If you’ve been eyeing a Ninja air fryer but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, now is the time! Holiday deals for Ninja Air Fryers are starting to roll out, and these major savings make purchasing your new kitchen cooker a no-brainer.
Keep reading for an overview of air fryer pros and cons, plus 7 things you should consider before adding a Ninja brand air fryer to your holiday wish list. Don’t forget to check out these must-have Ninja air fryer accessories and these recipes you should make with your new air fryer for inspiration!
Overview: Are air fryers worth buying?
Air fryers are convenient and incredibly versatile cooking units that continue to rise in popularity. Air fryers can be used to bake, cook, roast, grill, and broil an endless list of proteins, vegetables, rice, desserts, and baked goods.
Air fryers use hot air circulation to mimic frying food, and thus require less oil than traditional frying. This translates into less splatter and a healthier meal, two major draws of these cookers. They also heat up and cook faster than an oven.
While air fryers are convenient for some, there are some potential downsides according to some home cooks.
- They’re bulky.
- Some parts can be difficult to clean (especially if not dishwasher safe).
- Limited cooking capacity.
- Most brands use a non-stick coating on the inner components, which can be a health concern if Teflon and other forever chemicals are used.
7 Things to Know About Ninja Air Fryers
Ninja is a home appliance company that sells countertop appliances, drink systems, kitchenware, outdoor grilling equipment, and more. They are perhaps most well known for their diverse line of air fryers.
1. Size and cooking capacity varies by unit
Choosing the right size air fryer is one of the most important considerations. You want roughly one quart of cooking capacity for every eater. For a single eater or a couple, a small 2-quart unit works well. For a family of four, grab a 4-quart unit or bigger. For large families, go for a larger unit, like the FlexBasket Air Fryer with 7-Quart Mega Zone or the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL unit with a 5.5-quart cooking capacity and the ability to cook foods up to 30% faster.
2. Choose between single, double, and flexible basket models.
For food to crisp up in an air fryer, it has to be cooked in a single layer (not overcrowded). This can mean cooking food in batches if you have a small, single-basket unit. Ninja also has units with a double basket for cooking two foods at once and units with a flexible basket that can be separated into two or combined for a larger basket space.
3. Ninja uses a safe ceramic non-stick coating.
Ninja’s ceramic non-stick coating is a great alternative to Teflon, which is known to pose health risks when consumed. The durable, scratch-resistant, and food-safe coating makes cleaning interior parts and accessories a breeze, without compromising your health.
4. Ninja air fryers are easy to clean.
Unlike some brands, Ninja air fryers are fairly easy to clean. The non-stick coating makes cleaning the inside of the unit and removable parts an easy process, plus baskets, racks, and accessories are dishwasher-safe. Simply remove the basket, tray, and any other removable parts, and then wash them by hand or in the dishwasher.
5. Ninja air fryer units reach a higher temperature than other brands.
High cooking temps are important for crispier food. Plus, it allows you to grill, roast, and bake easily. Most Ninja units heat up to 450°F on the broil setting, which is higher than many models that top off at 400°F. The Ninja air fryer Max XL unit has a unique “MaxCrisp Technology” allowing it to reach 450 degrees on a regular (not broil) setting. Buy this unit to cook foods 30% faster than other models.
6. Ninja air fryers have so many special features.
Ninja air fryers are some of the most versatile because all units offer four different cooking settings (air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate). Some units, like the Ninja Speedi, have additional settings for grilling, baking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, roasting, and more—allowing you to “cook an entire meal all in one pot in as little as 15 minutes.”
Or try the Ninja Foodi Flexbasket with Megazone Technology. The Flexbasket feature lets you cook different foods at once in two different baskets or combine them into one “mega” basket to cook larger quantities of a single food. This unit’s Smart Finish setting even allows you to cook 2 foods on separate settings so that they finish cooking at the same time.
If you’re a grill master, check out the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-Quart Air Fryer with patented Cyclonic Grilling Technology to deliver Surround Searing. This virtually smoke-free unit has a 500°F high-density grill grate that creates char-grilled marks.
7. Ninja offers a 1-year warranty and a money-back guarantee.
Ninja’s standard one-year limited warranty is valid, even if you buy from an outside authorized dealer (like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart). This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or any damage from misuse. The company also offers a 60-day full money-back guarantee for any reason, which gives you added peace of mind if you want to try a Ninja air fryer but aren’t sure it’s the right fit.
Summary: Is a Ninja air fryer worth the money?
Ninja packs a lot of bang for your buck in their air fryer units, which are easy to clean, incredibly versatile, and offer an array of special features and must-have accessories. Ninja air fryers are affordable, even without the added savings of holiday deals. Coupled with Ninja’s standard 1-year warranty and a money-back guarantee, these top-rated air fryer units are a no-brainer for any home cook looking for a convenient, hands-off, and fun method of cooking for families, couples, and individuals.
