Ninja air fryer chicken wings are like a culinary hack for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings. With just three ingredients and a quick 20-minute cook time, they’re the epitome of effortless deliciousness.
Imagine these wings at your fingertips for an impromptu hangout, a cozy movie night, or just a relaxed evening in. They’ve got that crispy outer layer that’s oh-so-satisfying, while staying juicy and tender inside – all thanks to the air fryer’s magic touch. And the best part? They’re a bit of a healthy twist on your classic fried wings, thanks to the air fryer using less oil.
No need for fancy preparations; these wings are a no-fuss favorite. Serve them as they are for a simple snack or pair them with some crunchy veggies for a laid-back appetizer. If you’re feeling creative, whip up a mix of tasty sides for a mini feast – no pressure, just good times and great food.
Ninja air fryer chicken wings make casual eating a breeze. They’re the perfect solution when you want something scrumptious without the hassle.
For more meal inspiration to feed a crowd, check out these popular recipes! Oven Baked Tacos, No-Boil Lasagna, Gluten Free Crab Cakes and Rectangle Pizza.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the step-by-step instructions or recipe card below.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken wings ✅
- 1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing ✅ We used Hidden Valley Ranch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Cook Wings in Air Fryer
First off you need to prep the chicken wings. Place the chicken wings onto a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife carefully cut off the wingtips (these can be thrown away). Next, cut the drummettes from the wingette. See the post for pictures of how to trim chicken wings.
Mix the sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ranch dressing and the olive oil. Add the chicken wingettes and drummettes and toss to combine.
Place chicken wings onto the air fry pan
Using tongs, place chicken wings in a single layer on the air fry pan.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Once preheated, place the baking tray into the air fryer and bake for 10 minutes. Use tongs to flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
Serve
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, on a salad, or chopped in a favorite recipe.
The best side dishes for chicken wings?
Where to start?! There are so many delicious options that we decided to narrow down to our top favorites: Gluten Free Pasta Salad, Gluten Free Potato Salad, Gluten Free Sweet Potato Fries, Velveeta Cheese Sauce Dip, Dairy Free Chicken Buffalo Dip, Roasted Frozen Cauliflower, Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes and Make Ahead Roasted Potatoes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking the wings in a single layer allows for even circulation of hot air, resulting in crispy wings. If you’re making a large batch, consider cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Oil Spray: If you want to enhance the crispiness of your wings, consider lightly spraying them with cooking oil before air frying. This helps them achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Adjust Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings or sauces to add variety to your chicken wings. You can use BBQ sauce, hot sauce, garlic butter, or any of your favorite flavors. Toss the wings in the sauce after they’re cooked for extra flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking can save time and ensure a consistent cooking temperature from the start.
- Keep an Eye on Them: While cooking times can be a great guideline, it’s essential to monitor the wings during the cooking process, especially as they approach the end of the cooking time. This helps prevent burning and ensures they reach the desired level of crispiness.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or even a homemade garlic aioli to accompany the wings. It adds an extra dimension to the flavor experience.
- Explore Side Dishes: Get creative with your side dishes. Coleslaw, celery sticks, and carrot sticks make great accompaniments. You can also serve your wings over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
- Practice Food Safety: Be sure to follow food safety guidelines when handling raw chicken. Clean any surfaces and utensils that come into contact with the chicken, and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Customize to Your Taste: Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning and olive oil to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika. Customization makes your wings uniquely delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will fry these chicken wings for a total of 20 minutes. Cooking for 10 minutes and then flip before cooking for an additional 10 is key to crisping the entire wing.
We currently use the Ninja fryer with excellent results, but any air fryer model will work.
Yes! Adjust the cooking time by increasing to a total time of 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the wings is165°F.
Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Return to the air fryer for 10 minutes to reheat. While these wings do make a tasty leftover, they are best served the day they are fried.
When cooking frozen chicken wings in a Ninja Foodi air fryer, preheat it to around 380°F, then cook the wings for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket periodically for even cooking. Ensure the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re safe to eat. Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model and the size of the wings, so keep a close eye on them to achieve the desired crispiness and doneness.
Storage Instructions
To store your Ninja air fryer chicken wings, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It’s best to store them in a single layer to maintain their crispiness. Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between layers if you need to stack them. Seal the container or bag securely to prevent moisture and air from affecting their texture. Store the wings in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you intend to keep them for a more extended period, freezing is an option. Wrap individual wings or portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispy exterior.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Use a helper to assist in cutting the chicken
- Always wash your hands immediately after prepping raw chicken to keep all other food and surfaces safe
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the air fryer tray to help each piece cook evenly.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fry Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Italian Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs
- Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken wings ✅
- 1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing ✅ We used Hidden Valley Ranch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- ⭐️Prep the chicken wings. Place the chicken wings onto a cutting board. Using a sharp chefs knife carefully cut off the wingtips (these can be thrown away). Next cut the drummettes from the wingette. See the post for pictures of where to cut.1.5 pounds chicken wings
- Mix the sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ranch dressing and the olive oil. Add the chicken wingettes and drummettes and toss to combine.1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Place chicken wings onto the air fry pan. Using tongs, place chicken wings in a single layer on the air fry pan.
- ⭐️ Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, place the baking tray into the air fryer and bake for 10 minutes. Use tongs to flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Serve. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, on a salad, or chopped in a favorite recipe.
Notes
- Fry these chicken wings for a total of 20 minutes. Cooking for 10 minutes then flipping before cooking for an additional 10 is key to crisping the entire wing.
- We currently use the Ninja fryer with excellent results, but any air fryer model will work.
- To cook frozen chicken wings, adjust the cooking time by increasing to a total time of 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the wings is165°F.
- Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Return to the air fryer for 10 minutes to reheat. While these wings do make a tasty leftover, they are best served the day they are fried.
- Side dishes to serve with wings: Gluten Free Sweet Potato Fries, Velveeta Cheese Sauce Dip, Dairy Free Chicken Buffalo Dip, Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes and Make Ahead Roasted Potatoes.
Nutrition
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