Craving crispy, juicy chicken wings without the deep-fryer mess? You’re in the right place! The air fryer has become a total game-changer for making perfect wings right at home. It’s quick, convenient, and delivers that unbeatable crunch we all love. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best frozen wings for air fryer cooking? And what about the right air fryer or even a helpful cookbook?
We’ve done the legwork for you! This guide dives into our top 10 picks, covering delicious frozen chicken wings, essential air fryer models designed for wing perfection, and even some cookbooks to inspire your next batch. Get ready to transform your game day snacks, quick dinners, or party appetizers into crispy, golden perfection!
Our Top Picks: Best Frozen Wings for Your Air Fryer
Let’s start with the stars of the show – the frozen wings themselves! These are some of the best frozen wings for air fryer performance, offering convenience and great flavor.
Tyson Any’tizers Buffalo Style Bone-In Chicken Wings, 22 Oz
If you’re looking for that classic buffalo wing experience right from your freezer, Tyson Any’tizers Buffalo Style Bone-In Chicken Wings are a fantastic choice. These fully cooked wings come coated in a zesty, tangy sauce, ready to be heated up to crispy perfection in your air fryer. They’re ideal for those spontaneous cravings or when you need a quick, flavorful appetizer without much fuss. Just toss them in, and you’ll have a bold and delicious snack in no time.
- Key Features:
- One 1.37 lb bag of Tyson Any’tizers Frozen Buffalo Style Hot Bone-In Wings
- 13g of protein per serving
- Made with 100% all natural chicken, no added hormones or steroids*
- Fully cooked chicken wings coated in hot and tangy sauce
- Prepare in an air fryer or oven
- Perfect for a party, game day or as part of a meal
- Bold and flavorful wings
- Pros:
- Convenient and fully cooked
- Excellent buffalo flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare in an air fryer
- Good protein source
- Cons:
- Sauce can be a bit messy
- Some might prefer a crisper skin (can be achieved with longer air frying)
- User Impressions: Customers frequently praise these wings for their convenience and authentic buffalo taste. Many find them incredibly easy to prepare for a quick snack or party, noting that the air fryer truly brings out their crispiness.
- See it on Amazon here
Tyson Chicken Wing Sections, 2.5 Lb. (Frozen)
For those who prefer to be the master of their own flavor destiny, Tyson Chicken Wing Sections are an excellent blank canvas. These individually frozen wing sections are all-natural and minimally processed, meaning you get pure chicken ready for your favorite marinades, rubs, or sauces. Whether you’re aiming for a spicy dry rub, a sweet BBQ glaze, or a classic buffalo, these wings offer the perfect foundation for custom culinary creations, and they crisp up beautifully in the 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
- Pros:
- Versatile for custom seasoning and sauces
- High protein content
- Individually frozen for easy portioning
- Excellent for achieving maximum crispiness in an air fryer
- Cons:
- Requires seasoning and saucing (not pre-flavored)
- Takes longer to cook than fully cooked options
- User Impressions: Users love the quality and versatility of these wings. They appreciate being able to create their own flavors and consistently achieve crispy results in their air fryers. The resealable bag is a minor but appreciated detail for convenience.
- See it on Amazon here
Grumpy Butcher Fully Cooked Jumbo Chicken Wings, 5 lb –
The Grumpy Butcher brings serious quality with their Fully Cooked Jumbo Chicken Wings. These aren’t just any wings; they’re roasted to perfection, lightly seasoned, and fully cooked, offering a coveted golden crisp straight out of the bag. The “jumbo” size means more meat on the bone, making them incredibly satisfying. They’re a fantastic choice for gatherings or hungry families, ready in minutes, and versatile enough to be enjoyed as-is or tossed in your favorite sauce.
- Key Features:
- Premium fully-cooked buffalo wings: roasted to perfection with a coveted golden crisp
- Large first and second sections chicken wings, lightly seasoned and fully cooked
- Ready in minutes for quick meals or parties
- Versatile: add your own sauce (hot wings, buffalo, BBQ)
- Free-range chicken, humanely raised in America
- Pros:
- Large, meaty jumbo wings
- Fully cooked, saving prep time
- Excellent roasted flavor and initial crisp
- Ethically sourced chicken
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to quality and size
- May require additional seasoning for stronger flavors
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the size and quality of these wings, often calling them the “best frozen wings for air fryer” for their substantial meatiness and delicious flavor. Many highlight their convenience for quick entertaining and the superior texture.
- See it on Amazon here
Tyson Buffalo Frozen Chicken Wings, 40 Oz Bag
Another excellent buffalo option from Tyson, this 40 oz bag is perfect for larger gatherings or when you just can’t get enough of that classic buffalo flavor. These fully cooked wings are covered in authentic buffalo sauce, delivering a consistent, crave-worthy taste. They’re designed for convenience, going from freezer to air fryer for a quick appetizer or snack that’s sure to be a hit. Serve them with celery and blue cheese for the full experience!
- Key Features:
- One 40 oz bag of Tyson Buffalo Frozen Chicken Wings
- All-natural* chicken covered in authentic Buffalo wing flavor
- Ready to cook from frozen (air fryer, grill, oven)
- Quick and delicious appetizer or snack
- Perfect for game day gatherings, parties, and casual meals
- Excellent source of protein (18g) and low net carbs (3g) per serving
- Resealable bag
- Pros:
- Large quantity, great for parties
- Consistent and authentic buffalo taste
- Very convenient, fully cooked
- Good protein and low carb option
- Cons:
- May be too much for smaller households
- Sauce can make achieving extreme crispiness slightly harder
- User Impressions: Reviewers frequently commend the ease of preparation and the reliable, classic taste of these wings. They’re a go-to for many air fryer owners looking for a simple, tasty wing solution. The generous bag size is a big plus for entertainers.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Fryer Cookbooks: Your Guide to Wing Perfection
While the best frozen wings for air fryer cooking are convenient, a good cookbook can elevate your air frying game, especially if you’re experimenting with different frozen options or making your own sauces.
The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Easy,…
If you’re new to the air fryer world, this cookbook is your trusty companion. It simplifies the process of cooking a wide variety of dishes, including detailed instructions for perfectly crispy wings (both from fresh and frozen). You’ll find easy-to-follow recipes, tips for using your air fryer effectively, and a helpful guide to cooking times and temperatures, ensuring your frozen wings turn out fantastic every time.
- Key Features:
- Designed for beginners
- Easy-to-follow recipes
- Covers a wide range of dishes, including frozen foods
- Helpful tips for air fryer usage
- Pros:
- Great starting point for new air fryer owners
- Provides clear instructions for cooking basics
- Helps master cooking various frozen items, including wings
- Cons:
- Might be too basic for experienced cooks
- Limited specific wing recipes
- User Impressions: Many users find this cookbook invaluable for getting started with their air fryers, appreciating its clear, concise instructions and helpful cooking charts. It’s often praised for making air frying less intimidating and more enjoyable.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Fry Everything: Foolproof Recipes for Fried Favorites…
This cookbook is for anyone looking to truly unlock the potential of their air fryer, especially when it comes to recreating those “fried favorites” with less oil. It offers foolproof recipes that promise crispy, delicious results, and that definitely includes strategies for making the best frozen wings for air fryer preparation. You’ll discover creative ways to use your air fryer beyond just wings, expanding your culinary repertoire.
- Key Features:
- Foolproof recipes for fried favorites
- Focus on achieving crispy results
- Covers a wide range of dishes beyond just wings
- Aims for healthier versions of fried foods
- Pros:
- Excellent for achieving deep-fried texture with less oil
- Broad selection of recipes
- Inspires culinary creativity with the air fryer
- Cons:
- May require more advanced cooking skills for some recipes
- Less focused specifically on frozen items than a beginner’s guide
- User Impressions: Reviewers love how this book helps them replicate their favorite fried foods with a healthier twist. They often highlight the success they’ve had with achieving perfect crispiness, especially with dishes like chicken wings and fries.
- See it on Amazon here
The Best Air Fryers for Crispy Wings
Of course, to get the best frozen wings for air fryer results, you need a good air fryer! These models are celebrated for their performance, especially when it comes to achieving that desired crispy exterior.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6-in-1 with 6.5 QT Capacity,…
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL is a powerhouse designed for maximum crispiness and capacity, making it a dream for wing lovers. Its Max Crisp Technology uses superheated air to surround food, ensuring hotter, crispier results with little to no oil. With a generous 6.5-quart basket, you can easily fit up to 9 lbs of chicken wings, taking them from frozen to perfectly crispy in minutes. It’s truly built for efficiency and deliciousness.
- Key Features:
- Max Crisp Technology: 450℉ superheated air for hotter, crispy results
- Guilt-free fried foods: Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods
- XL Capacity: 6.5-QT basket fits up to 9 lbs of chicken wings
- Frozen to Crispy: Cooks frozen foods hotter and faster
- 6-in-1 functionality: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Space saver design
- Easy to clean: Nonstick and dishwasher safe basket/crisper plate
- Pros:
- Exceptional crisping ability
- Large capacity ideal for wings
- Quick cooking from frozen
- Versatile with multiple functions
- Cons:
- Can be louder than some other models
- Footprint might be large for small kitchens
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL for its ability to produce incredibly crispy food, especially wings and fries. Its large capacity is a major selling point for families and entertainers.
- See it on Amazon here
Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer, Extra Large Airfryer with…
Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen and reviewed by USA Today as a top large-capacity air fryer, the Typhur Dome 2 is a standout. Inspired by professional pizza ovens, it features 360° heating technology with dual top and bottom heating elements, ensuring incredibly even cooking and reducing cooking time by up to 30%. Imagine cooking 32 chicken wings in just 14 minutes – that’s serious speed and efficiency for perfecting your best frozen wings for air fryer meals. Plus, it’s whisper-quiet and even has a self-cleaning mode!
- Key Features:
- America’s Test Kitchen & Reviewed USA Today recommended
- 360° Heating Technology with dual elements for even cooking
-
1 in Cooking Speed: Cooks 30% faster (e.g., 32 wings in 14 minutes)
- Whisper-Quiet Operation (55dB)
- 15-in-1 Multifunctional Cooking (Pizza, Bacon, Steak, Wings, Frozen, etc.)
- Unique Self-Cleaning Mode
- Non-Stick Ceramic Basket
- Pros:
- Extremely fast cooking times
- Large capacity for big batches of wings
- Even cooking with dual heating elements
- Quiet operation
- Convenient self-cleaning function
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Larger counter space requirement
- User Impressions: Users are blown away by the speed and efficiency of the Typhur Dome 2, especially its ability to cook large quantities of food quickly and evenly. The quiet operation and self-cleaning feature are frequently highlighted as major benefits.
- See it on Amazon here
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact but Large 6 Qt, 5…
The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 strikes a perfect balance between capacity and countertop footprint, making it a versatile choice for many kitchens. Its Advanced Turbo Blaze Technology ensures lightning-fast cooking, and the 5-fan speed airflow system promises golden, crispy, and juicy results every time – crucial for getting those best frozen wings for air fryer perfection. With a 6-quart capacity, it’s ample for family meals, and the 9-in-1 versatility means it can handle much more than just wings.
- Key Features:
- Lightning-fast cooking with Advanced Turbo Blaze Technology
- 9-in-1 Versatility (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm)
- 5-Fan speed airflow system for golden, crispy, juicy results
- 6-Qt Capacity & Compact Design
- 100+ App Recipes with Nutrition Facts
- 95% Less Oil compared to deep frying
- Customizable Preheat Program
- Dishwasher-Safe non-stick basket and components
- Wide Temperature Range: 90°F–450°F
- Pros:
- Fast and efficient cooking
- Great for crispy results
- Compact design with good capacity
- User-friendly app with recipes
- Easy to clean
- Cons:
- Some pre-sets may need adjustment for specific preferences
- App integration might not appeal to everyone
- User Impressions: This COSORI model is highly praised for its speed, ease of use, and consistent ability to produce crispy food. Many users appreciate the large capacity despite its compact design and the convenience of the dishwasher-safe parts.
- See it on Amazon here
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
If you’re looking for an appliance that does it all, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a multi-cooker powerhouse. While it’s a toaster oven by design, its dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation make it an incredibly capable air fryer – perfect for achieving golden-fried crisping on your frozen wings. With a massive 26-quart capacity, you can cook for a crowd, roast a whole chicken, or bake a 12″ pizza, all while enjoying the elegance of its stainless steel exterior and convenient French doors.
- Key Features:
- Versatile Air Fryer and Multi-Cooker Combo
- Perfectly done toast with auto-shutoff
- 25 Cooking Pre-Sets (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Roast, etc.)
- Dual-Speed Fan with 360º superheated air circulation for crisping
- 26-Quart Capacity (fits 6-lb chicken, 12” pizza, or large batches of wings)
- Stainless Steel Exterior with elegant French doors and interior light
- Pros:
- Extremely large capacity
- Highly versatile with many cooking functions
- Excellent for air frying large batches
- Elegant design and easy monitoring
- Cons:
- Large footprint on the countertop
- Longer preheat time compared to basket-style air fryers
- User Impressions: Users love the multi-functionality and large capacity of this Emeril Lagasse appliance. They particularly appreciate its ability to cook large meals and its strong air frying performance for items like wings and fries, despite being a toaster oven.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Making the best frozen wings for air fryer cooking involves a few common questions. Here are some answers to help you out!
Q1: How long do I cook frozen wings in an air fryer?
A1: Generally, frozen wings take about 20-30 minutes in an air fryer, depending on their size and whether they are fully cooked or raw. Pre-cooked wings will take less time (around 15-20 minutes) to just heat through and crisp up, while raw frozen wings will need 25-30 minutes. Always flip them halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen wings?
A2: While some air fryer models have a preheat setting and some recipes recommend it, it’s often not strictly necessary for frozen wings. Many air fryers heat up so quickly that adding the wings directly from frozen works perfectly fine. However, preheating for 3-5 minutes can help ensure more even crisping from the start.
Q3: What’s the best temperature for air frying frozen wings?
A3: A common temperature for air frying frozen wings is 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Starting at a slightly lower temperature (e.g., 375°F for 15-20 minutes) to cook them through, then increasing to 400°F for the last 5-10 minutes, can help achieve extra crispiness without burning.
Q4: Should I thaw frozen wings before air frying?
A4: No, you absolutely do not need to thaw frozen wings before air frying! The beauty of the air fryer is its ability to cook food directly from frozen, saving you time and effort. In fact, cooking from frozen often results in a crispier skin.
Q5: Can I season frozen wings before air frying?
A5: Yes, you can! For pre-cooked frozen wings, you can toss them in a bit of oil and your desired seasoning before air frying, or add sauce after they’re cooked. For raw frozen wings, it’s best to air fry them for about 10-15 minutes first to let some ice crystals evaporate, then remove them, pat dry, toss with oil and seasoning, and return them to the air fryer to finish cooking and crisping.
Q6: How do I make my air-fried wings extra crispy?
A6: To get super crispy wings:
* Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
* Flip the wings frequently (every 5-7 minutes) to expose all sides to the hot air.
* For raw wings, pat them very dry before seasoning.
* Cook at a slightly higher temperature (like 400°F) for the last few minutes.
* Consider adding a very light coating of oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) before cooking.
Q7: Are air-fried wings healthier than deep-fried wings?
A7: Generally, yes! Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, which can drastically reduce the fat and calorie content of your wings. You get the crispy texture you love with less guilt, making it a great option for a healthier snack or meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re reaching for the best frozen wings for air fryer convenience, diving into new recipes with a dedicated cookbook, or upgrading your kitchen with a top-notch air fryer, one thing’s for sure: delicious, crispy wings are within easy reach. Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried messes and hello to perfectly cooked, golden wings every time. Enjoy!