Summer is the season for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and cool drinks. But sometimes, you want that crispy, fried taste without heating up the entire kitchen or spending hours in front of a fryer.
The Ninja XL Air Fryer makes it easy to whip up delicious, crispy chicken wings right on your countertop—fast, healthy, and mess-free. Here’s a simple step-by-step recipe to get you started and tips to perfect your summer snack.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja XL Air Fryer
- ✔ Weight: 16 lbs
- ✔ Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 14 inches
- ✔ Warranty: 1-year limited
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt, 6-in-1, Grey, AF181
- Max Crisp Technology: Up to 450°F for crispy results
- 6-in-1 Cooking Functions: Versatile cooking options including bake and dehydrate
- XL Capacity: 6.5-quart basket, holds large meals
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Preparing the Chicken Wings
Start with fresh or frozen chicken wings. If frozen, use the Max Crisp setting to get them crispy without thawing. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crunch.
- In a bowl, toss wings with your favorite seasonings or marinade — think garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a classic flavor.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the wings with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
Cooking the Wings in the Ninja XL Air Fryer
Place the seasoned wings in the nonstick basket or on the crisper plate, spreading them out evenly without overcrowding. This ensures hot air circulates around each piece for uniform crisping.
Set the Ninja XL Air Fryer to the Max Crisp function at 450°F and cook for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to turn the wings.
Use the timer as a guide, but keep an eye on the wings for your preferred level of crispness. Larger wings may need an extra 5 minutes for golden perfection.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once cooked, remove the wings and let them rest for a few minutes. Toss them in your favorite hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or a homemade glaze for added flavor.
Serve immediately with cold drinks and summer sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. The Ninja XL Air Fryer’s easy cleanup means you’ll spend more time enjoying your feast and less time cleaning.
Tip: Use the dehydrating function to make crispy veggie chips or fruit snacks as a refreshing summer treat.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja XL Air Fryer
The Ninja XL Air Fryer combines powerful Max Crisp technology with a large capacity, making it ideal for summer gatherings. Fast, easy, and versatile, it’s perfect for crispy chicken wings and more.
Pros:
- Quick cooking with Max Crisp technology
- Large 6.5-quart capacity
- Easy to clean nonstick parts
- Versatile 6-in-1 functions
Cons:
- Takes up counter space
- Learning curve for new users
- Can be noisy during operation
Best for: Families and entertainers looking for quick, healthy fried foods
Not ideal for: Small kitchens with limited counter space or those preferring traditional frying
Bottom line: For quick, crispy, and healthier summer snacks, the Ninja XL Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen upgrade.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
