Chicken Wing Sections are an excellent raw option. These are individually frozen, making it easy to grab just the amount you need without thawing the whole bag. They’re all-natural, minimally processed, and provide a fantastic base for whatever flavor profile you’re aiming for, ensuring you get the freshest, crispiest results from your air fryer.
- Key Features:
- One 2.5 lb. package of individually frozen Chicken Wing Sections.
- All-natural, minimally processed chicken with no artificial ingredients.
- 19 grams of protein and 0 grams of trans fat per serving.
- Resealable bag for easy storage.
- Perfect for grilling and frying, and exceptional in an air fryer.
- Pros:
- Complete control over seasoning and sauces.
- Individually frozen for convenient portioning.
- High in protein.
- Yields exceptionally crispy results in an air fryer when properly seasoned.
- Cons:
- Requires more prep time (seasoning, longer cooking).
- Not pre-cooked, so internal temperature must be checked.
- User Impressions: People who buy these appreciate the blank slate they offer for customization. They find them to be a great value and love the texture they achieve in an air fryer. The individual freezing is also a frequently praised feature for preventing sticking and allowing easy portion control.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Whole Foods Market, Chicken Wing Air Chilled Organic Tray
For those prioritizing organic, ethical, and high-quality ingredients, the Whole Foods Market Organic Air Chilled Chicken Wings are an ideal choice. These are raw, air-chilled wings, which contributes to a better flavor and texture compared to water-chilled poultry. They come from animals raised without antibiotics or added hormones and are certified by the Global Animal Partnership, ensuring a product you can feel truly good about serving.
- Key Features:
- Meets high standards for animal welfare, feed, and more.
- No antibiotics or added growth hormones.
- No animal by-products in feed.
- Animal Welfare Certified Step 2 by Global Animal Partnership.
- Air chilled for better flavor and texture.
- Pros:
- Organic and ethically sourced.
- Air chilling results in superior flavor and texture.
- Provides a clean, natural chicken base.
- Great for those who prefer to season and cook from scratch.
- Cons:
- Raw wings require longer cooking times and more prep.
- Typically a higher price point due to organic and welfare standards.
- May not be suitable for those seeking maximum convenience.
- User Impressions: Consumers are very satisfied with the quality and taste of these wings, often noting their excellent texture and natural flavor. The organic and animal welfare certifications are a significant draw, and while they require more effort than pre-cooked options, the end result is considered worth it for many.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Perdue, Chicken Wings Hot & Spicy, 22 Ounce
If you like your wings with a kick, Perdue’s Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings are ready to heat things up! These pre-seasoned wings are designed for convenience, bringing that zesty, fiery flavor right to your air fryer. They take the guesswork out of seasoning and ensure a consistent spicy taste in every bite. Perfect for a quick snack that delivers a punch without needing to reach for the hot sauce bottle.
- Key Features:
- Pre-seasoned with a hot and spicy flavor.
- Convenient 22 oz bag.
- Designed for quick preparation in an air fryer or oven.
- Pros:
- Instant spicy flavor, no extra seasoning needed.
- Quick and easy to cook.
- Reliably good texture when air-fried.
- Great for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Cons:
- Fixed flavor profile, not ideal if you prefer milder wings or other sauces.
- Spice level might be too intense for some palates.
- User Impressions: Fans of spicy food often rave about these wings, praising their convenient heat level and satisfying crispiness. They’re a go-to for a fast, flavorful appetizer or meal component, with many users highlighting how well they crisp up in the air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Tyson Buffalo Frozen Chicken Wings, 40 Oz Bag
When you need a serious supply of classic buffalo wings, the Tyson Buffalo Frozen Chicken Wings in a 40 oz bag have got you covered. This larger bag is perfect for game day, parties, or just ensuring you always have a delicious snack on hand. These wings are fully cooked, all-natural, and coated in that authentic buffalo flavor that everyone loves, making them incredibly simple to prepare in your air fryer for consistently crispy results.
- Key Features:
- Large 40 oz bag for value and convenience.
- All-natural* chicken covered in authentic Buffalo wing flavor.
- Ready to cook from frozen in an air fryer, oven, or grill.
- Excellent source of protein (18 grams) with 3 net carbs per serving.
- Resealable bag for easy storage.
- Pros:
- Great value in a larger bag, ideal for families or entertaining.
- Authentic and beloved buffalo flavor.
- Quick and easy to prepare from frozen.
- High protein content.
- Versatile cooking methods, but shine in the air fryer.
- Cons:
- Larger bag takes up more freezer space.
- Flavor is pre-set, less customizable than unseasoned wings.
- User Impressions: A crowd-pleaser for parties and casual meals, users consistently praise the convenience and classic taste of these Tyson Buffalo wings. The larger bag size is a major draw, and many report excellent crispiness when prepared in an air fryer, often served with blue cheese and celery sticks.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Frying Frozen Chicken Wings
Got more questions about getting the most out of your frozen chicken wings in the air fryer? We’ve got answers!
Q1: How long do I cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?
A1: Generally, frozen chicken wings take about 20-30 minutes to cook in an air fryer. This can vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the wings, and whether they are raw or fully cooked. For raw wings, aim for closer to 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. For fully cooked wings, 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. Always cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q2: Do I need to thaw frozen wings before air frying?
A2: No, one of the best things about air frying frozen chicken wings is that you don’t need to thaw them! You can put them straight into the air fryer from the freezer, which saves a lot of time and effort. Just make sure to shake the basket or flip the wings periodically to ensure even cooking.
Q3: What’s the best temperature for air frying frozen wings?
A3: A temperature range of 375°F (190°C) to 400°F (200°C) is ideal for most frozen chicken wings. Starting at a slightly lower temperature like 375°F for the first 15 minutes and then increasing to 400°F for the last 5-10 minutes can help achieve ultimate crispiness without burning the outside.
Q4: How do I get my air fryer wings extra crispy?
A4: To achieve maximum crispiness:
* Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in a single layer if possible, or in batches, to allow hot air to circulate.
* Pat dry (if raw): If using raw frozen wings that have some ice, patting them dry with a paper towel can help.
* Light oil spray: A very light spray of high-smoke point oil (like avocado or grapeseed) can help with browning and crispiness, especially for unseasoned wings.
* Flip them: Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time.
* Rest: Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking; they’ll continue to crisp up slightly.
Q5: Can I air fry raw frozen chicken wings?
A5: Yes, absolutely! Many brands offer plain, raw frozen wing sections that are perfect for air frying. The cooking time will be longer than for fully cooked wings (around 25-30 minutes), and you’ll want to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Season them well before cooking for the best flavor!
Q6: Do I need to add oil to frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?
A6: For most pre-seasoned or pre-sauced frozen wings, you don’t need to add oil as they often contain enough fat to crisp up on their own. However, if you’re cooking plain, raw frozen chicken wings, a light spray of oil before cooking can help them get that beautiful golden brown and crispy skin.
Q7: What kind of dipping sauces go well with air-fried chicken wings?
A7: The possibilities are endless! Classic choices include blue cheese dressing, ranch, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki. For a twist, try a sweet chili sauce, garlic parmesan, or a zesty lime cilantro dip.
Get Your Wing On!
There you have it – our top picks for the best frozen chicken wings for air fryer cooking. Whether you’re a fan of spicy buffalo, prefer to season your own, or prioritize organic choices, there’s a fantastic option waiting for you in the freezer aisle. Pop them in your air fryer, and get ready for perfectly crispy, tender, and incredibly satisfying chicken wings every time. Happy air frying!