Summer calls for outdoor gatherings, backyard barbecues, and plenty of finger foods. Nothing beats the crispy, flavorful taste of chicken wings, but frying can be messy and unhealthy. The Ninja XL Air Fryer offers a healthier, quick way to achieve that perfect crunch with less oil.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step recipe to make golden, crispy chicken wings using your Ninja XL Air Fryer. Get ready to impress your guests with restaurant-quality wings right from your kitchen!
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja XL Air Fryer
- ✔ Color: Grey
- ✔ Size: Space-saving footprint
- ✔ Included Accessories: Crisper plate and recipe book

Ninja XL Air Fryer with MaxCrisp | 6.5 QT Capacity | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | 450°F Temp | 1750 Watts | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little...
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Preparing Your Chicken Wings
Start with fresh or frozen chicken wings. If using frozen, no need to thaw — the Ninja XL Air Fryer’s MaxCrisp technology handles frozen foods quickly and evenly.
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
- Season your wings with your favorite spices or a simple salt and pepper mix. For added flavor, consider tossing them in a light coating of baking powder to enhance crunch.
- Optional: Marinate the wings for 30 minutes for extra flavor, or keep it simple for quick prep.
Cooking the Wings with MaxCrisp Technology
Place the seasoned wings into the Ninja XL Air Fryer’s nonstick basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Use the crisper plate if available for optimal airflow.
- Select the ‘Air Fry’ or ‘Max Crisp’ function on your Ninja Air Fryer.
- Set the temperature to 450°F for maximum crispiness.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
- For extra crispness, you can add a few more minutes until your wings reach your desired golden color.
Once cooked, let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving. They will be crispy on the outside and juicy inside, thanks to the high heat and rapid air circulation.
Serving Tips & Extra Ideas
Serve your crispy wings with classic sides like celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing. You can also toss the wings in your favorite hot sauce or glaze for added flavor.
- For a smoky flavor, sprinkle with smoked paprika before cooking.
- Use the dehydrating function to make crispy veggie chips as a healthy side.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a quick, crispy comeback.
Enjoy your summer feast with minimal cleanup thanks to the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate. The Ninja XL Air Fryer makes it easy to prepare multiple family-sized portions effortlessly.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja XL Air Fryer

The Ninja XL Air Fryer combines powerful MaxCrisp technology with a generous 6.5-quart capacity, making it perfect for summer gatherings. It cooks frozen foods fast and delivers restaurant-quality results with little to no oil.
Pros:
- Cooks frozen wings directly
- Healthy with up to 75% less fat
- Large capacity for family meals
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Can be bulky on small countertops
- Requires some space for air circulation
- Learning curve for perfect timing
Best for: Families and hosts looking for quick, crispy summer snacks
Not ideal for: Small kitchens with limited countertop space
Bottom line: A versatile and powerful air fryer that makes crispy, healthy summer wings effortlessly.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.