Remember game night wings from the corner sports bar? Yeah, these are better. These Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings are blowing up for a reasonTikTok, Pinterest, even Uncle Joe’s Reddit group can’t stop. This easy recipe takes 30 minutes tops, no fryer mess. Just crispy, tangy, juicy magic, all in your cozy kitchen.
You’ll start with simple pantry stapleschicken wings, a dry rub, maybe your favorite bottled hot sauce. Toss, cook, crisp. That’s it. They’ve got that classic bar bite but way easier, and no oil splatters in sight. Full details in the blog!
First time I tossed wings into the Foodi, I doubted the crunch. I’ve tested these a dozen times now (my family’s thrilled, trust me). There’s a secret at the end that makes all the difference. It’s not fancyit’s just smart. You’ll love the twist.
Why You’ll Love These Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings
Quick and easy: These wings come together in just 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for game nights or when the craving hits.
Crispy without a deep fryer: Thanks to the Ninja Foodi, you’ll get that irresistible crunch without the mess of hot oil.
Flavor-packed: The spice rub gives these wings a smoky, savory kick with a touch of sweetness. You control the heat level!
Perfect for any occasion: Appetizer or main dish, stay-in movie nights or casual get-togethersthese wings fit right in.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what makes these wings shine:
Ingredient
Role
Substitutions
Chicken Wings
The star of the show! Fresh wings give the best results.
Frozen wings (thawed and fully dried)
Baking Powder
Key to that ultra-crispy skin.
Nonethis one’s essential!
Smoked Paprika
Adds depth and a smoky kick.
Regular paprika or chili powder
Cayenne Pepper
Gives a spicy edge.
Skip for a mild version
How to Make Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings: Step-by-Step
Prep the wings: Pat them dry (this helps crispiness!) and trim if needed. Separate into drumettes and flats, if you like.
Sneaky crispy trick: Sprinkle baking powder evenly over the wings. This sets the stage for the light, crunchy texture.
Season the wings: Mix your dry rub (brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne). Rub it generously over the wings.
Chill time: Place seasoned wings in the fridge for 20–30 minutes (or overnight, if you have time). This lets flavors soak in!
Cook in the Ninja Foodi: Pour ½ cup water into the inner pot, then layer the wings in the air fryer basket. Set to SteamCrisp at 390°F for 15 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basketgive the wings space to crisp up properly.
Timing & Temperature Guide
Step
Time
Temperature
Prepping Wings
10–15 mins
N/A
Chilling (optional but encouraged)
20–30 mins
Fridge temp
SteamCrisp Cooking
15 mins
390°F
Serving and Storage Tips
How to serve: Pair these crispy wings with your favorite dipping saucesranch, blue cheese, or a spicy honey glaze.
Leftovers: Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the Ninja Foodi at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Storage Method
Duration
Reheating Tips
Fridge (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
350°F in Ninja Foodi for 2–3 mins
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight, then reheat at 375°F for 5–6 mins
Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings
For extra crispiness: Let the wings air dry on a wire rack in the fridge for an hour before seasoning.
Batch cooking: If you’re making more than 16 wings, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Customizable spice levels: Skip cayenne for mild wings or double it for a fiery finish.
Note: These Ninja Foodi chicken wings are great for experimenting with spice blends. Give your pantry spices a workout and tweak to fit your cravings!
Using the Ninja Foodi for chicken wings delivers a crispy texture with less oil, thanks to its air crisping technology. Achieving the right balance of time and temperature ensures juicy meat inside and a golden exterior, making it a reliable method for homemade wings that rival restaurant quality.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Journey to Perfect Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings
Making Ninja Foodi chicken wings was a bit of a wild ridebetween undercooked centers and crispy-but-dry edges, it took several rounds to get it just right. After plenty of tasting, adjusting cooking times, and a few smoky mishaps, I finally landed on a recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful wings every time.
FAQs ( Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings )
How long do Ninja Foodi chicken wings take to cook?
Ninja Foodi chicken wings typically take about 25-30 minutes total cooking time. You’ll pressure cook them for 10-12 minutes, then air crisp for 8-10 minutes to get that perfect crispy skin. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your wings and how crispy you prefer them. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Do you need to flip chicken wings in Ninja Foodi?
Yes, you should flip your chicken wings halfway through the air crisping phase for even browning. After pressure cooking, when you switch to air crisp mode, flip the wings at about the 4-5 minute mark. This ensures both sides get beautifully golden and crispy. Don’t worry about flipping during pressure cooking – the steam does all the work there!
Can you cook frozen chicken wings in Ninja Foodi?
Absolutely! You can cook frozen chicken wings directly in your Ninja Foodi without thawing. Just add 3-4 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time, making it 13-16 minutes instead of 10-12. Make sure to separate any wings that are stuck together before cooking. The air crisping time remains the same, and you’ll still get deliciously crispy results.
What liquid do you use for Ninja Foodi chicken wings?
You need at least 1 cup of liquid for pressure cooking chicken wings in the Ninja Foodi. Water works perfectly fine, but you can also use chicken broth for extra flavor. Some people like to add a splash of hot sauce or soy sauce to the liquid for additional taste. The liquid creates the steam needed for pressure cooking, so don’t skip this important step!
Why are my Ninja Foodi chicken wings not crispy?
If your wings aren’t crispy enough, try patting them completely dry before seasoning and make sure you’re using the air crisp function after pressure cooking. Don’t overcrowd the basket – wings need space for air circulation. You can also increase the air crisp time by 2-3 minutes or bump up the temperature to 400°F. A light coating of baking powder on the skin before cooking can also help achieve extra crispiness!
Wrapping Up Your Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings Adventure
Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings deliver crispy, juicy bites in just about 30 minutesno deep fryer drama required. You’ll love the blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that hit all the right notes with zero fuss. This recipe is a kitchen win, whether it’s game night or a cozy weekend treat.
Feel free to swap up the spice levels or toss in your favorite dry rub. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and pop back to life perfectly in the Foodi. Pro tip: a quick chill before cooking really amps up that crispinesstrust me, it’s worth the wait!
Give it a whirl, then share how it wentdid you add your own twist or sneak in a new sauce? Cooking this at home turns simple ingredients into smiles… and that’s what family recipes are all about. Pass it on and keep those cozy kitchen stories coming!
These Ninja Foodi chicken wings are seasoned perfectly and have the best crispy skin. Great for the main course or an easy appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds about 8 full wings fresh chicken wings
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper don’t use it if you don’t want spicy
½ cup water
Instructions
Unpack your chicken wings. Pat dry and trim them.
With a knife separate the drumette from the flat.
Sprinkle the baking powder over the trimmed chicken. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Mix until all combined.
Sprinkle the seasonings mixture rub evenly on the wings. Gently rub the seasonings to coat every piece.
Once all the chicken is coated with the spices place back in the fridge for 20-30 minutes or overnight.
In the Ninja Foodie in the inner bowl gray bowl pour ½ cup water.
Place the air fryer basket or crisp basket black one place the chicken wings in the bottom of the basket.
Set the Ninja Foodie to SteamCrisp Steam & Crisp Set the temperature to 390 degrees F for 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cook.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
