Summer calls for outdoor gatherings, pool parties, and delicious snacks. Nothing beats the taste of crispy chicken wings without the guilt of deep-frying, especially when you can make them easily at home with the Ninja XL Air Fryer.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create golden, crunchy wings that are perfect for your summer get-togethers, all using the powerful MaxCrisp technology of the Ninja XL Air Fryer.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja XL Air Fryer
- ✔ Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 13 inches
- ✔ Weight: 14 pounds
- ✔ Color: Grey

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: Multiple cooking modes including bake and dehydrate
- XL Capacity: 6.5-quart basket, holds large meals
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Preparing Your Chicken Wings
Start with fresh or frozen chicken wings. If using frozen, the Ninja XL Air Fryer’s MaxCrisp setting will cook them straight from the freezer, saving you prep time.
- Pat the wings dry if fresh to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Optional: Toss wings with your favorite spices or a light coating of oil for extra flavor and crunch.
- Preheat the Ninja Air Fryer to 450°F for a few minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
Cooking the Wings Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to achieve crispy, restaurant-style chicken wings at home:
- Place the wings in the nonstick basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Select the Max Crisp function and set the temperature to 450°F. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking or turning the wings halfway through for uniform crispness.
- Check for doneness; they should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Summer Wings
- Use the crisper plate for extra airflow and crispiness, especially for larger batches.
- For extra flavor, toss wings in your favorite hot sauce or barbecue glaze after cooking.
- Serve immediately with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese to complement the crispy texture.
- Clean your air fryer with dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and crisper plate after use for easy cleanup.
Serving Suggestions for Poolside Snacking
These crispy wings are perfect for summer pool parties. Pair them with chilled drinks, fresh veggie sticks, or a light salad for a balanced, fun outdoor meal. The Ninja XL Air Fryer’s large capacity ensures you can prepare enough for the whole family or guests without multiple batches.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja XL Air Fryer

The Ninja XL Air Fryer makes summer snacking effortless with its powerful MaxCrisp technology and XL capacity. Perfect for crispy chicken wings straight from the freezer or fresh, with less oil and cleanup.
Pros:
- Crispy results with less oil
- Large 6.5-quart capacity
- Cooks frozen foods quickly
- Easy to clean nonstick parts
Cons:
- Requires some space on countertop
- Cooking times may vary with batch size
- Limited to certain cooking functions
Best for: Families and outdoor entertainers wanting quick, healthy fried-style snacks
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or those looking for a multi-purpose oven
Bottom line: Effortlessly make crispy, healthier wings perfect for summer gatherings with the Ninja XL Air Fryer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.