The Ninja Foodi is a popular multi-functional pressure cooker that can also air fry, steam, slow cook, sauté, bake, broil, and more. One of the features of the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker is the “natural release” setting. This refers to the process of allowing the pressure to come down naturally inside the pot after cooking, before manually releasing any remaining pressure and opening the lid. Here is a detailed look at what natural release means on the Ninja Foodi and why it’s an important part of pressure cooking.
How Does the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cook?
The Ninja Foodi uses pressure cooking technology to cook food faster while maintaining moisture and flavor. Here’s a quick overview of how pressure cooking works:
- Food and liquid are added to the inner pot of the Ninja Foodi.
- The lid is locked into place to seal the inner pot.
- As the Foodi heats up, the liquid inside forms steam which has nowhere to escape due to the sealed lid.
- The trapped steam builds up pressure inside the inner pot.
- Higher pressure allows the liquid to reach temperatures above the normal boiling point.
- The food cooks faster due to the hotter steam and pressure forcing moisture into the food.
The pressure level inside the Foodi can reach up to 15 PSI (pounds per square inch) depending on the pressure cooking program selected. This allows food to cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
What is a Natural Release?
After the Ninja Foodi has finished pressure cooking, you cannot immediately open the lid. This is because there is still built up pressure inside the inner pot that needs to be properly released before unlocking the lid. There are two ways to release the pressure:
- Natural release – Allowing the pressure to come down naturally over time inside the pot.
- Quick release – Manually releasing the remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve.
A natural release means you don’t force the pressure out by turning the valve. Instead, you let the Foodi sit with the keep warm setting off and allow the pressure to naturally come down on its own inside the sealed pot over roughly 10-15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of food and liquid.
Benefits of Natural Release
There are a few key reasons why natural release is recommended for most foods when using the Ninja Foodi or any electric pressure cooker:
- Prevents splattering – Quick releasing can cause food particles to splatter upwards.
- Less moisture loss – Natural release retains more moisture and flavor.
- Less risk of clogging valve – Thick sauces or foaming foods can clog the quick release valve.
- Easier pressure control – Natural release reduces chances of accidentally releasing pressure too quickly.
- No work required – You simply wait for the pressure to come down on its own.
Foods That Require Natural Release
Here are some examples of foods that typically require allowing a natural release for best results:
- Soups, stews, chilis
- Beans, lentils, grains like rice, quinoa, etc.
- Cheesecakes, custards
- Puddings, oatmeal
- Foods with higher fat/oil content
- Foaming foods like applesauce
Ninja Foodi pressure cooking charts and recipes will indicate whether natural release is recommended. If in doubt, natural release is the safer choice.
Foods That Require Quick Release
Here are some examples of foods that should be quick released instead of natural release:
- Vegetables
- Fish
- Eggs
- Some meats depending on cut size and fat content
Quick release is typically used for lighter foods that don’t require further cooking or thickening after pressure cooking. Quick release immediately stops the cooking process which prevents overcooking.
How to Do a Natural Pressure Release on the Ninja Foodi
Follow these simple steps for natural release after pressure cooking:
- When the Ninja Foodi has finished pressure cooking, allow it to sit undisturbed with the keep warm setting off.
- Do not manually release pressure by turning the pressure release valve.
- Pressure will start dropping naturally inside the sealed pot over the next 10-15 minutes usually.
- The float valve will eventually drop indicating pressure has been fully released.
- Once the float valve drops, you can safely turn the lid to unlock and open the Foodi.
- Carefully open lid away from you to avoid any remaining steam.
Be patient and don’t try to rush the natural release. The timing will vary based on the quantity and type of ingredients. Warming the pressure cooker during natural release is not recommended as it can prolong the process.
Signs Pressure Has Released
Here are signs that the Ninja Foodi has naturally released all the pressure:
- The float valve drops into the lid.
- No hissing sound when valve is turned.
- The lid can be rotated to unlock.
- Condensation has stopped forming on the lid.
Releasing Remaining Pressure After Natural Release
In some cases, there may be a little remaining pressure after the natural release that needs to be manually quick released. Here is how to release any remaining pressure:
- After natural release is complete, turn pressure release valve to the “Vent” position to let out steam.
- Steam will release gradually, not abruptly.
- Keep turning the release valve until no more steam comes out.
- Wait a few seconds then you can open lid.
Only turn the pressure valve after allowing initial natural release first, not before.
What if Quick Release is Required?
If a recipe calls for quick release instead of natural release, follow these steps:
- Once pressure cooking is complete, turn the pressure release valve to “Vent” immediately.
- Steam will rush out from the valve.
- Keep valve in venting position until the float valve drops down.
- Allow any residual steam to release then unlock and open lid.
Take caution when quick releasing due to the hot steam being released. Always keep hands, face and body away from the steam vent.
Tips for Natural Release on the Ninja Foodi
Here are some useful tips for successfully implementing natural release with your Ninja Foodi:
- Let Foodi sit for full natural release time, at least 10-15 minutes.
- Don’t rush the process or try to open the lid too soon.
- Turn off keep warm mode to allow Foodi to cool down faster.
- Do a combination release for thick liquids or large cuts of meat.
- Let pressure drop until float valve is halfway then quick release remaining pressure.
- Allow foods to rest for 5-10 minutes after opening lid before serving.
Common Questions about Natural Release on the Ninja Foodi
Is it safe to let the Ninja Foodi naturally release overnight?
It is not recommended to leave the Ninja Foodi unattended overnight during the natural release process. The safest approach is to start the natural release just before going to bed and then finish up the process in the morning if needed. Check that the float valve has dropped before opening lid.
How long does natural release take on the Ninja Foodi?
The time for natural release can vary from 10-40 minutes. Average natural release time is around 15 minutes. Factors like amount of food, ingredients and pressure level impact how long natural release takes.
Can I speed up natural release?
You cannot force natural release to go faster. The only way is using quick release instead, but this is not recommended for most recipes. Putting the Ninja Foodi under running cool water can help condense steam, but this is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Should I natural release every time I use my Ninja Foodi?
You should use natural release any time a recipe calls for it, which is typically for denser foods like meats, beans, grains, etc. Quick release can be used for quicker cooking foods like vegetables. Get in the habit of natural releasing first whenever unsure.
Do I have to stand and watch during natural release?
No, you do not need to actively monitor the Foodi during natural release time. Leave it undisturbed and come back to check on it after 10-15 minutes. Just don’t leave for extended periods of time in case all the pressure doesn’t properly release.
Conclusion
Natural release is an important part of pressure cooking with the Ninja Foodi for most recipes. Allowing the pressure to come down over time before opening the lid results in better moisture retention, more flavor, and prevents splattering. Get in the habit of using natural release as your default unless a quick release is specified. With some trial and error, you’ll master the natural release timing for different foods in your Ninja Foodi.