Last Updated on May 20, 2022 by
You probably already know the consequences of adding more water to the deep fryer. But can you deep fry frozen chicken wings? Perhaps, doing so will give real crispy wings but is this even worth doing?
Generally, it is not a good idea to add frozen chicken wings into a deep fryer. Water + hot oil will cause hot oil to fly everywhere – on the cooker and the surrounding kitchen space. The solution is to thaw frozen wings and pat them dry before adding to the oil.
Deep-fried frozen chicken wings can cause a burned exterior and undercooked interior. This is just another reason to have the wings thawed before adding to the deep fryer.
Can you deep fry frozen chicken wings?
You can deep dry frozen chicken wings but alarmists will scream, “Don’t do it if cooking with fire.” This is true, nonetheless. It also seems if you use an electrical cooker, the splash will reduce but you would still get that messy oil splatters.
Meanwhile, the general 4 steps to deep fry frozen chicken wings:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or using a skillet.
- Add the frozen wings to the hot oil.
- Allow frying for an estimated 10-12 minutes.
- Remove and place the fried chicken wings in a paper towel.
The deep-frying time for chicken wings typically depends on the hotness of the oil, the type of cooker, and the number of chicken wings to fry.
You also want to ensure that the chicken wings are frozen properly. Do not cluster the chicken wings or have them frozen together. Instead, spread out the pieces individually in your deep fryer.
Can you deep fry frozen chicken wings without thawing?
You can deep fry frozen chicken wings without thawing. Experts claim to fry many frozen wings at 400° in an outdoor, propane-fired fryer, for example. The result of the claim is “it is absolutely dangerous”.
You could even overflow your fryer. The upside is that not thawing the chicken wings makes them crispy. Some chefs even suggest that freezing removes moisture out of the skin, allowing for a crispier wing.
Defrosting frozen wings from your fridge is a good idea before deep-frying. However, if you are like most busy people, a quicker route is to dump them in the sink and add warm water.
This helps to speed up the thawing process but will pre-cook your chicken wings. Also, the wings will stretch before you even throw it in the deep fryer. The crispy outer texture will still be there but the wings will be chewy and over-cooked.
Frozen chicken wings are good in themselves but your freezing method also affects the quality and taste. When frozen, chicken wings’ bones may crack due to blood. These wings have thin bones, so they tend to break when frozen.
Is it safe to deep fry frozen chicken wings?
It is safe to deep fry frozen chicken wings. Frozen chicken wings are perfectly healthy when fried properly. However, you would have ensured that the wings are kept from air exposure by wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
You may find water in the chicken wings you buy at the groceries. As such, sticking them right into the deep fryer causes the water to melt and boil, so you get hot oil splashes –a major safety hazard.
Avoid this by defrosting the frozen chicken wings before deep frying. Use the defrost settings on the microwave or toss the wings in the fridge several hours in advance of when you intend to fry them.
On the positive flip side:
Even heat distribution
Your deep fryer will apply even heat to the chicken wings. A deep fryer applies a lot of heat to the outside of the chicken wings.
With a microwave turntable, you rotate the chicken wings to prevent the hot spots from staying in one place for so long.
Cook at moderate temperature
Deep fryers use a more moderate temperature, which lets you cook the chicken wings more slowly. You will get moist and tender chicken wings rather than that rubbery and dry texture.
However, you would have to find the appropriate temperature combination. The cook time can be tricky but you get perfect chicken wings once you get it right.
Crispy result
Your fryer can crisp up the exterior of the chicken wings spectacularly. You would typically notice a major difference between chicken wings reheated in the microwave and real fried chicken.
As such, the fryer is your best bet if you no longer need soggy wings with a lackluster exterior.
Killing microbes
Deep frying involves the use of extremely hot oil to cook foods. This quick process also helps to kill bacteria in the chicken wings when heated to the proper levels.
Note that freezing does not kill bacteria, so the frozen chicken wings you have may become a habitat for bacteria, especially if you refrigerated them beyond 3-4 days.
How long to deep fry frozen chicken wings?
Deep fry frozen chicken wings for about 10-12 minutes in 350 degrees Fahrenheit oil. For USDA, you should deep fry for 6-9 minutes at 350°F.
It should also be fully cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 185 °F. Note that appliances vary, so adjust heat times accordingly.
Deep frying frozen chicken wings can be quite efficient and effective. This frying method makes sure that the interior of the chicken wings reaches the appropriate temperature while browning the exterior to crispiness.
Note that your deep fryer appliance affects the time it takes to heat the oil. Ensure to read the instructions to follow your product manufacturer’s recommendations.
How do you deep fry frozen chicken wings?
Fortunately, you do not have to be a professional chef to perfectly deep-fry your frozen chicken wings. Follow the steps below to deep fry frozen chicken wings:
Defrost the wings
You can deep fry without thawing but do it to prevent hot oil splashes. Rinse the chicken wings in cold water to get rid of formed ice on the skin. Drain the wings and pat dry using a clean towel.
Heat your oil
Heat the deep-frying oil to 350-365 degrees and toss your chicken wings into the fry basket and then in the hot oil.
Cook for up to 8-9 minutes, and check the internal temperature at 8 minutes. Flip the wings over.
If wings are larger, whole, or heavily breaded, add 2 more minutes, making the cooking time 10-11 minutes or up to 12 minutes.
If using a small fryer, or merely a pot on the cooker, ensure to rinse the chicken wings. Divide them into batches, and use a candy thermometer to tell the oil temperature. This ensures that you keep the oil temperature above 350 degrees.
Start frying
Fry the chicken wings in individual batches, depending on the size of your fryer. Use a fryer that maintains the temperature well.
Meanwhile, the average wing cycle would thaw for about 6 minutes. If frozen, add 2 minutes. Ensure to get a decent food thermometer to help you cook to temperature. The temperature determines the time, but time will get you close.
This is why the appliance you use for deep frying matters.
Suppose you want a quick video guide. We find Anthony Marino’s video guide really helpful regarding deep frying your frozen chicken wings:
Frozen chicken wings to buy
This section of the publication recommends the frozen wings you should buy for your deep frying. We tasted and review the two frozen chicken wings below:
Tyson Chicken Wing Sections, 2.5 Pounds (Frozen)
Tyson chicken wings are great, we mean that they taste great. The chicken wings are all-natural and minimally processed with no artificial ingredients.
Speaking of nutrition, you obtain 19 grams of protein per serving. There are 0 grams of trans fat. No antibiotics are used, and they are packaged in a resealable bag for better storage.
What we don’t like
Tyson chicken wings give value for the money. However, it is quite expensive. The wings are supposed to be the cheapest part of chicken but Tyson’s wings are priced like the breasts or tenders. Apart from that, Tyson chicken wings are excellent.
TGI Fridays Frozen Appetizers Buffalo Style Chicken Wings (9 oz Box)
If you need that quick restaurant-style appetizer at home, buy these Fridays Buffalo Style chicken wings.
The pieces are quite big in the box and the cooking result is juicy. The flavor is good and the wings are fully covered.
The wings are breaded and ready to heat without thawing. We must admit that these wings are crispy. You also experience that buffalo-style sauce for classic flavor. Regarding nutrition, 10 g. of protein per serving.
What we don’t like
These chicken wings can be really soft and fatty if you do not cook with care. Over-baking will not also cause them to crisp at all. If you love your chicken wings covered in sauce and crispy, these may not be what you need. Overall, Fridays Buffalo Style chicken wings are great.
Final thoughts on Can You Deep Fry Frozen Chicken Wings?
It is generally okay to deep fry frozen foods. The French fries you order at a chain are probably fried frozen.
However, if not thawed, you risk eating uncooked chicken wings. Deep frying the wings for too long is also a problem – they get worse and lose crispiness.
