Pressure cooker and air fryer

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Pressure Cooker Review

We've published previous Ninja Foodi reviews, like for the air fry oven and the original multicooker model with dual lids, and have been largely impressed by their functionality.

That's what made us excited to dig into the latest model, with all its updated features and single lid, and see if it's worth making counter space for.

About the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer

Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

The latest Ninja Foodi multicooker offers 14 cooking functions.

The latest Ninja multicooker model builds off of its predecessor, with even more functionality and convenience.

It features 14 cooking functions:

Air fry
Bake/roast
Broil
Pressure
Sear/sauté
Slow cook
Sous vide
Steam
Steam and bake
Steam and crisp
Proof
Yogurt
Dehydrate
Keep warm

This model also comes with four handy accessories: the Smart Thermometer, two layered reversible racks, an eight-quart cooking pot, and a Cook & Crisp basket. The racks, pot, and basket are all dishwasher safe, with the pot and basket featuring a nonstick ceramic coating that's PTFE/PFOA-safe.

How we tested

Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

Our kitchen writer put the Foodi through several rounds of testing to gauge how well it functions.

Given that a multicooker boasts several different features, we put this appliance through a number of tests to get a full picture of its functionality.

First, we tested the air fry feature to cook a batch of fried chicken and compared the results to traditional deep-fried chicken, as well as oven-baked chicken. The results were almost comparable to our deep-fried recipe. The chicken had a satisfying crunch but remained tantalizingly juicy on the inside.

We also used the air fry feature to cook a batch of frozen French fries and chicken nuggets, monitoring results for even cooking and crispiness.

We then made batches of risotto, vegetarian chili, homemade yogurt, crusty bread, and slow cooked pulled chicken to get a feel for the wide range of Foodi features.

Finally, we used the Steam & Crisp function to make two full meals: Chicken fajitas with peppers and rice, and salmon with broccoli and quinoa.

During testing, we also took note of how long things like preheating took, how helpful the accompanying manual/recipe book was, and how easy the parts were to clean.

What we like

Credit: Reviewed / Monica Petrucci

From homemade yogurt, to one-pot fajitas, to stovetop sauteing, the Ninja Foodi functions seem endless.

Its capabilities are vast

This one-stop-shop appliance can replace several space-stealing appliances. It can sous vide fish, proof dough, dehydrate fruit, ferment yogurt, and countless other tasks that you may not have expected yourself to be capable of at home.

Other multicookers we've tested have offered some of these functions, but this machine goes above and beyond in offering a much wider range—all under one lid.

The previous Foodi multicooker we tested required switching between two lids: one for air frying and crisping, and the other for pressure cooking and steaming. This new model nixes that inconvenience, and replaces it with a SmartLid slider, where you can easily switch between Pressure, SteamCrisp, and Stovetop/Air Fry settings.

And with an interface that I found to be user-friendly and intuitive, navigating the countless cooking functions wasn't intimidating.

The Steam & Crisp function works wonders

Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

The air fried chicken we made in the Foodi was delicious, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

My favorite feature of the Foodi was the Steam & Crisp setting. Similar to the TenderCrisp function on the previous model, this can be used to cook anything from produce to protein, leaving food crispy on the outside but still juicy and tender on the inside.

We used it to make a batch of chicken fajitas, with the Deluxe Reversible Rack separating rice on the bottom, peppers and onions in the middle, and chicken on top. In just 20 minutes, the rice absorbed liquid and seasoning efficiently (without overcooking), peppers and onions softened, and the chicken became juicy on the inside with a satisfying crispy exterior.

We saw similar results when cooking a meal of quinoa, broccoli, and salmon. When the machine was done, the quinoa was tender, the broccoli roasted, and the salmon tender and golden-crisp.

The probe thermometer is convenient and works well

Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

The Smart Thermometer is a clever addition to the Foodi that makes perfectly cooked proteins an easy feat.

The Foodi model we tested comes with a built-in Smart Thermometer, which can be used to cook protein to an exact temperature. There are also associated automatic programs to cook protein according to desired doneness. Just insert the probe, decide between rare and well done (or somewhere in between), and the Foodi does the rest.

We tried it on the Fish setting at Medium for our salmon-quinoa-broccoli dish, and the resulting fish had a crispy brown exterior while the inside was tender and almost falling apart (just how we like it).

There are also thermometer settings for beef, lamb, pork, and chicken/turkey. Once the thermometer is inserted (both into the meat and into the plug under the lid), choosing the protein type and preferred doneness on the screen takes just seconds. You set it, and the Foodi will tell you when it's ready.

It's easy to clean

Most times, the worst part of cooking dinner is the clean-up. Typically a meal that includes protein, grains, and veggies requires several pots and pans, and sometimes they even need to be hand washed.

Luckily, all accessories that come with this multicooker—the reversible rack, cooking pot, and Cook & Crisp basket—can be tossed in the dishwasher after use. Since they all have that ceramic nonstick coating, they're incredibly easy to rinse off beforehand.

Everything I cooked took just seconds and some hot water to remove residue from the surface. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and quick clean-up was each and every time.

What we don't like

Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

Without a helpful manual, I struggled to appropriately assemble the reversible rack at first.

The instruction booklet falls short

I found myself struggling to get accustomed to how this machine works, at first. The provided booklet wasn't as helpful as I would've liked. It doesn't include photo diagrams describing each piece of the machine, so I had to dig through the Ninja website to find the full manual, which was more helpful. (It took a lot of searching for the Smart Thermometer—which was tucked away discreetly on the side—before I finally caved to look online.)

There were other instructions that were lacking as well, like an explanation of how the steam knob works, and certain core recipes (like how to make yogurt—I had to find that online, too) that disappointed me about the included booklet.

When you consider that some folks may not be as tech savvy—or have access to the internet at all—it's much more crucial to include all the user information in the provided booklet, rather than hidden somewhere online.

Some provided recipes were mediocre

Credit: Reviewed / Monica Petrucci

The risotto and bread recipes that came in the Foodi's manual were disappointing.

While some recipes in the Foodi cookbook were missing altogether, others were underwhelming.

The risotto, for example, was mushy and lacking in flavor. I was already skeptical upon reading that the recipe could be made in one pot in just 10 minutes, since risotto isn't typically known for being quick and low maintenance.

Unsurprisingly, the rice was not al dente, and the recipe lacked ingredients that I'm used to adding in my risotto—like onions, wine, and butter—which resulted in a meh flavor. The consistency was also less creamy and more watery.

I was disappointed by the provided recipe for crusty bread, too. While it was easy enough to follow the instructions—thanks to the handy proofing function—the results for the recipe underwhelmed. The loaf was flat, parts of the inside seemed undercooked, and the crust was thin and lacking any satisfying crunch.

If you want to get into making bread at home—and are looking for an easy beginner's recipe—we recommend using a Dutch oven instead.

Should you buy the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer?

Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

Cooking dinner with the Steam & Crisp function means easy prep, easy clean-up, and tasty results.

Yes!

The few downsides we noticed when testing the Ninja Foodi—like the lacking user manual and provided recipes—could all be redeemed with trial and error.

Thanks to an entire online community of Foodi customers (and the Ninja Test Kitchen), there are plenty of methods and recipes to experiment with in order to make sure you get the most out of this appliance.

And given that the options are virtually endless when it comes to making large-portioned and balanced meals in the Foodi, we think it's worth the plunge. Especially given its professional-grade meal results, easy-to-clean parts, and wide ranging functionality.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the tester

Monica Petrucci

Senior Staff Writer, Kitchen & Cooking

@monicatpetrucci

Monica is Reviewed's senior Kitchen & Cooking staff writer and an avid home cook; she's been testing a wide range of kitchen products at Reviewed for over a year. Previously the Digital Editor at Culture Cheese Magazine (and a former barista), she's also had her work published in The Boston Globe, Modern Luxury, Boston Magazine, and more.

See all of Monica Petrucci's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

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The Combination Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker

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As home chefs who are always looking for the next best kitchen gadget, we’ve cracked the code when it comes to our favorite appliances. This includes the best air fryers and pressure cookers, and the handy accessories to go with them.

But, what if we told you there was one multi-cooker powerhouse that combined all the best features of these buzz-worthy appliances? Yes, true love does exist and goes by the name, Ninja Foodi. Our Test Kitchen loves that it saves money by not having to buy multiple gadgets—and we know you’ll love it, too. Here’s everything you need to know about this genius multi-cooker.

What is the Ninja Foodi?

Basically, it’s the kitchen appliance of our dreams. With nine cooking methods, the Ninja Foodi is an air fryer, pressure cooker, broiler, dehydrator, slow cooker and steamer all in one. Though it boasts all the features of our favorite pressure cookers, the included air crisping lid is truly what sets it apart. It solves meal time pain points—like forgetting to defrost meat—by perfectly crisping or roasting frozen foods in a flash. Not to mention its nonstick components make cleanup a cinch.

If you’re not familiar with multi-cookers, allow us to introduce you. Not only are they a quick cooking method where you hardly have to lift a finger, the flavor they offer is unmatched. Since multi-cookers are covered, flavors don’t evaporate like they would by cooking over the stove. Plus, they cut down on cleaning time by not using multiple pots and pans.

Product Features

Nine cooking functions
6.5-quart ceramic coated pot
4-quart ceramic coated cook and crisp basket
Pressure lid
Crisping lid
Reversible steam and broil rack
Cooks up to 70% faster
Nonstick
PTFE/PFOA-free
Comes with recipe book

How to Use the Ninja Foodi

Once you’ve narrowed down the recipe you wish to cook (like these air-fryer recipes), assemble the Ninja Foodi with the appropriate cooking accessories. For example, if you’re making air-fryer French fries, you’ll want to use the included crisping lid—not the pressure lid. Or, if roasting an entire chicken, place it on the included stainless steel rack.

Once the ingredients and necessary components are set, all it takes is hitting the cooking button of your choice. You can also customize the temperature and cooking time, too.

Taste of Home‘s Senior Food Stylist, Shannon Norris, tested the Ninja Foodi and was impressed with its air-frying and pressure-cooking abilities. “I tried out the air-fryer lid with a frozen chicken patty and it worked really well!” shares Shannon. “The insert is nonstick and a little wider than most, allowing you to easily fit things like a whole chicken.”

The only downside? Shannon notes she had difficulty sautéing veggies using the sauté function. “The device took the longest to sauté my veggies as it doesn’t get as hot as other multi-cooker models.” Fortunately, there is a way to brown veggies and meats with the broiler function. “On a whim, I tried the broiler option and that worked really well to brown pork! Then I went back to sauté when I added the veggies. So, there is at least one way to brown items before using the pressure or slow-cook function.”

All in all, Shannon recommends the Ninja Foodi for any foodie who wants the convenience of both an air fryer and pressure cooker. “The only function I tested that I wasn’t impressed with was the sauté feature, but I think the other features make up for it.”

The Best Amazon User Reviews

Our Test Kitchen pros aren’t the only ones who love the Ninja Foodi. Here’s why more than 1,500 five-star reviewers love the multi-cooker:

David, a verified Amazon reviewer, calls the Ninja Foodi his favorite kitchen appliance: “I have a living situation which makes it hard to consistently use a conventional oven to prepare and cook food. This air fryer and pressure cooker has been a life saver. It’s easy to use, not extremely hard to move, and cleaning the device is very easy! It has plenty of extra attachments, and the included recipe book with cooking times for almost any food you would want to make has been very helpful!”

“I’ve used this almost every day since getting it for Christmas!” shares Crystal Kimball, a verified Amazon reviewer. “It’s so easy and quick. Most things can go in frozen and is ready in less than an hour!”

“I love my Ninja Foodie!” adds verified Amazon reviewer, Lynn Wilkinson. “Food comes out juicy and tender. I love making chicken then using the crisper to crisp up the skin. I have cooked Italian sausage from frozen solid to perfection in just 20 minutes!”

Where to Buy the Ninja Foodi

via merchant

This genius multi-cooker is available on Amazon where it goes for $250. If you’ve had your eyes set on a new air fryer or pressure cooker, take this as your sign to invest in the Ninja Foodi. The hardest part is deciding what you’ll whip up first!

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Pressure cooker or air grill: what to choose?

according to Jost Nusselder Updated: August 23, 2022

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Kitchen appliances are getting more and more advanced. People are always looking for home appliances with multiple functions, and the same can be said for cookware.

So, today I will break down pressure cooker vs deep fryer to discuss and give you the pros and cons of each!

Pressure cookers have been on the market for a long time. On the other hand, deep fryers have caused a lot of hype lately.

Both are similar but different cooking methods. Thus, you will have questions like “would a deep fryer be healthier?” or “Can it replace a pressure cooker?”

If you have these questions, keep reading to find out what it's like to buy an air fryer or pressure cooker.

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Pressure cooker pros and cons

Pros

This is a healthy way to conserve nutrients. Steaming helps retain nutrients compared to other cooking methods such as frying.
Thanks to the pressure, large quantities of food can be cooked at one time. You can add as many ingredients as you like to speed up the cooking process. It can cook 1/3 times faster than any other appliance.
Since it can hold all the ingredients in one go, you also save energy. The faster you cook, the lower your energy bill.
Pressure cookers are unattended. As a result, they are easy to use. You can simply put it on the stove and wait for the pressure to automatically release.

Cons

While easy to use, keeping track of your food can be tricky. The container must be sealed to keep the steam. So you can't check how the food is being prepared. If you haven't measured and added ingredients, you'll have to start from scratch.
Pressure cookers are expensive.
If there is a problem with the pressure cooker, such as a broken seal, this can be very dangerous. Hot steam and high pressure can harm people standing around the stove.

Airfryer pros and cons

Pros

Easy to store due to compact design.
This is available.
With just one tablespoon of oil, deep fryers can make your food crispy. Less oil also means less sodium and cholesterol in fried foods.
Fast blow technology cooks food quickly. This saves time for heating and cooking.
Like the pressure cooker, the air fryer is just as efficient. Its fast engine cooks in record time and saves money on bills.

Cons

Affordable fryer will be small. There may not be enough capacity to prepare meals for your family.
The fryer cooks your food at 300-400 F. So you have to keep an eye on it during the cooking process. If you don't understand the settings, you risk burning your food.
Less oil can affect the taste of food. Cooking too long can also make food taste dry. Since we are used to the air fryer, it may take a few tries to get used to the taste.

Key differences between a pressure cooker and an air fryer

By now you have a basic understanding of how each can benefit you. To better understand the controversy between pressure cooker and deep fryer, we also need to highlight the key differences.

Cooking method

Both appliances cook food at a high temperature. But how they reach those temperatures sets them apart.

Only foods that contain liquid can be cooked in the pressure cooker. In addition to oil, the liquid can be water or broth. As soon as the pan is on the stove, the liquid begins to boil.

Steam from boiling remains sealed in this container, creating pressure. The pressure is released and this high pressure cooks the food.

Fryer comes with internal fan technology that delivers fast and dry air. When food is exposed to the heat of this air, it begins to cook. You only need a tablespoon of oil to bring out the flavor!

Capacity

Pressure cookers and air fryers are available in a wide range of sizes.

Starting from 1 litre, pressure cookers can reach 35-40 litres. This means that the capacity is 22 liters.

Fryer capacity can vary from 1 to 16 liters; the standard size is 3-5 liters and can hold 2-4 liters.

Large fryers can be large enough to fry a whole chicken. But that doesn't come close to the huge capacity of a pressure cooker.

Food

The capacity and cooking method explains a lot about what kind of food they prepare.

Pressure cookers rely on steam. They require at least 1-2 glasses of water to prepare. So anything that involves water, such as rice, stew and beans, can be cooked in a pressure cooker.

As the name suggests, the deep fryer is designed for cooking fried foods. It uses dry heat and oil to make food crispier. This includes french fries, chicken nuggets, drumsticks, and so on.

final verdict

The final verdict of the pressure cooker versus deep fryer debate is that neither can replace the other. Both have their benefits. So your choice will depend on your needs.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying your food, this deep fryer is the one for you. And if you want nutritious homemade food, then a pressure cooker is the best option.

Both appliances provide efficient cooking methods. So you can combine both instead of picking one! Thus, your dishes will be even tastier.

Check out our new

Bitemybun Family Cookbook with a complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Jost Nusselder, founder of Bite My Bun, is a content marketer, dad, and loves trying new dishes based on Japanese food, and has been with his team since 2016 creates in-depth blog articles to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.

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Pressure cooker and air fryer

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Pressure Cooker Review

About the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer

How we tested

What we like

Its capabilities are vast

The Steam & Crisp function works wonders

The probe thermometer is convenient and works well

It's easy to clean

What we don't like

The instruction booklet falls short

Some provided recipes were mediocre

Related content

Should you buy the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer?

Yes!

Meet the tester

Checking our work.

The Combination Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker

What is the Ninja Foodi?

Product Features

How to Use the Ninja Foodi

The Best Amazon User Reviews

Where to Buy the Ninja Foodi

Popular Videos

Pressure cooker or air grill: what to choose?

Pressure cooker pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Airfryer pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Key differences between a pressure cooker and an air fryer

Cooking method

Capacity

Food

final verdict

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