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Home » Instant Pot and Pressure Cooker Recipes

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Wings

Dated: January 2, 2021 . Modified: Dec 18, 2023 by Kate Hahnel

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Learn how to make the best Instant Pot Frozen Chicken wings with honey and garlic!! They are great for game night, to bring along to parties, or simply enjoy at home with your loved ones!

Craving more pressure cooker recipes? Then try our Instant Pot basmati rice, Instant Pot peanut butter cheesecake, and Ninja pressure cooker tomato sauce, next!

Chicken wings cooked from frozen using the Instant Pot pressure cooker.

*This post may contain affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Wings Honey and Garlic

why you will love this recipe

  • you get crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken wings.
  • no thawing needed and only requires a few minutes to cook.
  • the recipe is paleo compliant and can be made keto-friendly.
  • perfect for a quick dinner, game night, parties, to serve as appetizers, and so much more!

ingredient summary

This is a summary of the ingredients you will need to make this recipe, along with possible substitutions. Detailed measurements and step-by-step instructions have been provided in the recipe card provided below.

Ingredients needed to make frozen chicken wings in the Instant Pot.
  • Frozen chicken wings
  • Water or chicken broth (low-sodium if using broth)
  • Honey
  • Coconut sugar (substitute with brown sugar)
  • Minced garlic and ginger
  • Soy sauce or coconut aminos (paleo-compliant)
  • Optional garnish: chopped scallions or sesame seeds
  • Optional sauce thickener: tapioca, all-purpose, or arrowroot flour + water (to make the slurry).

how to make Instant Pot frozen chicken wings

Making these chicken wings basically involves a few simple steps namely, pressure cooking, making the sauce, and broiling.

A photo collage showing frozen chicken wings on a trivet, inside the instant pot.
  1. Pressure Cook: Add water/stock to Instant Pot, place frozen wings on trivet, and pressure cook on HIGH for 11 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
  2. Oven Preparation: While wings are cooking, preheat oven to broil and set up a lined baking tray with a wire rack.
Making the sauce and laying the chicken wings on a rack for broiling.
  1. Honey-garlic sauce: Using the Saute function, combine honey, coconut/brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos/soy sauce in the Instant Pot and whisk until thickened.
  2. Thicken sauce (if needed): To make the sauce thicker, add a mixture of tapioca flour and water and whisk until smooth. You can skip this step if you don't want a thicker sauce.
  3. Broil wings: Toss wings in the sauce, place on the prepared tray, and broil 3-5 minutes per side. Broiling is another optional step but I highly recommend that you do not skip it, as it helps crispen up the skin.
  4. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, or as preferred, then serve.

refregeration and freezing

Before refregeration and freezing, always ensure the chicken wings have cooled to room temperature.

  • Refrigeration: transfer the wings to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to prevent them from absorbing other odors from the fridge. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: for optimal freshness, wrap the wings individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped wings in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing then label the bag with the date for reference. Keep in the freezer for 3-4 months.

variations - low carb and keto options

Make Keto Instant Pot chicken wings from frozen by substituting the honey and brown sugar in the recipe for suitable low-carb sugar-free honey and brown sugar alternatives.

Use xanthan gum instead of tapioca flour, should you wish to thicken the sauce.

A bowl of chicken wings which have been cooked from frozen, using the Instant Pot.

frequently asked questions

How long should I pressure cook chicken wings using the Instant Pot?

Cook frozen chicken wings in the Instant Pot for 11-12 minutes, at high pressure, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release.
For fresh or thawed chicken wings, pressure cook for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.

What is a quick pressure release- QPR?

Both "quick pressure release" and "natural pressure release" are terms associated with using electric pressure cookers, such as the Instant Pot. They refer to methods of releasing the built-up steam inside the cooker after the cooking process is complete. Here's what each term means:
 
Quick Pressure Release (QPR): 
As soon as the cooking cycle finishes, you release the pressure manually.
This is done by turning the steam release handle to the "venting" position, which allows the steam to escape quickly.
It's essential to be cautious when using this method to avoid steam burns.
QPR is typically used for foods that might become overcooked or too soft if they continue sitting in the pot, such as vegetables or seafood.

Natural Pressure Release (NPR): 
After the cooking cycle finishes, the pressure is allowed to drop naturally without any intervention.
You don't open the valve or do anything; you simply wait.
As the pressure cooker cools down, the pressure inside drops slowly.
This can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the quantity and type of food inside.
NPR is often used for foods that benefit from a little additional cooking time as they sit in the residual heat, such as meats, stews, and some grains.

 

Chicken wings cooked from frozen using the Instant Pot pressure cooker.

tips to nailing this recipe

  • Double up the batch - feel free to double up the batch if cooking this for a crowd. The cooking time, in this case, will remain the same. Just bear in mind that because the frozen chicken meat considerably lowers the temperature in the pot, the Instant Pot will take longer to pressure up.
  • Single pieces - it is recommended to have your chicken frozen in single pieces as opposed to one big lump of ice. I, however, experimented with cooking them frozen in one lump, and they still turned out great.
  • Sauces - feel free to use your favorite sauces instead. Parmesan cheese and buffalo are other favorites of ours.
  • To prevent the chicken wings from touching the water or stock and overcooking, I recommend using a trivet or steamer basket.
  • Do not skip the broiling, it is what helps keep the skin crisp. If your Instant Pot has an airfryer lid then use this instead.

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Updated on December 18, 2023: Certain parts of this recipe have been simplified to enhance clarity and readability.

📖 Recipe

A bowl of chicken wings which have been cooked from frozen, using the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Wings

Kate Hahnel
Learn how to make the best Instant Pot Frozen Chicken wings with honey and garlic. They are crispy outside and juicy inside, are great for game night, to bring along to parties, or simply enjoy at home!
4.93 from 14 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 11 minutes mins
Broiling time 10 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 246 kcal

Equipment

6 Quarts (5.7 litres) OR 8 Quarts (7.6 litres) Instant Pot
6 Quarts (5.7 litres) OR 8 Quarts (7.6 litres) Instant Pot
Kitchen foil or parchment paper
Grilling or broiling oven rack
Baking tray
Baking tray
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lbs frozen bone-in whole chicken wings (about 450 grams)
  • 1 cup water or low sodium chicken stock
  • 3-6 cloves minced garlic use less or more if you prefer
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • ⅛ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos (coconut aminos makes this recipe paleo-compliant, but soy sauce is totally okay to use)

Slurry - optional

  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, arrowroot or tapioca flour (optional - for thickening the sauce)
  • 4 teaspoon water (optional - for thickening the sauce)

Instructions
 

Pressure cook the Frozen Chicken Wings

  • Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot and add water or low-sodium chicken stock. Set the trivet inside and arrange the frozen wings on it, trying to spread them flat.
    1 cup water, 1 lbs frozen bone-in whole chicken wings
    A photo collage showing frozen chicken wings on a trivet, inside the instant pot.
  • Seal the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 11 minutes. (Note: The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure and will start counting the time once it is pressurized.
  • After cooking, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release (QPR).

Prepare for Broiling

  • As the chicken wings cook, preheat the oven to broil.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment or foil, placing a grilling or wire rack on top.

Make the Honey and Garlic Sauce

  • Set the Instant Pot or your electric pressure cooker to the saute function for 5 minutes.
  • Add honey, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), garlic, ginger, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos). Whisk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
  • If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry by combining all-purpose flour (or arrowroot, or tapioca flour) and water. Add to the sauce, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Should the sauce thicken before 5 minutes, cancel the sauté function.

Broil the Chicken Wings then Serve

  • Toss the wings in the sauce and arrange on the prepared tray.
  • Broil the chicken wings for 3-5 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved. Flip and broil the other side for another 3-5 minutes or until crispy, as preferred. Reserve any remaining sauce for dipping.
    Making the sauce and laying the chicken wings on a rack for broiling.
  • Garnish the chicken wings and serve.

Notes

  • Double up the batch  if cooking this for a crowd. The cooking time, in this case, will remain the same. Just bear in mind that because the frozen chicken meat considerably lowers the temperature in the pot, the Instant Pot will take longer to pressure up.
  • Single pieces - it is recommended to have your chicken wings frozen in single pieces as opposed to one big lump of ice. I, however, experimented with cooking them frozen in one lump, and they still turned out great.
  • Sauces - use your favorite sauces instead; Parmesan cheese and buffalo are other delicious combos to try!
  • Broiling - increase the broiling time, for more crispy wings! Do not skip the broiling, it is what helps keep the skin crisp. If your Instant Pot has an air fryer lid then use this instead.
  • To prevent the chicken wings from touching the water or stock and overcooking, I recommend using a trivet or steamer basket.
  • Storing leftovers. Kept in a suitable airtight container, these Instant Pot chicken wings will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days. They can be kept in the freezer for 4-5 months.
 
Low Carb and Keto Option
  • You can make Keto Instant Pot chicken wings by substituting honey and brown sugar for sugar-free brown sugar alternatives.
  • Use xanthan gum instead of tapioca flour to thicken the sauce.
Other Notes:
  • The cooking time excludes the time you need to make the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 72IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.Pin this recipe on Pinterest or tag me out on socials @weeatatlast. I love seeing your creations.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jazz

    January 13, 2021 at 6:15 pm

    5 stars
    This was such a helpful recipe to cook frozen wings because I always forget to thaw. Thank you!

    • Kate Hahnel

      January 14, 2021 at 10:46 am

      thank you. It certainly helps save a lot of time!

  2. Tamara

    January 12, 2021 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness these wings were absolutely delicious! I was looking for a recipe to switch up from our normal fried chicken. My kids and husband were a huge fan!

  3. Chenée Lewis

    January 12, 2021 at 7:36 am

    5 stars
    I always forget to plan ahead so I loved that this recipe could be made with frozen wings! They came out perfect!!

  4. Taneisha

    January 11, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    I loved this recipe. I never did chicken wings in the instant pot so I knew I wanted to test it out and it was so delicious! Love it! Thank you!

  5. Capri

    January 11, 2021 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe saved me so much time in the kitchen! And the wings were so flavorful! Great recipe!

  6. Eric & Shanna Jones

    January 11, 2021 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    We are always down for a great wing recipe! We enjoyed these on game day, and everyone loved them!

  7. Kim

    January 11, 2021 at 5:31 pm

    4 stars
    I can't believe how quick this cooks in an instant pot! More instant pot recipes please and thanks for this one.

  8. Kaluhi

    January 11, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    A true showstopper!! Everyone at home loved this!!

    • Kate Hahnel

      January 11, 2021 at 11:09 pm

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed making this!

  9. Crystal DaCruz

    January 11, 2021 at 3:07 pm

    5 stars
    I’m always looking for new things to make in my instant pot and I was so excited to make this dish! Your recipe was so easy to follow and the wings came out amazing!

  10. Britney

    January 11, 2021 at 7:00 am

    5 stars
    These wings were finger licking good! Super easy to make, flavorful, and very tender! We loved this recipe 😍

  11. Robin

    January 10, 2021 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    I am obsessed with this recipe because I don't have to thaw the chicken on advanced - plus the sauce is so flavorful.

  12. Renia

    January 10, 2021 at 4:25 am

    5 stars
    Although I do not have an instant pot I made this recipe by baking my wings. They were delish all the same!

    • Kate Hahnel

      January 10, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      I am so glad you found a way to making this recipe, without an Instant Pot.

  13. BENJAMIN

    January 09, 2021 at 6:39 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I served this at dinner party and the dish was cleared in minutes!

4.93 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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