If you’re wondering how to cook chicken wings in Ninja air fryer for that perfect crispy texture without deep frying, this guide is for you. With the Ninja air fryer, you can make delicious, golden chicken wings that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside — all in under 30 minutes. This method is quick, healthier than traditional frying, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Why Choose the Ninja Heat Fryer for Drumettes?
The Ninja heat fryer uses rapid hot circulation to cook drumettes evenly and crisply, mimicking the texture of deep-fried pieces but using much less oil. Compared to baking, it cooks faster and provides a better crunch. It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t heat up your kitchen the way an oven might.
With crispy pieces from Ninja hot cooker, you get all the flavor and texture you love, but in a healthier, more convenient way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds chicken pieces, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to boost crispiness)
- Sauce of your choice (Buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey garlic, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pat the Drumettes Dry
To achieve the best crispiness, start by thoroughly drying the chicken pieces using paper towels. Moisture on the skin can cause them to steam instead of crisp in the heat fryer.
Step 2: Season the Drumettes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if you want an extra crispy finish. Make sure every drumette and flat is coated evenly with the seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Ninja Hot Cooker
Preheat your Ninja fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the pieces start cooking immediately and crisp up perfectly.
Step 4: Arrange in the Basket
Place the seasoned drumettes in a single layer inside the fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; giving space between pieces allows the hot air to circulate properly and crisp the skin evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
Step 5: Cook the Drumettes
Cook the drumettes at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This helps both sides get evenly crispy. The pieces are ready when their skin is golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Optional: Toss in the Sauce
If you prefer your drumettes saucy, toss them immediately after cooking in your favorite sauce. Classic Buffalo sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, but you could also use BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey garlic, or any other flavor you love. For dry-style drumettes, simply serve them as-is, possibly with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Tips for Perfect Ninja Fryer Drumettes
- Dry the pieces thoroughly before seasoning. This is key to crispy skin.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps increase crunch.
- Flip halfway through to brown both sides evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket.
- Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pieces from your Ninja heat fryer pair beautifully with celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dip, and sides like fries, onion rings, or a salad. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Why Crispy Pieces in the Ninja Heat Fryer Are a Game-Changer
Making drumettes in the Ninja fryer saves you time, reduces oil, and cuts down on cleanup. Plus, you avoid the health concerns of deep frying while still enjoying crunchy, flavorful bites. Whether for guests or your own meal, this method is flexible, fast, and fun.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to cook chicken pieces in Ninja Hot Fryer, you can enjoy crispy, juicy drumettes whenever you want. The Ninja device makes it easy to get delicious results with minimal effort. Whether served plain, sauced, or dry-rubbed, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
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