Ninja Foodi and Ninja Foodi Deluxe Pressure Cooker Reviews
New for 2019, Shark has added an 8-quart Ninja Foodi Deluxe to its pressure cooker / air fryer line-up! Check out my complete Ninja Foodi Reviews to see which one is right for you.
The Ninja Foodi is a pressure cooker and air fryer that can also be used as an oven, steamer, roaster, dehydrator, and slow cooker.
Ninja’s idea is to give you TenderCrisp foods from one appliance. To achieve this, the Ninja has two lids: a detachable pressure cooking lid for tenderness and a non-removable crisping lid. (More on the lids in the reviews below.)
In 2019, Ninja came out with the new Ninja Foodi Deluxe 8-quart. The new Foodi Deluxe has a new stainless steel finish. They’ve completely changed up the user interface to a use center dial and large LCD screen. It also features a larger cooking capacity and a new yogurt button.
❇️ Just Bought a New Ninja Foodi? Read through this review for the basics of your machine, then hop over to my Getting Started Guide to get pressure cooking in your new Foodi! I’ll walk you through everything!
Ninja sent me both versions to test drive. Despite the differences in display, many of the features still work the same, so I’ll start the post with my review of the original Ninja Foodi.
However, if you’re looking for something specific, feel free to skip around the post!
- Jump down to my review of the Ninja Foodi Deluxe
- Read about my experiences Testing the Ninja Foodi and Ninja Foodi Deluxe
- Final Conclusion and Recommendations
The Original Ninja Foodi and the Foodi Deluxe 8-quart are available on Amazon, as well as in stores. Or, you can buy it directly from Ninja.
Original Ninja Foodi Review
The Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker is easy to operate. It works similarly to the Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers. If you’re looking for Ninja Foodi Recipes, all of the pressure cooking recipes in my cookbook and on my site work in the Foodi.
Get the Original Ninja Foodi OP300 User Manual.
Ninja Foodi Specs
6.5 quart: 1400 watts, 14.3 inches L x 16.8 inches W x 13.1 inches H, 25.8 pounds
8 quart: 1700 watts, 14.3 inches L x 16.8 inches W x 14.1 inches H, 26 pounds
What You’ll Love
- The Original Ninja Foodi is well made and sturdy.
- The Foodi has a very nice display window that tells you what’s going on in the pot, how much time is left, and hints to shut the lid.
- Blue lights on the display rotate in a square while it the Foodi is pressurizing and they stop rotating when it has reached pressure.
- The instruction manual included with the Foodi was helpful and easy to follow.
- A cookbook is included as well as a cooking cheat sheet for commonly cooked items
- A Cook & Crisp basket and a reversible rack that works in high and low positions are included.
- The ceramic nonstick coating on the pot seems well made (some prefer ceramic to stainless steel).
- The air fryer does a great job of crisping up foods.
- The air fryer time counts down and shuts off after the time is up, so you don’t have to stay in the room to shut it off.
- The pot is a bit shorter and wider than the Instant Pot (I assume so you get more surface area for better browning), so you can easily fit four custard cups in the pot without having to stack them on top of each other. Great for desserts (such as creme brulee) or for making individual portions (such as egg muffins).
What You Need to Know Before Buying
- The Ninja Foodi TenderCrisp Pressure Cooker is a big and heavy machine, so you’ll need to have a big space available to use it.
- The crisping lid (air fryer lid) is hinged and not removable. You need room for the crisping lid to be open while using the pressure cooking lid. The attached air fryer lid means you can’t cook with the Foodi on a counter under your cabinets.
- The Foodi electrical cord is only 33 inches in length, so you’ll need to be close to an outlet to use it. (The instructions say not to use an extension cord.)
- The pressure release valve on the Foodi is short and a little more difficult than the Instant Pot to maneuver without bringing your skin into contact with the steam.
- Hot air comes out from the back of the unit as it’s air frying, so you’ll need to place it away from walls and cabinets.
- Many accessories that fit in most 6-quart pressure cookers will be too tall to use in the Foodi.
- The beep at the end when your time is up is not very loud and not adjustable.
Ninja Foodi Deluxe Review
Currently, the Ninja Foodi deluxe is only available in an 8-quart size. Like the original, the Foodi Deluxe is easy to operate. The pressure cooking function is similar to the Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers.
If you’re looking for Ninja Foodi Recipes, all of the pressure cooking recipes in my cookbook and on my site work in the Foodi.
Get the Ninja Foodi Deluxe FD401 User Manual.
Specs: 1760 watts, 16.1 inches L x 14.6 inches W x 14.3 inches H, 26 pounds
What You’ll Love about the Ninja Deluxe
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe offers all the great functions included in the original Ninja Foodi, The Ninja Foodi Deluxe also has the following new features
New Finish and Dial
The stainless steel exterior is pretty and looks more sleek and sophisticated. The enhanced user interface features a large center dial that makes setting the time and temperature easier.
Larger Cooking Capacity
The larger 8-quart cooking pot comes with a 5-quart Cook & Crisp basket. I love that it lets you cook for a bigger group. The 8-qt. cooking pot is nonstick and easy to hand-wash. The 5-quart Cook & Crisp basket is ceramic-coated, dishwasher safe, and holds up to a 7-pound chicken.
You can see in the picture below how much bigger the Deluxe basket is compared to the one that came with the original 6.5-quart Ninja Foodi.
New Yogurt Function
Ninja added a yogurt function to the Ninja Foodi Deluxe. (My Instant Pot Yogurt recipe will work well in the Foodi Deluxe.)
Other Great Features
The two-piece rack is reversible and stackable so you can accommodate more food when steaming, broiling or air frying.
The lid is easier to align, thanks to the white line on the housing and the pressure cooking lid. This helps you more easily put the pressure cooking lid in place.
The Ninja Deluxe Pressure Cooker has a black sealing ring, which helps it stand out from other pressure cooker rings. (This is especially useful if you have more than one brand.)
The beeping sounds are louder on the new Deluxe.
What You’ll Need to Know Before Buying
It’s Still Heavy
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe is still quite heavy, weighing in at 26 pounds. Since the crisping lid still isn’t removable, you’ll have to lift that weight each time you move or clean it. The non-removable lid also makes it difficult to fit under cupboards.
No Progress Bar
The bigger LCD screen is nice. It says [Pre] when the pressure cooker is coming to pressure which is great, so you know what’s going on in the pot.
However, it has three columns of flashing lights that do not correspond to the progress coming to pressure. I would have preferred a progress bar like some of the new electric pressure cookers have.
Time Counts in Minutes and Seconds
Another thing to be aware of when pressure cooking, the display counts down in minutes and seconds, not hours and minutes like the Instant Pot and many other pressure cookers.
Testing the Ninja Foodi
When I received the first Foodi, I’d never used an air fryer before, so I also sent a Foodi to my good friend and one of the moderators of my Pressure Cooker Facebook Group, Genene, to test. Genene loves cooking with her electric pressure cookers and she has a couple of air fryers that she uses on a regular basis in conjunction with her pressure cookers, so I knew she’d be able to tell me how the Foodi stacks up.
We both agree that it’s nice having only one appliance that can do two things, but there are drawbacks as well. The biggest drawback is that the air frying lid / crisping lid is not removable. The crisping lid stays in the open position while you’re pressure cooking. Genene felt the crisping lid was in the way when she was using the saute feature to saute vegetables before pressure cooking.
The pressure cooking lid is a separate, detachable lid, so you’ll need room in your pantry or kitchen to store it.
Making Ninja Foodi Roast Chicken
The first thing I cooked in my Foodi was a roast chicken. I used the recipe that was in the recipe book that is included with the Foodi. The recipe called for a 4 to 5 pound chicken. The smallest chicken my store had was 5.5 lbs. It was a little bit too tall for the Foodi, but it fit in the crisping basket fine.
The chicken was a little too close to the top and there were lines on the chicken leg where it touched the crisping lid.
The recipe called for cooking it in the Cook and Crisp Basket. It’s great that the basket is included with the Foodi. The holes in the bottom of the basket make it great for pressure steaming food, as well as crisping up food using the crisping lid. My only complaint about the basket is that the legs have lots of crevices that are difficult to clean.
The Herb-Roasted Chicken recipe has you add lemon juice, hot water, honey, peppercorns, kosher salt, fresh thyme, and garlic to the pressure cooking pot. I found the flavorful ingredients in the bottom of the pot didn’t really infuse the chicken with flavor. I added some fresh rosemary to the recipe and my husband said he could taste the rosemary a little, but I couldn’t really taste the lemon, thyme or honey.
If I made the recipe again, I would probably make a compound butter and put it under the skin rather than rely on the pressure cooking liquid to flavor the chicken.
However, I was surprised just how crisp the skin on the chicken was after the 15 minutes of air crisp time. The manual says to removing the pressure cooking liquid from the bottom of the pot for best results, but the skin was crackly crisp even without removing the pressure cooking liquid.
My chicken wasn’t as tender as I’d like, so I probably should have increased the pressure cook time more than 2 extra minutes.
Making Ninja Foodi Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
There was a Pepperoni Pizza Pasta in the Foodi recipe book. Since I also have a Pepperoni Pizza Pasta recipe in my cookbook, The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook, I thought it would be fun to give their version a try.
After pressure cooking the noodles and sauce for 6 minutes, you top it with cheese and pepperoni. Then you use the air fryer lid to melt and brown the cheese. The cheese browned a little more than I usually like. However, I liked that you can lift up the air fryer lid any time while it’s cooking. The blower pauses while the lid is raised and you can check and see if you want more or less browning.
While it was great to be able to melt and brown the cheese in the same pot, the disadvantage is that you don’t have as much surface area as you would in a 9×13 pan to spread the cheese out over the pasta. Also, it makes a big pot of pasta. I had a leftovers that I store in the pressure cooking pot in the fridge, so the inner pot wasn’t available to cook something the next day without transferring it to another dish.
Get my version of the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Pasta recipe.
Testing Out Other Foods in the Ninja Foodi
The first recipe Genene made was the Baked Macaroni & Cheese recipe from the Foodi cookbook. Genene said it seemed like a lot of liquid prior to the Air Crisp time of 7 minutes. But it’s the perfect amount of liquid after air frying; the noodles absorb the liquid as the topping browns.
An interesting twist on this mac and cheese recipe is you start it with lemon juice and baking soda, cook it for 0 minutes and let the noodles finish cooking during a 10 minute natural release. The noodles were softer than Genene likes, so the next time she would reduce the natural release time to 8 minutes. Both she and her husband enjoyed the mac and cheese recipe.
Genene also baked biscuits, Louisiana Battered Flounder, and Frozen Curly Fries using the crisping lid; all crisped up beautifully. She tested the pressure cooker by making hard boiled eggs, and the timing for hard boiled eggs was exactly the same as in her Instant Pot.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ninja Foodi is a great all-in-one product. It does an excellent job of pressure cooking and an excellent job of air frying. Genene and I were both impressed.
However, despite these benefits, if you have a small kitchen, the Ninja Foodi is probably not right for you.
On the other hand, if you have the space and have been considering buying a pressure cooker and an air fryer, you’ll be pleased with the quality of the Foodi. It is nice having one appliance that does both. The picture shown above is the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake from my cookbook. I love being able to pressure cook the meal and then finish it off with a golden brown, crunchy topping without dirtying another pan or turning on the oven.
The Foodi Deluxe with its increased capacity and easier to use dial is a great option if you’re cooking for a larger family.
Members of my Facebook Group have bought the Ninja Foodi and are loving it. There’s also a Ninja Foodi Facebook Group.
All of my pressure cooking recipes will work well in the Foodi. Start with these Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes. My Getting Started post has great information about using a pressure cooker. You’ll also want some cookbooks and accessories to have even more fun with your new Foodi.
Disclosure: I was sent a Ninja Foodi and Ninja Foodi Deluxe to review, but all opinions expressed are always my own.
Still Trying to Figure Out Which Pressure Cooker to Buy? Here Are More of My Pressure Cooker Reviews to Help You Decide
Instant Pot Max Review
Breville The Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker Review
Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker Review
Instant Pot Duo Mini Review
Instant Pot Duo Plus Review
Instant Pot Ultra Review
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Love the versatility of this machine however!!!
This is a very heavy machine. You need a space to put it and leave it. The hinged lid does not have a latch so when you carry it, the lid opens up and pinches you fingers holding the handle. (I feel this is a defect that needs to be addressed). The steam release knob is small and I have burned my fingers many times trying to release steam. (Another poor design) There is no preheat setting which many recipes call for preheated oven!
All in all the machine is to big and very cumbersome! We will look for something that is easier to use. This machine is not a recommend buy.
Hi Mike – sorry you’re disappointed. I agree, how big and heavy it is can be a problem if you don’t have space for it.
Do you lessen the pressure cooking time for a lesser amount of ingredients?
Hi Barbara – generally you do not change the cook time when using a lesser amount of ingredients. The exception is when meat is half as thick, then you do to shorten the cook time.
I use mine daily the only complaint I have is trying to clean the heating element it is not removable and gets caked with grease.
I have one of these, and have followed lots of recipes for roast chicken in this one and can not get the skin crispy.
The chicken is cooked beautifully but the skin never crisps.
The same with fries – I end up putting those in the oven to crisp them up
Any ideas on what I might be doing wrong?
I am not sure how to use my air fryer ninja for slow cooking. the only button is has says “slow Cooker Yogurt.” How do I make a dish where I want to slow cook ALL day? I dont want yogurt. Want a chili for example. Should I do PRESSURE and do low for max 4 hours?
Hi Amy – no, don’t use pressure on low, just select the slow cook setting and adjust the time with the up and down arrows – it goes from 4 to 12 hours in 15 minute increments. Use the pressure cooking lid with the steam release valve on vent.
It’s a bit awkward for us lefties. The lid gets in the way …
Good point – thanks!
Hi
The air crisp lid desperately needs cleaning please advise the best method to clean it as from what I’m reading that there is no cleaning option.
Please advise?
Many Thanks
Nadera
Hi Nadera – people have had good luck steam cleaning the crisp lid with a mixture of four cups water to one cup white vinegar. Bring the mixture to pressure using the pressure cooking lid, quick release the pressure, and immediately switch to the crisp lid. Close the lid and let it steam for 15 minutes without opening the lid. After 15 minutes use an old toothbrush and a foam brush to finish cleaning the lid. Let me know if this works for you.
Can you use the 6.5 pot in the 8 quart Ninja foodie?
Thanks!
Bobbi
Hi Bobbi – no you cannot use the 6.5 pot in the 8 quart.
The grey coating is coming off the bottom of my Foodi pot, I have checked inside the ninja and can’t feel any thing there, I’ve only had this for 4 weeks . Foodi CP300
Hi Jill – since it’s only 4 weeks old, I would contact the company and ask them to replace it. 800-365-0135
My fan isnt working at all for air crisping.
Hi Stacie – if it isn’t working, you’ll need to contact Ninja 800-365-0135
Hallo i bought the ninja Foodi Max bit i can’t remove de anti – clog cap
Amy tips?
Kind regards
Alma
Hi Alma – when they’re new the cap can be difficult to remove. I’ll slide a thin knife or spatula under it and it will usually pop it off.
Can any tell me how to clean the crisping lid behind the heater and fan , it does get burned fat on it .
IN a Facebook group, someone recommended cutting lemons and squeezing them in a little water. Bring to a boil and let in sit closed for a few minutes. The lemon water and steam work as natural degreaser and you can wipe clean with an absorbent cloth and use a chopstick wrapped in strong napkin/thin cloth dipped in the water too to reach the inner part further.
How does this work to clean the air fryer lid, because you’re using the pressure cooker lid for this technique? The air fryer lid wouldn’t be steamed at all?
Hi Jo – I updated my response, sorry for the confusion.
I love this cooker. My only complaint is the dehydrate makes de is VERY VERY noisy. I love to make beef jerky in this unit but I have to put it out in the garage because the noise is really quite irritating.
Hi Ron – that’s one feature I haven’t tried. Thanks for sharing!
My ninja comes with the slow cooker/yogurt maker. But I’m having a hard time finding directions to use this function to make yogurt. Can you please direct me or give me some instructions
I’m surprised it’s so hard to find an answer to this, nothing came with the ninja either when I received it
Thank you, for taking the time to read my concerns
Hi Franny – the instructions for making yogurt are on page 18 of the manual https://www.ninjakitchen.com/include/pdf/manual-fd401.pdf
Hii im trying out a 2.5lb beef cross rib roast on the slow cook setting. I have the Foodi Deluxe 8qt. I’m curious if I use “slow cook yogurt” on low? Unlike “bake/roast” there is a slash indicating two functions.. there is no slash with Slow Cook Yogurt – silly question but can I still use for beef/veggies on low for 8 hrs ? Will the meat be cooked properly?
Hope this isn’t as confusing as I am confused..
Thanks!!
Hi Brittany – I don’t use the slow cook setting, but people often say low is more like Keep Warm on traditional slow cookers, so you may need to use Slow Cook/High. You can adjust slow cook from low to high using the temperature function. When using slow cooking, ALWAYS keep the pressure lid closed and the pressure release valve in the VENT position. If the lid is closed and the pressure release valve is in the SEAL position, an audible alarm will sound. “VENT” error code will appear on LED display to signal the need to turn the pressure release valve to the VENT position.
I have a Big Boss air frier and a Crock Pot, but was looking for a pressure cooker. Can the Ninja Foodi, large size, replace all three.? I would love it if it would because I’m moving into a kitchen with less storage space, but lots of cooking space.
Hi William – yes, if you’re looking to save space, the Ninja would be a good choice to replace all three.
Hi, Barbara–Any advice/rules of thumb on converting 6.5-qt recipes to 8-qt? For example, my red beans and rice recipe from Justin Warner’s book came out about 2/3 done after 30 minutes of pressure cooking. 🙂 Not sure how to adjust for the larger size. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Joseph – you’ll want to make sure you’re using the minimum recommended liquid, typically 2 cups liquid. However, that probably wasn’t the problem with your beans. The cook time for dry beans can vary significantly depending on the age of the beans and how tender you like your beans – they won’t have the slightly mushy texture of canned beans. When cooking beans test a few of the beans and if they aren’t as tender as you’d like, just lock the lid back in place and cook them a little longer. There’s more tips about cooking beans on my 15 bean soup recipe https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-15-bean-soup/
How do I use the pressure cooker part ?
Hi Wanda – you’ll select pressure and adjust the time to the time in the recipe you’re using and then press start. Here’s a link to my getting started guide that will walk you through learning to pressure cook https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/getting-started-with-your-new-electric-pressure-cooker-or-instant-pot/
Hi Barbara,
I’d like to use the food I ninja deluxe like a crock pot for chili. Everything is Cooked and ready to slow cook. However. The only option I see for slow cooking is the yougurt or hi for 4 hours how can I get a low setting for the slow cooker feature
Hi Debbie – if you select the Slow Cook option and press temperature, it let’s you switch to Low and then press Time and it will let you change the time. I haven’t used the slow cook setting on the Ninja Foodi, but people report they are disappointed when they use the low setting on a multi-cooker because it cooks too slow and often recommend using the high slow cook option.
Hi Barbara, I have the new deluxe 8 qt model that offeres pressure, dehydrate, air fry, and yogurt which is where the slow cooker part comes in. However, when selecting the yougurt feature it comes up high allowing you to change temperature and time but I cannot figure out how to change it to low.Any ideas?
Looking at the manual https://www.ninjakitchen.com/include/pdf/manual-fd401.pdf when the yogurt button is selected you should have the temperature options of boil or ferment.
Does the Foodi cooking comes with instructions in languages other then English, would love to have instructions in Korean, Thanks for your reply.
Hi Winfield – the instructions come in English, French and Spanish.
Hello I have the 8qt ninja foodi I was using tbw slow cooker and it felt like it was not heating up at all any suggestions. Yes it was plugged in 🙂
Hi Yvette – Did you remove the inner pot and see if it’s warm on the bottom? If it isn’t you can contact their customer service at 800-365-0135
I have a slow cooker re I’ve for Cincinnati chili and I have used the Instant Pot pressure cooker as a slow cooker. I was wondering if the Ninja Foodi will slow cook this recipe? I would be happy to give you my review when I make the Cincinnati Chili in my Ninja Foodi Deluxe.
Hi Majorie – if the recipe works in your Instant Pot on slow cook, it should work well in the Ninja Foodi as well.
Can I cock chips in any of the cookers
I have a slow cooker and a dry rotating hot air chip fryer it would be grate to have just one cooker for both and more
Hi Terry – I haven’t tried cooking potato chips in it yet, but it should work well. I’d try this recipe https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/air-fryer-potato-chips/
I want to cook a larger boneless pork roast that is listed in pressure cooking chart. It lists a 4 pound roast to cook in 1-1/2 hours. The 9 pound roast fits in my machine, do I just cook it longer?
Hi Susan – what type of pork roast is it? What are you making? I would cut the roast in half so it has the same cook time.
Can you prepare rice with it?
Yes – rice is one of my favorite things to make in the pressure cooker. Here’s more information https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/how-to-make-rice-in-the-instant-pot/
I recieved the Ninja Foodi Compact for Christmas. I’m looking to get some extra for it *such as the rack so I can do 2 layers at once). But, I’m not finding specific ones for the compact. Are the inserts for all Ninja Foodi interchsngable?
Hi Ashley – I haven’t cooked with the Ninja Foodi Compact, but after looking at the pictures, it looks like it’s not as tall as the 6 quart so some of the accessories for the bigger one may not fit.
An interesting thought, Can burgers and fries be done in the foodi at the same time.
Hi Steven – technically I guess with layers, but I’m not sure I’d want my fries to taste that much like a burger?
I was hoping to read about the dehydrating feature. Any review on that?
Hi Teri – I haven’t tried the dehydrating feature, but it gets great reviews in the Ninja Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/290730061532649
I received a Foodi Compact (5qt), and am looking for more recipes than what came in the box. Other than volume, can recipes for the 6.5qt Foodi be used without adjustment? If timing is an issue, is there an easy way to figure out how much time needs to be (assumed) decreased?
Alternatively, are there cookbooks specifically for the compact model?
Thanks
Most pressure cooker recipes are created using a 6 quart pressure cooker. However, most can be made in a 5 quart pressure cooker without making any changes to ingredients or cook time. Just remember to not fill your pot more than 2/3’s full, 1/2 full when cooking things that foam like pasta, oats, and beans. Generally, the cook time is based on the thickness of the meat, not the volume of the meat, etc.
Can you cook rice in this?
Hi Kym – yes, it’s a great way to cook rice. Here’s my post on cooking rice in the pressure cooker https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/how-to-make-rice-in-the-instant-pot/
I am disappointed that there is no cook book in my ninja foodi 8 qt. the box claims there are recipes enclosed but I only have the one large paper describing how to use the cooker. I did find a web page to download the complete instructions so that problem was solved. I see there is a facebook page to join but that means I have to print down the recipes and make a book to save them too. At my age a recipe book would be so much easier. Is there some place to order one?
Hi Patricia – there are several Ninja Foodi cookbooks on Amazon’s #50 pressure cooker cookbooks https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/7661749011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_books All of the recipes on my site and in my cookbook will work in the Foodi as well. https://amzn.to/2PbPTru
I just purchased the Ninja Foodi 6.5 qt. Have questions about what type of thermometer can be used to check internal temps. Can it be
the basic style that is used in a conventional oven and left in meat/chicken while cooking? Also if I want to half a recipe that makes say
6 servings do I need to adjust the cooking time? The answers that the Ninja help line gave was not really clear. I appreciate any help you can give me. I have a crock pot instant pot and love it but wanted the browning feature the Ninja Foodi has.
Hi Linda – an instant read thermometer like this one https://www.thermoworks.com/Thermapen-Mk4 (my favorite and it’s on sale today!) If you want to leave it in meat, you need a special wireless thermometer. Some recipes can be divided in half with no changes, but you need to make sure you have enough liquid for the Foodi to come to pressure, so you generally need to use at least 1 cup of clear liquid. I have a great getting started guide to help you get started https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/getting-started-with-your-new-electric-pressure-cooker-or-instant-pot/ Have fun!
Trying to decide if I should get the Ninja.air fryer or Ninja foodi. I have an instant pot mini now. Help me decide
Hi Priscilla – since you have a Mini now, I would recommend the Foodi because you can also use it to pressure cook larger batches of food, or a whole roast chicken and then brown the chicken after pressure cooking with the air fryer lid.
Do not order this product from the sales company. I ordered it after watching a commercial. I called the number and ordered the grill, afterwards an immediate sales pitch started. I would say no, immediately into a different sales pictch for more products. I specifically say, I don’t want anything but this grill, the sales pitch continues. The conversation ends and 2 days later I find out I am being billed for some of the promotional products. When I called the company they told me that they could not do anything about the payments coming out because its a different company. BASICALLY, they took my credit card information and shared it with other companies and I am being billed weekly for products I specifically said I did not want. I called back to tell them I didn’t want the grill, or anything else for that matter. Then I was told that they can’t do anything about the products and the lifetime warranty. That the order could not be changed. He said they had NO EMAIL address for me to send written confirmation. I found all this to be sketchy. This product is sold in lots of places. Buy it from the store directly to get the benefits of the product without the hassle.
I called several times. Each time I reached an automated system which did not give an option for what I wanted. Then it would hang up! There is no option for dissatisfied or want to return product. NO email for written communication, and sales ethics are terrible. This is not a company you want to give your credit card information or email to. I still wish I could try this products in my home. However, I will buy it from WALMART!!!
Sorry you had trouble – Ninja is a reliable brand. I suggest asking for a name and address of a person you can contact by mail to help you resolve your problems. Include in the letter all of the information you have about your order. I’m sure someone can help you resolve your problem.
I read a comment to forget about using canned creamed soups in foodi recipes. I have several favored recipes that use cream of chicken soup that my family loves. I’d like to try them in the foodi but will they not turn out as well if I use a canned creamed soup?
Hi Lily – you can use canned soup, you just have to use enough other liquid as well, and for most recipes don’t stir in the soup, just pour it in on top of the other ingredients and don’t stir. Here’s a pork chop recipe you might like https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/easy-pork-chops-in-mushroom-gravy/
Can you cook greens and beans in this pressure cooker?
Hi Lorraine – yes you can cook greens and beans in the Ninja Foodi.
I really like my Ninja Foodi as far as the Air Crisp and Pressure Cooking functions. My issue is with the Slow Cooker function. The only way I can use it is in the High position and it takes 8-9 hrs to cook. I had previously owned the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system and it worked beautifully on both the Low and High settings (I gave it to one of my daughters-in-law after I bought the Foodi and she won’t give it back!). Is anyone else having this problem? I’m using the Slow Cooker function to make Pot Roasts.
Hi Linda – many people don’t like the slow cooker function on most electric pressure cookers. Generally, they do have to cook things on high to get them to cook properly.
The 6.5 QT NF is on sale at Costco for just under $140.00
Thanks for letting us know, Mike! That’s a great price!
That ended on the 25th of August. I tried to go on the 26th and it’s $189.99
Back on sale for 149.00. 6.5 quart. 50.00 off coupon until 11-2-19
Where did you find the coupon?
I enjoyed you review. Will read more.
Great – thanks!
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What size did you use ? is this the 6.5 or the 8 quart ? Thanks
This is the 6.5 quart.
thnx !
I have been waiting for my ninja foodi since June 17th. You either send my foodi to me or give me my money back.
My order # is 401×1.
Hi Edna – you can not order from my site. You’ll need to contact the company you ordered your Ninja Foodi through. Did you order it directly from the Ninja website or possibly Amazon?
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Double check the sealing ring.
The crisping lid does not have this ring.
Just wondering if this silicone ring
could be the problem.
My foodie stopped reading the lid, when I press the pressure cook and put the pressure lid l, it keep saying lid on the screen.
That’s frustrating. Have you called customer service? 1-866-826-6941
The arrows are almost impossible to see. It would be better if they were made easier to see. Also, the instructions are confusing at times.
Hi Sandi – others have added a dot of brightly colored nail possible to make markings on the lid easier to see.
I just received a foodie and am having the same problem of odor. I washed everything three times even trying some vinegar. I also used the pressure cooker…still smells strongly of plastic. All packaging has been removed too.
I was looking forward to it after watching many videos but food tasting like plastic just won’t work.
Sad customer
Hi Barbara,
I was told I can get this for free if I just place a review once received and used. is that still an option? I am very excited about this product but being a single mom of 5 I’m on a budget but can really use something like this for me when I get home from a long day of work it will cut my cooking time in half 🙁
Hi Kim – no, I’m not aware of any opportunity to receive a free Ninja in exchange for a review. I’m sure a pressure cooker would be a great time saver for you. The Ninja is expensive compared to other pressure cookers on the market. I would recommend looking for a less expensive model on sale. There will probably be some Mother’s Day sales soon.
Has anyone had a problem with their meals not bring very warm after cooking in the Foodi? My soups, and casseroles (all made from the cookbook) are lukewarm, at best.
Hi Jo – are you using the pressure cooker function or the slow cooker function?
I have a family recipe that requires marinating a beef roast for 36 hrs. then cooking the roast in the marinade for 3 hrs. The marinade serves to flavor and tenderize the roast prior to cooking. My question is , if I placed the roast in the marinade in the Ninja Foodi and cooked it using the pressure cooker would that allow me to eliminate the 36 hrs. of marinating?
Hi Art – the roast won’t need the 36 hrs to tenderize it, but you may want to marinate it for flavor. I would try pressure cooking it for 90 minutes, assuming it’s a large chuck roast, and see if you miss the 3-day marinade.
Do you have to have a special plug to use this?? A friend at work told me she had to have a 220 plug instead of the 110 ???
Hi Betty – no special plug needed if you’re living in the US.
Got my foodi for Christmas. Super excited. Unboxed. Started to make the roast chicken recipe that comes with. When pressure cook was done. Went into keep warm mode. Released pressure to remove kid and change to air fry to complete recipe, when i went to turn off keep warm or even push power button. All buttons un responsive. Cant get anyone at NINJA because its Saturday evening. So I guess I’m serving half done chicken to my family for dinner. Thanks NINJA….
SUPER ANGRY CUSTOMER
That is super frustrating. Hopefully you finished it off in the oven?
I received my Foodi as a Christmas gift, opened it up and the top is all scratched up. Brand new out of the box. This is obviously a factory defect and flaw, but upon contacting the company they said that I would have to pay the shipping charges to return it and then I have to wait 5 to 6 weeks for a new one to come in. I find this totally an unacceptable business practice that anybody would charge a consumer when it’s an obvious factory defect in the unit has not been used. I will definitely not support this company in anyway shape or form or Purchased from them again.
Hi Dave – That is frustrating. However, they can’t ship out an appliance that is out of stock. I wonder if they’d discount the Foodi so you could use it?
WOW! throwing all my many pots and gadgets on the Goodwill heap! This is an awesome piece of work! My son and grandson took it on its maiden voyage last night and right now it is roasting the family rooster to crisp perfection!
Here is a ‘Night Before Christmas’ parody I wrote about my awesome gift while they toiled:
Just days before Christmas and all through the house–Grand daughter on couch as snug as a mouse, Son and grandson are learning to use my shiny new Foodi–God it is huge! One has his nose in the manual to see if the other one’s actions are right to a Tee. One’s peeling spuds straight off of the farm while the other makes sure they’ll both come to no harm. Nanny (me) tries hard to find info online while one of them yell ” Never mind, we’re just fine.” So Nanny backs off while the granddaughter sleeps. The taters are ready, the big Foodi beeps.The guys chopped potatoes without any cuts, One stands by the Foodi and holds the lid up. One teaspoon of oil is all that thing took to make French Fires Supreme just like in the book. With a wave of the dishtowel and a smile from the two–Foodi Christmas to all, Foodi New Year too!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing Gloria – I love your new words! I’m so glad to hear your maiden voyage was a big success!
How come all the recipes have so much salt in them? It’s so ridiculous how much you have to put, it’s barely edible. Is there any recipes that we can use that aren’t in the recipe book? I love the machine but you just need to cut down on all the salt.
Hi Ronda – other’s have complained about the recipes in the Ninja have too much salt too. All the recipes on my site you can also make in the Ninja Foodi.
I tried it for the first time tonight, cooking chicken wings. It went well, and clean up was a breeze except for the base of the crisping basket. The chicken protein stuck to it really hard, hard enough to make me wonder if that base was really supposed to be part of the cooking process or if it was just packing material. I feel it is unacceptably difficult to clean. There is some kind of an emblem that I would need to get some dental picks to get truly clean. It is easier to clean both my instant pot and my air fryer than to clean that one piece of the Foodi. I doubt I will make chicken wings in the Foodi again.
The base of the crisping basket comes off.
I have trouble cleaning behind the guard on the lid.
Can you can garden green beans in this
Hi Eric – no electric pressure cookers have been approved by the USDA for canning yet.
Hi, just wondering if you can make yogurt in this like you can with the Instapot?
Hi Vicki – you can my yogurt it in, but it doesn’t have a yogurt button like most Instant Pots.
I put my Foodi on a rolling base from the Container Store, so I can roll it out from under the cabinet and back with ease.
Sounds like a great idea.
Can you do a chicken and ….say potatoes at the same time?
Hi KC – a whole chicken? If so, you could probably tuck in some whole potatoes and cook them at the same time.
I bought an Instant Pot 6 qt Duo on Black Friday 2017. The best appliance I ever used. I know many online that have 3 or more and although I’d like a 2nd one, I’m holding out for one with a crisping feature, which the creator said last year was in the works. In the meantime, the Ninja Foodi pops up, Too pricey for me in Canada at $329 and hoping since the IP is CDN made, it will be cheaper. The Foodi just went on sale for $199 this week and this is the first link I tried for a review. I am so glad I found you first. I have been online since ’98 and rely on reviews to research products and have never seen a more impartial and thorough review of a product. I like that you point out the pros and cons and also link us to the many things you mention in your review. Just want to give you a big THANKS for putting this all together. Also, I know I’ve been to your site a few times for recipes and can’t wait to explore more. I also have subbed!
That’s so nice of you to take the time to thank me. Thanks Sue! I’m glad the review was helpful.
I wondered what you thought of the mac & cheese recipe? I made it tonight and followed it to a T. And that includes putting the stated TWO TABLESPOONS of Kosher salt in it (I thought maybe all the salt was needed for the cooking process…boy was I wrong). And needless to say, it was awful. If I were to try it again, I would cut it down to 2 tsp. I swear, 2 TBSP almost seems like a misprint. Wondering if anyone else had the same experience?
Rachel H. I have made this and agree with you 100%. At the minimum I would switch from 2 tablespoons to 2 teaspoons. I did not add salt at all and it was good.
I have the 8qt. Foodie. The air fryer is so loud. Is this normal?
Hi Julia – apparently this has been a problem on some of the 8 quart Foodis, and many have contacted customer service to get a replacement. However, since they’re sold out, you will have to wait a while to get the replacement.
PurchAsed one Nov 6 opened it nov 7th. The chemical odor of the interior pot was overwhelming. Washed it three times and it was just as strong. Rather than returning it to the stores I called Ninja direct (giving them the opportunity to correct what could develop into a major issue if they were unaware) this was not a whif rather my kitchen filled with the odor. Ninja advised me to repackage and ship it to them. As soon as they received notice via the tracking number that I had shipped they would ship a new one immediately. I have received nothing but lies and run around. First it was immediate shipment, then well their on back order till the sixteenth, now on the 19 th I call to see if they are shipping today nope they are now on back order till the 27th. Just a heads up, you better hope you don’t have to deal with Ninja with any issues involving your Foodi!
Hi Betsy – sorry you’ve had problems. I know the Foodi has been wildly popular so Ninja is struggling to keep up with demand and service. I know it’s frustrating to have to wait.
My uncle bought this after seeing a couple of the infomercials, we used it for the first time tonight and right from ‘GO’ I love it! I’ll be exploring the functions in more depth and intend on becomming a Ninja Foodi master in my own way. I think anyone buying this will love it, we do.
That’s great! Thanks for sharing Samuel.
bought ours from Wal-mart a few days ago…. All i can say is that we will be using it more than any other product we have. 5LB chicken in 30min. It was the best i have every had. told my wife if i had the money all 6 of our kids would get one for Christmas…
Now that’s a rave review – thanks Terry! I’ll look forward to seeing what else your cooking. You can share on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheElectricPressureCookerGroup/ or tag me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pressurecookingtoday/ 🙂
When I read you review of the Foodie, I was very impressed. So when Amazon was taking advanced orders, I ordered one.
This is the best machine/cooker I have ever used. So everything that I have made from the recipe book has turned out great.
Some of the recipes call for way too much salt, so you need to cut down on the amount. But so far that is the only thing I have found not quite to my liking. However everyone has different tastes, so what is too much for me may be perfect for someone else. If it were possible I would rate it with 10 stars.
Thanks for taking the time to let us know how much you love the Ninja. So nice to hear you’re loving it and having fun cooking.
I’m very disappointed
I just received mine and was anxious to try chicken breasts because that is our main protein. I tried fresh first followed directions directly…..way over cooked and hard….so then I tried frozen and followed the frozen directions exactly….still way too done and dry….this may be going back!
Hi Nancy – chicken breasts can be one of the hardest things to get right in the pressure cooker because they’re so lean. Here’s my post on cooking frozen chicken breasts https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/how-to-pressure-cook-frozen-chicken-breasts/ Don’t give up 🙂
Can Ninja Foodie be used as rice cooker?
Hi Lor – yes, the Foodi / pressure cookers make great rice. https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-white-rice/
Would the Ninja do the same as “Broasted chicken” (pressure frying) in their broaster equipment?
Hi Jim – no, you need a special pressure fryer for that.
I ordered my Ninja Foodi the day it was released on the Ninja website. I’d been wanting a pressure cooker for awhile but past experiences years ago made me leary on buying one. I had an air fryer but because it was so hard to get in there and clean the inside of it I stopped using it. It started smoking one day because of the grease from cooking chicken wings in it. Wow, I’m so glad I bought the Ninja Foodi. It’s so easy to clean the crisping lid. But really, it doesn’t even get much on it at all. Just a quick wipe is pretty much all I ever have to do. I’m so impressed with how it cooks everything. Since I bought it I‘ve cooked everything you can imagine in it. I also use it to reheat leftovers. A leftover slice of pizza only takes 3-4 minutes under the air crisp. I’ve only used my oven twice since I got it and that was for some frozen microwave stuff. I used to use my oven to reheat pizza, wings and any leftovers that I wanted to be crispy. Not anymore. Anything you can cook in a frying pan you can also cook in it, like eggs, any breakfast foods, hamburgers and hotdogs, grilled cheese, etc. I love it! I also like that the crisping lid stays on it because then I don’t have to find somewhere to set it when I’m using the pressure cooker or find somewhere to store it. It doesn’t get in my way when using the sauté feature at all. It fits on my counter with no problems and to store the pressure cooker lid I just set it on top of the crisping lid and don’t have to worry about finding an empty spot in a cabinet to fit it. I’ve used this more than any other kitchen appliance I’ve ever owned. If anything ever happens to it I will buy another one that day. I can’t live without it now. My husband is also happy because I’m making so many different things in it and I’m loving cooking again. I love the Ninja Foodi and recommend it to everyone. Thanks to Ninja for another quality product!
What an awesome review. Thanks for sharing your tips Amy! I’ll have to try it for reheating leftovers like a slice of pizza.
love love LOVE this cooker!! Got it yesterday and used it today to make tuna casserole…doubled the recipe and it came out fantastic!!! Five stars all the way!!
Great – thanks for sharing Lori. Have fun!
Hello,
Great review, I was wondering if canning was possible with the pressure cooker?
I can do everything with my current (kinda) all in one but air fry; and was looking for a new all in one.
My worry is I will not be able to do any canning with this pressure cooker option.
Hi Pauline – there are not electric pressure cookers that have been approved for pressure canning. You can water bath can in them.
There is one, I believe – the Instant Pot Max, which can reach 15 psi, enough for canning.
Instant Pot is working on getting the USDA approval that the Max is safe for canning, but I haven’t heard that it has been approved yet. I was sent a sample to try but I don’t think they’re available to purchase yet.
I am on a Facebook group for the new Ninja Foodi. Several members have purchased theirs from Sam’s and Kohls. I also saw one on display in my local Walmart Supercenter last week, so it can be found in stores now.
Thanks so much to you and Genene for giving this machine a test run and for your very thorough review. I doubt I’d have enough room to store that big bad boy in my kitchen but it sure is fun to read all about it! 🙂
I’m excited to try this new addition to my kitchen! I purchased from Kohls, and even though it was much higher priced than MSRP, with Kohls discounts, rewards $, and kohls cash back, I found that to be the best deal:) And Yes.. it is BIG!
How exciting! I didn’t know Kohls was selling it already. Thanks for sharing Christi!
I can’t help thinking the IP folk will come up with their own version of this, with a crisper lid. I’m going to wait and see how this plays out.
Me too! I bet the Ninja people will figure out a way on a later version to make the frying lid removeable.
Really, a pc and an air fryer? Sometimes it can be handy to have one appliance with multiple functions but sometimes it seems a bit much. No one has a smaller kitchen than I do, but I still don’t think I’d want this behemoth. A key statement for me is “The air frying lid/crisping lid is not removable.” That alone would make me not want this appliance. This lid would get greasy and be next to impossible to clean. As others have mentioned, I too have a Breville Smart Oven and can do air frying though, to be honest, that’s not of much interest to me. In fact, I purchased an air fryer from QVC a year or so ago and decided that I wouldn’t use it often enough to justify keeping it so I returned it.
I love your review and input from both of you. I had recently watched the infomercial on this and was very curious. I love my pressure cooker and follow your recipes and advice, although mine is not an IP. I jumped on electric pressure cooker just before IP came out so I’m timid to jump on new if something better might come out. I know this is a new product but I wonder if they would improve the design base in your review. Thoughts?
Thanks Barbara! Since the product is so new, I doubt they’ll make any changes in the foreseeable future.
Very interesting and thank you. I remember reading that Colonel Sanders aka Kentucky Fired Chicken got his chicken recipe from his mother. He was in his sixties at the time. Anyway somehow the secret was that he pressure cooked it first and then somehow got the crispy crust after that. Sooooooooo maybe this is the secret to KFC chicken!!
I saw the Food yesterday at Sams Club and had just two thoughts. My first reaction was a big “HUH??” Then I recalled that our Ninja blender is darned good, and that they’ve got a reputation for combining appliance features. It was nice to read your review, it seems like Ninja got it right. Although I’ve got a Breville convection oven to go with my Instant Pot and can’t see adding anymore appliances, it certainly is intriguing.
BTW, the price at Sams is $179.98, with free shipping.
Thank you for the thoughtful reviews, giving both pros and cons.
If I had not already supplied my kitchen with Instant Pots and a Breville Smart Oven Air, I would be intrigued.
The most important feedback you and Genene gave was that the appliance cannot be placed under a cabinet at all to pressure cook, because the air fryer lid must remain standing straight up behind the pot I would have to put that Ninja pot on top of my gas stove, and I’ve seen too many accounts of melted Instant Pots used on a stove top.. You also referenced that the air fryer function also spews stuff out the back – and that’s ultimately the reason I never bought a stand-alone air fryer.
(BTW, I am still in the beginner phase of air-frying. I tend to be ultraconservative about what I will airfry so I won’t be faced with difficult cleanup. Yes, I realize that the Breville is not perfect for airfrying, but I needed a replacement toaster oven anyway. If anything is spewn around in the Breville, it stays in the Breville and does not end up on the counter or backsplash. My husband has found the Breville very simple to operate on his own, so we are pleased with our decision.)
Thank you for an honest evaluation of the product.
Hi Barbara……thanks so much for the info.
After using the air drier….is the clean up difficult?
Hi Teresa – the air fryer lid you can only wipe with a damp cloth so that’s easy, and the crisp basket is dishwasher safe and cleaned up easily.
Hi Barbara! I’ve had my Ninja Foodi for a week now and am really loving it, although I have no intention of giving up my instant pots. I’ve made your Fork Tender Pork Chop with Mushroom gravy recipe in it from your cookbook and it turned out perfect. Thanks for your review!
That’s awesome – thanks for sharing Laurie!
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to help review the Ninja Foodi. As you stated, I am very impressed with the way it performs and how well built it is. It will be a wonderful addition to the kitchen appliances in many folks kitchens.
Thanks so much for helping me test it and all the shares, help and advise you give in the Electric Pressure Cooker FB group.
What is clean up like?
Sounds interesting for sure. Is there an MSRP on it yet and has it been put on market? (I haven’t looked yet.)
Hi David – I haven’t seen it in any stores yet, but you can buy it direct from Ninja for $179 plus $20 shipping and handling. It will be available on Amazon starting October 8. The current price on Amazon is $229 but Amazon often discounts pressure cookers, so I’d be surprised if that price isn’t reduce soon. Thanks for the great question.