Summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends, enjoying flavorful foods that are quick to prepare and easy to share. The Ninja Foodi DZ401 is your ideal summer cooking companion, offering versatile functions to make crispy, tasty meals without turning on the oven.
Today, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step recipe to make crispy chicken wings using the Ninja Foodi, perfect for your next summer barbecue or casual get-together.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket A
- ✔ Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 11 inches
- ✔ Weight: 22 pounds
- ✔ Warranty: 1 year
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Preparing the Chicken Wings
Start by selecting fresh chicken wings. Rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the wings with your favorite marinade or dry seasoning mix—think salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika—for a flavorful crust. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the wings with cooking oil.
Setting Up the Ninja Foodi
Place the 2-basket system of the Ninja Foodi on your countertop. Set both baskets to the ‘Air Fry’ mode, adjusting the temperature to 400°F. Use the ‘Match Cook’ feature to synchronize settings if needed, ensuring both baskets cook evenly. This dual-zone setup allows you to cook different flavors or spice levels simultaneously, perfect for a summer party.
Cooking the Chicken Wings
Arrange the chicken wings in the air fry baskets in a single layer for even crisping. Insert the baskets into the Foodi and set the timer for 25-30 minutes. Shake or flip the wings halfway through to ensure they crisp all over. Use the ‘Smart Finish’ feature to coordinate cooking times if you’re preparing additional summer sides like veggies or fries.
Serving and Tips
Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving platter. Toss them in your favorite summer sauce—think buffalo, honey BBQ, or a tangy lemon pepper. Serve with chilled drinks and fresh summer sides like watermelon or corn on the cob.
For an extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped herbs or sesame seeds before serving. Remember, the dual-zone feature allows different seasoning profiles, so you can cater to everyone’s taste buds at your summer gathering.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket A

The Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart offers a quick, versatile way to prepare crispy chicken wings perfect for summer parties. Its dual-zone design simplifies cooking multiple flavors at once, saving time and effort.
Pros:
- Large 10-quart capacity for family-sized batches
- 6-in-1 versatility: air fry, roast, broil, dehydrate, and more
- Dual independent baskets for multitasking
- Easy to clean and operate
Cons:
- Can be bulky on countertop
- Requires some space for optimal airflow
- Learning curve with multiple functions
Best for: Families hosting summer gatherings or casual cookouts
Not ideal for: Small households or those with limited countertop space
Bottom line: Effortless summer grilling with crispy results using the Ninja Foodi DZ401.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.