Ever found yourself staring at a package of chicken wings and your Ninja Foodi Grill, wondering exactly how long to cook them? You’re not alone! Getting that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior can be tricky, especially when using a specialized appliance like the Ninja Foodi Grill. I’ve been experimenting with mine for months now, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about cooking times, techniques, and flavor options.
The Perfect Cooking Times for Chicken Wings in Ninja Foodi Grill
Let me cut right to the chase – here are the recommended cooking times based on the type of wings you’re preparing
| Type of Wing | Cooking Time (Minutes) | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wings | 25 | 375 |
| Drumettes | 20 | 375 |
| Flats (Wingettes) | 20 | 375 |
| Boneless Wings | 15 | 375 |
| Party Wings | 20 | 375 |
But there’s actually a simpler method too! According to Donna Gates from Flavors with a Twist, you can cook chicken wings in the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill in just about 18 minutes total. Her method involves:
- Preheating the grill (set to 18 minutes)
- Cooking for 9 minutes
- Flipping the wings
- Cooking for another 5 minutes
- Brushing with BBQ sauce on both sides
- Finishing the last 4 minutes of cooking
Understanding Chicken Wing Types
Before we dive deeper into cooking methods, let’s take a quick look at the different types of wings you might be working with:
- Whole Wings: These include all three parts – the drumette, flat (wingette), and tip.
- Drumettes: These look like mini drumsticks and have more meat than skin.
- Flats (Wingettes): These have a higher skin-to-meat ratio, making them crispier when cooked.
- Boneless Wings: Usually made from chicken breast pieces, coated with seasoning or batter.
- Party Wings: A mix of drumettes and flats, perfect for gatherings.
Preparing Your Wings for the Ninja Foodi Grill
Proper preparation is key to delicious wings! Here’s how to get them ready
Cleaning and Trimming
- Wash wings under cold water
- Pat them dry with paper towels (this helps them get crispier!)
- Consider trimming the wing tips – Donna Gates recommends this as it allows the wings to lay flat and cook more evenly
Seasoning Your Wings
For a basic but delicious spice mix try this recipe from Flavors with a Twist
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Mix these ingredients together and coat your wings thoroughly before cooking. The sugar helps create that amazing caramelization we all love!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Now let’s break down exactly how to cook those wings to perfection:
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Preheat your grill: Most Ninja Foodi Grills have a preheat function – use it! The grill will beep when it’s ready.
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Arrange wings carefully: Place your seasoned wings on the grill in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them – this is super important for crispy results!
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Cook first side: Close the lid and let them cook for about 9 minutes.
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Flip the wings: After the initial cooking time, turn the wings over to ensure even cooking.
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Continue cooking: Cook for another 5 minutes on the second side.
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Add sauce (optional): For the last few minutes, brush your favorite sauce on both sides of the wings. BBQ sauce works great, but buffalo, honey garlic, or teriyaki are also delicious options!
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Finish cooking: Let them cook for the final 4 minutes. The sauce will caramelize and create a sticky, delicious glaze.
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Check temperature: For safety, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one.
Pro Tips for Amazing Wings
After making countless batches, I’ve picked up some tricks:
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Cut off the wing tips: As Donna mentions, this isn’t just for appearance – it helps the wings cook more evenly by allowing them to lay flat on the grill.
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For extra crispy wings: Use the air crisp function at 400°F for the last 5 minutes if your model has this feature.
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Let wings marinate: For more flavor, let your wings sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Overnight in the fridge is even better!
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Don’t skip the pat-dry step: Removing excess moisture helps achieve that crispy exterior we all crave.
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Use the right amount of sauce: Too much sauce can make your wings soggy. A light brush on both sides is perfect.
Flavor Variations to Try
The basic BBQ wings are amazing, but don’t be afraid to experiment with these flavor options:
Popular Marinades and Sauces
- Buffalo Sauce: Mix equal parts hot sauce and melted butter
- Teriyaki: Use store-bought or homemade for a sweet-savory combo
- Honey Garlic: Combine honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce
- Lemon Pepper: Fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper
DIY Seasoning Blends
- Spicy Cajun: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme
- Smoky Paprika: Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- Garlic Herb: Garlic powder, dried oregano, and rosemary
- Sweet and Spicy: Brown sugar, cayenne, and cumin
What to Serve with Your Wings
Complete your meal with these perfect side dishes:
- Celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dip
- French fries or potato wedges
- Creamy coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Garden salad
For a fun party idea, set up a wing bar with different sauces and let everyone customize their own plate!
Why the Ninja Foodi Grill Makes Amazing Wings
The Ninja Foodi Grill is particularly great for wings because:
- It cooks quickly – from start to finish in under 20 minutes!
- It creates authentic-looking grill marks
- The lid traps heat for even cooking
- Clean-up is easier than outdoor grilling
- You don’t have to stand over a hot, smoky grill (perfect for hot summer days!)
As Donna Gates notes, “Preparing chicken in the Ninja Foodi Grill is quick and easy to make, it only took about 18 minutes from start to finish and the chicken came out delicious.” She also mentions that “the chicken came out nice and tender, the chicken skin had the grill marks as if you cooked it on an outdoor grill.”
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Wings
Chicken wings aren’t just delicious – they also provide:
- High-quality protein (about 30g per 3.5oz serving)
- Essential vitamins like B6 and B12
- Minerals including phosphorus and zinc
- Healthy fats that support heart health
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen wings in the Ninja Foodi Grill?
Yes, but add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and ensure they reach 165°F internally.
How many wings can I cook at once?
This depends on your model, but generally 9-10 wings fit comfortably without overcrowding.
Should I use oil on the grill grates?
A light spray of cooking oil helps prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it.
Can I cook wings without flipping them?
I wouldn’t recommend it – flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja Foodi Grill makes cooking chicken wings so much easier than traditional methods. With just 18-25 minutes of cooking time (depending on your wing type), you can have restaurant-quality wings at home without the hassle of deep frying or outdoor grilling.
Remember the key points:
- Preheat your grill properly
- Don’t overcrowd the wings
- Flip halfway through cooking
- Add sauce near the end of cooking
- Always check for proper internal temperature
Whether you’re preparing for game day, a family dinner, or just satisfying a wing craving, the Ninja Foodi Grill delivers consistently delicious results every time. Give these methods a try, and I bet you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create perfect wings at home!
What’s your favorite wing sauce? I’m always looking for new flavors to try with my Ninja Foodi Grill wings!
