Whether Ninja has a rotisserie oven or not is a common question for those looking to purchase a multicooker that can handle a variety of cooking methods. As one of the most popular brands of multicookers, Ninja offers several models with different features to choose from. Getting clear information on what each model offers will help identify if rotisserie cooking is an option.
What is a rotisserie function on a multicooker?
A rotisserie function allows food to rotate slowly and continuously in the cooking pot while exposed to dry heat. This promotes even cooking and crisping of the food’s exterior. Chicken and roasts are commonly cooked using the rotisserie method, resulting in tender meat and golden brown skin.
On a multicooker with rotisserie function, the inner pot has a removable spit rod that runs horizontally through the center. Food is pierced and centered on the rod, allowing it to rotate during the cooking process. Heating elements or fans surround the pot to blast hot air over the food for optimal crisping.
Does the Ninja Foodi have a rotisserie function?
The majority of Ninja Foodi models do not have rotisserie functions. However, Ninja does offer a few higher-end Foodi models equipped with this feature:
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Air Fry Oven with Rotisserie
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Air Oven with Rotisserie
These ovens combine digital precision cooking with a wide temperature range up to 500°F. The included rotisserie spit allows for even rotating during cooking. While not quite as encompassing as some other multicooker brands, the addition of rotisserie function on select Ninja models expands their versatility.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Air Fry Oven with Rotisserie
This is Ninja’s premium model with the following key highlights:
- 10-in-1 functionality includes air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, whole roast with rotisserie spit, dehydrate, reheat, toast, bagel and pizza.
- Spacious 5.5 quart cooking capacity.
- Digital crisp control technology and Pro Heating System deliver reliable, consistent results.
- 9 programmable protein settings provide recommended cook times.
- Includes a 4-pc rotisserie spit set and basket for turning ingredients while cooking.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Air Oven with Rotisserie
A very similar model to the one above, with slightly reduced capabilities:
- 9-in-1 functionality lacks the bagel setting.
- 5-qt capacity with 4.6-qt usable space.
- Same digital crisp control tech and pro heating system.
- 6 custom protein settings instead of 9.
- Rotisserie spit and basket included.
What other Ninja Foodi models have rotisserie options?
Aside from the Smart XL Pro models mentioned above, no other Ninja Foodi products currently include an integrated rotisserie function. However, there are some add-on accessories that provide rotisserie capabilities:
Ninja® FoodiTM 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Qt Air Fryer
This grill and air fryer allows you to purchase the optional rotisserie kit. It includes two rotisserie forks, rotisserie basket, and fetching tool. With some assembly, you can rotate food hands-free over the grilling grate for perfectly cooked meats and vegetables.
Ninja Foodi NeverStick 2-basket Air Fryer
Another air fryer model that doesn’t come with rotisserie function but has it available as a separate purchase. The kit provides the same accessories to add rotisserie cooking.
How does Ninja’s rotisserie function compare to other brands?
| Brand | Rotisserie Feature |
|---|---|
| Ninja | Only available on select high-end models or as an add-on kit for some air fryers. |
| Instant Pot | Comes standard on the Instant Vortex Plus and Pro Crisp ovens. |
| Crock-Pot | The Express Crock Multi-Cooker lacks rotisserie function. |
| Cosori | Rotisserie spit included with Smart WiFi Air Fryer Oven. |
| Chefman | Some air fryer toaster ovens have integrated rotisserie while others offer it as an add-on kit. |
| Breville | The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has built-in rotisserie capability. |
Among leading kitchen appliance brands, Ninja is selective about which models have the rotisserie function built-in. Competitor products from Instant Pot, Cosori, Breville and some Chefman models tend to include it more consistently in their multicooker oven lineup. For Ninja, it remains a premium feature reserved for their high-end oven products.
What are the benefits of using a rotisserie function?
Cooking with the rotisserie method provides some major advantages including:
- Even browning – Rotating the food continuously exposes all sides to dry circulating heat for consistent crisping of the exterior.
- Moist interior – As the meat rotates, gravitational force pushes juices into the center resulting in a juicy interior.
- Hands-free – Set it and forget it. The rotisserie spit does all the work so you can focus on other tasks.
- Versatility – Make everything from whole chickens and roasts to kebabs using the rotisserie function.
Chefs praise rotisserie cooking for achieving the perfect balance between a juicy interior and browned crispy exterior, especially for meats and poultry. The continuous motion also allows for even exposure to heat on all sides.
Tips for using a countertop rotisserie
Follow these tips to get the most out of the rotisserie function on your multicooker:
- Prep ingredients by trussing meats and coating with oil or dry rubs to improve browning.
- Skewer meats and poultry centrally on the rod, being careful not to pierce rotating joints.
- ForWhole chickens, tie legs together then push rod through cavity and breast.
- Use rotisserie basket for small proteins like cornish hens or fish fillets.
- Brush sauces on toward the end to avoid burning.
- Let meat rest 5-10 minutes before carving for juiciness.
With the right techniques, the rotisserie function makes it simple to achieve professional-quality roasted meats at home. Experiment with the settings to find the ideal temperature and cook times for different ingredients.
Rotisserie Cooking Ideas
Consider these creative recipes to try out using a countertop rotisserie oven:
- Whole roast chicken or turkey
- Herb-crusted pork loin
- Dry rubbed beef roast
- Rosemary lamb leg
- Maple glazed ham
- Chili lime salmon
- Jerk chicken kebabs
- Fajita steak rolled wraps
- Coconut shrimp skewers
- BBQ chicken drumsticks
Conclusion
While not as ubiquitous across models as competitor brands, Ninja does offer a rotisserie function on select high-end devices like the Foodi Smart XL Pro Oven series. For other devices, optional accessories can add rotisserie cooking. Taking advantage of even rotating heat, the rotisserie function allows you to achieve juicy, browned results with minimal effort. Perfectly suited for meats and poultry, it’s a worthwhile feature to look for in your next multicooker purchase.