Frying frozen chicken wings in a deep fryer results in juicy, crispy wings with a satisfying crunch. However, getting the frying time right is key to achieving perfectly cooked wings. Fried for too short and the insides will be underdone. Fried too long and you’ll end up with dried out, rubbery wings. So how long should frozen chicken wings fry in the deep fryer?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that most frozen chicken wings need 14-16 minutes in hot oil (around 350°F) to fully cook through and become golden brown and crispy on the outside. Jumbo wings may take a little longer at 16-18 minutes. Below are more details.
Detailed Guidance on Frying Time for Frozen Chicken Wings
Here are some key factors that impact the frying time needed for frozen chicken wings:
Wing Size
Larger wings require a longer fry time. Standard chicken wings need 14-16 minutes. Jumbo wings can take 16-18 minutes since there’s more meat to cook through.
Amount of Wings
The more wings added to the fryer, the longer the overall frying time needed. Frying a few wings takes less time than frying a few pounds of wings. Overcrowding the fryer with too many wings at once can lead to improperly cooked wings.
Type of Deep Fryer
Standard home deep fryers require the frying times listed above. High powered commercial deep fryers can sometimes cook wings faster. Consult the specifications of equipment being used.
Temperature of Oil
The temperature the oil is heated to impacts frying time. Most recipes call for heating oil to 325-375°F. The hotter the temperature, the faster the wings will fry. Ensure oil is hot before adding wings.
Thawed vs Frozen
Frozen wings straight from the freezer require the full frying time. Thawed or partially thawed wings may cook faster since the insides have had a head start on thawing. Watch closely as thawed wings may overcook faster.
Battered vs Plain
Plain naked wings need less frying time than battered wings coated in flour, breadcrumbs, etc. The coating adds extra time needed to fry up crispy. Increase fry time by 2-3 minutes for battered wings.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Boneless wings fry faster than wings with bones. Bones take longer to heat up and cook through. Subtract 2-3 minutes for boneless wings for a total time of 12-14 minutes.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Frozen Chicken Wings
Follow these tips for extra crispy, fully cooked frozen chicken wings straight from the deep fryer:
- Make sure wings are fully frozen before frying. Partially thawed wings cook unevenly.
- Fry wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.
- Allow oil to reheat between batches for best results.
- Use a deep fry thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Fry for the recommended time based on wing size and type.
- Flip wings over halfway during frying to cook both sides.
- Check wing internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Allow wings to drain on a cooling rack or paper towels after frying.
- Toss in your favorite sauce, if desired, while wings are still hot.
The Step-by-Step Process
Follow this simple step-by-step process for perfect deep fried frozen chicken wings:
- Preheat oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350-375°F. Use enough oil to submerge wings.
- Pat wings dry: Dry wings thoroughly with paper towels before frying. Extra moisture can cause splattering.
- Fry wings in batches: Add wings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 7-9 minutes.
- Flip wings: After 7-9 minutes, flip wings over using tongs or a frying basket.
- Finish frying: Fry for another 7-9 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain wings: Use a frying basket, tongs or slotted spoon to remove wings. Allow to drain on a cooling rack or paper towels.
- Check doneness: Cut into a wing to check it’s fully cooked inside. Meat should not be pink.
- Toss in sauce (optional): Toss fried wings in your favorite sauce like buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, etc.
- Serve hot: Serve wings immediately while still hot and crispy.
FAQs
What temperature should I fry frozen chicken wings?
Fry frozen wings at a temperature between 350-375°F for best results. This hot oil temperature helps crisp up the outside while cooking the insides thoroughly.
Can I fry frozen wings without thawing?
Yes, you can absolutely fry chicken wings straight from the frozen state. No thawing required! Just be sure to add a minute or two to the total cooking time.
Should I season wings before or after frying?
For best flavor, it’s best to season wings after frying. Seasonings can burn if added before frying. Toss cooked wings in seasoning mixes after draining.
What oil is best for frying chicken wings?
The best oils for frying wings are peanut, vegetable, canola or soybean oil. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid olive oil as it can burn at high fry temperatures.
How do I know when my oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature. When the thermometer reads between 350-375°F, the oil is hot enough for crispy wings.
How many wings should I fry at a time?
For home deep fryers, fry wings in batches of 10-12 pieces at a time. Overcrowding leads to improperly cooked wings. Let oil reheat between batches.
Is it better to bake or fry frozen chicken wings?
Frying makes wings crisper on the outside than baking. However, baking can also make delicious wings. Bake frozen wings at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I re-fry chicken wings that were already fried?
It’s not recommended to re-fry wings that were already cooked. The wings can overcook and become dried out. Reheating in the oven is a better option.
Troubleshooting Fried Chicken Wings
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Undercooked interior | Oil not hot enough Not fried long enough |
Increase oil temperature to 350-375°F Fry for recommended time based on size |
| Overly brown exterior | Oil too hot Fried too long |
Lower oil temp slightly Reduce fry time by 1-2 minutes |
| Soggy coating | Wings overcrowded Wet wings |
Fry in smaller batches Pat wings dry before frying |
| Greasy wings | Drained improperly | Drain on cooling rack instead of paper towels |
| Burned wings | Batter too thick Seasoning scorched |
Use thin, light breading Season after frying |
Conclusion
Frying up crispy frozen chicken wings in a deep fryer takes some skill but is worth the reward. Allow 14-16 minutes for standard wings and 16-18 minutes for jumbo wings fried at 350-375°F oil temperature. Monitor doneness and adjust cook times as needed. Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temp. With the proper method, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken wings from the comfort of home.