The Ninja sear plate is an accessory designed for use with Ninja Foodi multi-cookers. It allows you to sear meats at high temperatures before pressure cooking or air frying, helping to develop flavorful browning and caramelization. The Ninja sear plate fits into the pot of the Ninja Foodi, replacing the standard crisping lid. It’s made from cast aluminum and features a non-stick coating for easy food release.
Some key things to know about the Ninja sear plate:
Designed Specifically for Ninja Foodi Models
The sear plate is compatible with most models of the Ninja Foodi, including:
| Ninja Foodi OP300 | Ninja Foodi OP301 |
| Ninja Foodi OP302 | Ninja Foodi OP305 |
| Ninja Foodi Deluxe OP400 | Ninja Foodi Deluxe OP401 |
It is not compatible with the Ninja Foodi Grill AG300 series. Make sure to check your specific model number before purchasing. The sear plate should fit perfectly into the inner pot.
Enables High-Temp Searing
The key benefit of the sear plate is that it allows you to sear foods at temperatures up to 500°F. Most multi-cookers only reach a maximum temperature of around 250°F for sautéing. So the sear plate unlocks much higher heat levels for getting a good crust on steaks, chops, etc.
You can preheat the empty sear plate for a few minutes before adding oil and food. This mimics the heat of a cast iron skillet. Then flip or rotate the food halfway through for an evenly browned exterior.
Made From Sturdy Cast Aluminum
Ninja constructed the plate from heavy-duty cast aluminum. This conducts heat efficiently across the entire surface. It also contains a nonstick coating to prevent food from sticking.
The aluminum construction makes the plate durable and long-lasting. It can withstand high heat without warping. The thickness helps retain heat and recover temperature quickly after food is added.
Dishwasher Safe
While cast iron sear plates would require handwashing, this plate from Ninja is dishwasher safe. You can clean it alongside other pots and pans for convenience.
However, you may prefer handwashing to be gentle on the nonstick coating. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Benefits and Features
Here is a more in-depth look at the benefits of using the Ninja Foodi sear plate and key features:
Produces Restaurant-Quality Searing
The Ninja sear plate excels at producing browning and searing similar to what you would get in a commercial kitchen. With the high 500°F temperature, the Maillard reaction occurs rapidly. This produces complex flavors and textures.
Meats get an evenly browned and caramelized exterior full of umami and sweet notes. The high heat also gives vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and peppers appealing charred bits.
Makes Crispy Crusts on Meat, Fish, and More
In addition to searing, the Ninja plate will make crunchy, crispy crusts on foods like:
| Chicken skin | Pork chops |
| Steaks | Fish fillets |
| Chicken wings | Bacon |
The sear plate can achieve crisping and texture that rivals frying. This makes it great for chicken wings, pork belly, fish with skin, and more.
Distributes Heat Evenly
Thanks to the cast aluminum material, the Ninja plate heats up evenly across the entire cooking surface. This prevents cold or hot spots. Food will sear uniformly when you use the plate.
The thickness of the metal also prevents dramatic temperature drops when cold food hits the pan. It rebounds quickly to maintain searing temperature.
Makes Cleanup Simple
The nonstick coating prevents burnt, sticky messes from crusting onto the plate. Most foods will release cleanly after searing or crisping.
Any remaining residue can be soaked and wiped away easily. The dishwasher-safe design also simplifies cleanup.
Saves Money Over Buying Cast Iron
At around $40 retail, the Ninja sear plate costs significantly less than purchasing separate cast iron skillets. It eliminates the need for adding pans to your arsenal.
The nonstick surface also requires less maintenance compared to cast iron. You don’t have to nurture a seasoning layer.
Stores Compactly
When not in use, the plate can be stacked neatly with the other Ninja Foodi cooking accessories. It doesn’t take up much storage space.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure it’s sufficiently cooled before storing to prevent damage. But its slim profile fits conveniently into kitchen cabinets or drawers.
How to Use the Ninja Sear Plate
Using the Ninja sear plate takes just a few simple steps:
Preheat Empty Plate
Set the sear plate into the cooking pot. Close the lid and preheat the Foodi on the Sear/Sauté setting for 5-10 minutes until the plate is smoking hot.
Add Oil and Ingredients
Carefully add just enough oil to coat the surface – usually around 1 tsp – and swirl to distribute evenly.
Immediately add your meat, fish, vegetables or other ingredients in a single layer, without overcrowding.
Sear in Batches
Work in batches to prevent steaming. Don’t overload the plate or else moisture will be released, preventing browning. Sear just a few pieces at a time.
Flip and Repeat
After 2-4 minutes, flip the food using tongs. Sear the other side until caramelized. Remove and repeat with remaining ingredients.
Pressure or Air Fry
Once searing is complete, remove the plate. Attach the pressure cooker lid to finish cooking ingredients using pressure, air fry or other modes.
Deglaze for Sauces
You can make pan sauces by deglazing the sear plate. Add liquid like wine, broth or water and scrape up the browned bits for flavorful gravy.
Tips for Using the Ninja Sear Plate
Follow these tips to get the most out of your Ninja Foodi sear plate:
Pat Foods Dry Beforehand
Make sure meats are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. This helps facilitate browning reactions. Wet meats will steam instead of searing.
Avoid Crowding
Don’t overload the plate with too much food at once. Work in smaller batches for the highest heat and best sear.
Choose Oils with High Smoke Points
Use oils like avocado, vegetable, peanut or grapeseed oil. Avoid unrefined olive oil or butter which can burn from the high heat.
Let Plate Cool Prior to Cleaning
Allow the plate to cool completely before rinsing or immersing in water, to prevent warping. Never put a hot cast iron or aluminum pan into liquid.
Use Wooden Utensils
Use wood or silicone instead of metal utensils when cooking. This protects the nonstick coating from scratches.
Season Before Searing
Season foods with salt, pepper, spices or dry rubs prior to searing. This adds flavor to the surface as it browns.
Common FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Ninja Foodi sear plate:
Is the Ninja Sear Plate Oven-Safe?
No, the sear plate should only be used inside the Ninja Foodi cooker. It is not safe to use for roasting in the oven or under a broiler. It is designed for stovetop searing only up to 500°F.
What is the Warranty on the Ninja Sear Plate?
The sear plate comes with a 60-day limited warranty from the manufacturer. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship. Normal wear and tear or accidental damage is not covered.
How Should the Sear Plate be Cleaned?
It’s best to clean the plate by hand. Allow it to fully cool first before cleaning. Use a soft dish sponge or brush and mild detergent, avoiding abrasive scouring pads. The surface is dishwasher safe but handwashing extends the life of the nonstick coating.
Can You Use Metal Utensils with the Sear Plate?
Metal spatulas, tongs, or serving utensils may scratch the coating. Use wood, plastic, or silicone utensils when cooking to prevent damage to the surface.
Does the Sear Plate Work with Induction Cooktops?
No, the plate is not compatible with induction ranges, only with the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker models it’s designed for. Check your specific Foodi model number for seamless compatibility.
Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi sear plate is a must-have accessory for searing meat and developing deep, flavorful browning. With temperatures up to 500°F, it mimics the heat of restaurant kitchens for superior Maillard reactions.
The cast aluminum plate delivers even heating across the entire surface for consistent results. Its durable construction allows for repeated high-heat usage without warping. Yet it cleans up easily and compactly stores when not in use.
With better searing capabilities, the Ninja plate can help you achieve restaurant-caliber results in your own kitchen. Add it to your pressure cooking arsenal for juicy, tender interiors and crisp, flavorful exteriors.