The Ninja Foodi is an innovative multi-cooker that combines the features of a pressure cooker, air fryer, and microwave oven all in one appliance. With 14 smart programs, the Ninja Foodi makes cooking fast, convenient, and versatile.
The Ninja Foodi has completely revolutionized cooking by integrating different cooking technologies into one device. This eliminates the need for multiple appliances and makes meal preparation much easier. The 14 built-in smart programs provide preset times and temperatures for effortlessly cooking a wide variety of dishes.
14 Functions of the Ninja Foodi
Here are the 14 functions available on the Ninja Foodi and how they work:
Pressure Cook
The Pressure Cook function allows you to prepare foods up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods. It cooks ingredients quickly by raising the internal pressure and temperature. You can make stews, beans, rice, and tough cuts of meat like brisket in a fraction of the usual time.
Steam
The Steam function lets you gently cook foods using steam heat. It’s great for cooking vegetables, seafood, eggs, and delicate foods like dumplings. Steam cooking retains more nutrients compared to other cooking methods.
Slow Cook
The Slow Cook function mimics the even, gradual heat of a conventional slow cooker. Use it to prepare chili, soups, braised meats, and more. The Ninja Foodi’s insulated pot holds in moisture for tender, flavorful meals.
Yogurt
The Yogurt function lets you easily make yogurt right in the Foodi’s pot. Simply add milk and yogurt culture, press Yogurt, and in a few hours you’ll have creamy homemade yogurt.
Sear/Sauté
The Sear/Sauté function allows you to brown and caramelize meats and vegetables before pressure cooking, slow cooking, or steaming. This adds depth of flavor to your dishes.
Air Fry
The Air Fry function works like a convection oven, using super hot air to crisp up breaded foods, fries, chicken wings, and more with little to no oil. The crisping lid must be on for air frying.
Broil
The Broil function directs concentrated heat from the top heating element to perfectly brown casseroles, melt cheeses, and give a nice char to meats and veggies.
Bake/Roast
The Bake/Roast function is ideal for baking cakes, cookies, casseroles, whole chickens, roasts, and more. The all-around heat gives great baking and browning results.
Dehydrate
The Dehydrate function circulates hot air to steadily remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, and meats to create homemade jerky, dried fruit, veggie chips, and more.
Keep Warm
The Keep Warm function automatically switches to low heat to keep your cooked food at the perfect serving temperature for up to 12 hours after cooking completes.
Proof
The Proof function maintains a warm environment perfect for allowing yeast doughs to rise before baking. It proof bread dough, pizza dough, pastries, and more.
Reheat
The Reheat function evenly warms up leftovers, slices of pizza, soups, and more without overcooking. The crisping lid should be on for best results.
Cook
The basic Cook function lets you manually set a precise temperature and time for simple cooking tasks. It’s great for simmering, blanching, and other basic stovetop cooking.
Air Crisp
The Air Crisp function gives you amazingly crisp results thanks to a combination of air frying and broiling heat. It perfectly crisps foods like chicken wings, fries, and veggies.
Benefits of the Ninja Foodi’s Functions
Here are some of the great benefits provided by the Ninja Foodi’s diverse functionality:
- Saves time – Many dishes cook up to 70% faster than traditional methods thanks to pressure cooking and air frying.
- Reduces mess – With everything cooked in one pot, there’s less cleanup required afterwards.
- Saves money – Replaces a long list of appliances so you can declutter your kitchen.
- Retains nutrients – Steam cooking and faster cook times help foods retain more vitamins and minerals.
- Adds flavor – Great searing and charring capabilities bolster flavor in meats and veggies.
- Healthier cooking – Air frying allows you to cook deliciously crispy foods with minimal oil.
- Convenient functions – Proofing, dehydrating, yogurt making, and more, all in one device.
- Versatility – You can pressure cook, steam, air fry, slow cook, sauté and more in a single pot.
Common Dishes You Can Make
With its impressive versatility, the list of meals you can make in the Ninja Foodi is practically endless. Here are some of the most popular dishes people make using the various functions:
| Function | Dishes |
|---|---|
| Pressure Cook | Chili, pot roast, chicken soup, beans, oatmeal, rice, ribs |
| Steam | Fish, vegetables, dumplings, eggs |
| Slow Cook | Pulled pork, beef stew, curries, meatballs in sauce |
| Yogurt | Greek yogurt, Skyr yogurt, labneh |
| Sear/Sauté | Steaks, chops, stir fries, fajitas, onions, peppers |
| Air Fry | Chicken wings, fries, tater tots, burgers, bacon |
| Broil | Pizza, casseroles, bruschetta, garlic bread |
| Bake/Roast | Whole chickens, roasts, bread, cookies, cakes, veggies |
| Dehydrate | Fruit leather, apple chips, jerky, tomato powder, herbs |
| Proof | Bread dough, pizza dough, rolls, pastries |
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ninja Foodi
Here are some handy tips and tricks to maximize the potential of your Ninja Foodi appliance:
- Take advantage of its versatility. Don’t just think of it as a pressure cooker. Use all of its functions like sautéing, broiling, and dehydrating too.
- Use the browning/crisping functions before pressure or slow cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust liquid to get the right consistency. Use less liquid for pressure cooking tougher cuts of meat.
- Use cook times in recipes as a guide and adjust as needed based on your preferences.
- Let pressure release naturally for very tender, fall-off-the-bone meats.
- Use an oven-safe thermometer to check doneness of meats.
- Line the crisping basket with foil or parchment for easier air fryer cleanup.
- Flip or rotate foods halfway during air frying for even browning and crisping.
- Use the broil function to melt and brown cheesy casserole toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pressure cook and air fry at the same time?
No, the Ninja Foodi cannot pressure cook and air fry simultaneously since the pressure cooking requires a sealed pot while air frying relies on airflow. However, you can use the different functions consecutively in the same recipe.
What size is the Ninja Foodi?
The typical Ninja Foodi has a 6.5 quart ceramic-coated pot and 5 quart Cook & Crisp basket. Some models may vary in capacity slightly.
Can you cook a whole chicken in Ninja Foodi?
Yes, the Ninja Foodi is great for cooking whole chickens! You can cook it using the pressure cook function or bake/roast function for tender, juicy, and flavorful results in way less time.
Is the Ninja Foodi easy to clean?
Yes, the Ninja Foodi is designed for easy cleanup. The pot, crisping basket, and lid are all dishwasher safe. The ceramic-coated surfaces are nonstick and help prevent food from sticking while cooking.
Conclusion
With its 14 smart programs that include pressure cook, air fry, dehydrate, and more, the Ninja Foodi is an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance. It can prepare a huge range of everyday dishes far more quickly and conveniently than conventional cooking. From whole roasted chickens to perfectly crisped fries, steamed veggies to fresh yogurt, the Ninja Foodi puts convenient cooking at your fingertips.