Quick Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings

I used to avoid making chicken wings at home because they never turned out quite right. Either they were too soggy in the oven or too messy in the deep fryer. It was just easier to order them at restaurants.

Then I got a Ninja Foodi, and everything changed. These wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without the hassle of deep frying or the disappointment of soggy skin. Even my kids, who used to only eat boneless wings, now ask for these by name.

What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to look for party wings, which come separated into drumettes and flats (also called wingettes). While you can buy whole wings and separate them yourself, pre-cut wings save time and ensure even cooking. Fresh wings typically work best, but frozen wings are perfectly fine too – just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted very dry before cooking. For the most flavor and best texture, try to choose wings that are medium-sized and meaty rather than tiny ones that might dry out quickly during cooking.

Options for Substitutions

This wing recipe is pretty adaptable and you can make several swaps if needed:

• Chicken wings: While whole wings are best for this recipe, you can use just drumettes or just flats if you prefer. Some stores also sell ‘party wings’ which are already separated.
• Soy sauce: Out of soy sauce? Try coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or tamari sauce. If you’re in a real pinch, Worcestershire sauce can work too, though use a bit less as it’s stronger.
• Brown sugar: You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or even regular white sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses. Maple syrup works too, but reduce the honey slightly if you go this route.
• Apple cider vinegar: Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar make good substitutes. Regular white vinegar works too, but start with a smaller amount as it’s more acidic.
• Fresh ginger and garlic: If you don’t have fresh, use 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead. The flavor won’t be quite as bold, but it’ll still taste good.
• Butter: You can use margarine or even olive oil instead of butter. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil works well too.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making Ninja Foodi wings is not patting them completely dry before seasoning, as excess moisture prevents that perfectly crispy skin we all love – take an extra minute to thoroughly dry each wing with paper towels.

Another common error is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which leads to steaming instead of crisping – arrange your wings in a single layer with some space between each piece, cooking in batches if necessary.

The sauce timing is crucial too – adding it too early can make your wings soggy, so wait until the last few minutes of cooking to brush on your first layer of sauce, then add a final coating right after they’re done.

For the crispiest results possible, flip your wings halfway through cooking, and consider spraying them lightly with oil before air frying to help achieve that golden-brown exterior.

What to Serve With Chicken Wings?

These sweet and savory wings pair perfectly with classic game day sides that help balance out their bold flavors. A crisp celery and carrot stick platter with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is always a crowd-pleaser and adds a nice fresh crunch. For something more substantial, try serving them alongside crispy french fries, sweet potato wedges, or even some mac and cheese. If you want to keep things lighter, a simple coleslaw or a mixed green salad makes a great side dish that cuts through the richness of the wings.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Got leftover wings? Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make great next-day snacks or quick lunches! Just remember to let them cool completely before storing to keep that crispy coating intact.

Freeze: These wings freeze really well for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible. I like to freeze them in smaller portions so I can grab just what I need later.

Reheat: To get your wings crispy again, pop them in the Ninja Foodi at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, or use your air fryer. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. The microwave works too, but you might lose some of that nice crispiness.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	30-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2700-3000
• Protein: 180-200 g
• Fat: 200-220 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-100 g

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats, patted dry)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Step 1: Coat Chicken Wings with Dry Rub

In a large bowl, add the chicken wings and your chosen dry rub.

Toss the wings thoroughly to ensure they are coated evenly with the seasoning, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat.

Step 2: Cook Chicken Wings under High Pressure

Add 1 cup of water to a pressure cooker and place a basket inside the pot.

Arrange the seasoned chicken wings evenly in the basket.

Secure the lid and select the “Manual” setting on your cooker.

Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally.

Step 3: Prepare Sweet and Sticky Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, bring the sweet and sticky sauce ingredients to a boil over medium heat in a saucepan.

Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Reserve about 2 tablespoons of this sauce for serving later.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce and Air Crisp

Transfer the cooked chicken wings to a large clean bowl.

Add melted butter and the remaining sweet and sticky sauce.

Toss well to coat the wings thoroughly.

Set your Air Crisp at 390°F for crisping.

Place the wings in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes, opening the fryer every 3-5 minutes to check and achieve your desired level of crispness.

Step 5: Serve

Once the wings are crispy, remove them and serve immediately.

Use the reserved sweet and sticky sauce as a dip or drizzle over the wings for extra flavor.

Enjoy your sweet and sticky, perfectly crispy chicken wings!