Ninja
Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL Air Fryer
About the product
We tested the Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL to see if it’s worth your time
The Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL is a space-saving multicooker that accommodates the needs of beginners, experienced home chefs and health-conscious individuals alike. It’s suitable for families as well as people who enjoy cooking for small groups. According to Ninja, this air fryer differs from the company's other offerings because it is part pressure cooker and part air fryer. The TenderCrisp Technology quickly seals in juices while pressure-cooking, but it can also add a crispy finish to create remarkably satisfying dishes.
The BestReviews Testing Lab evaluated all the functions in a typical home setting to see which features were most beneficial to the consumer. The lab also tested more general aspects, such as ease of use, cleaning and maintenance to see how it compared to other air fryers on the market.
What is the Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL?
Product specifications
Type: Pressure cooker | Capacity: 8 qt | Dimensions: 14.57" D x 16.1" W x 14.2" H | Weight: 26 lb | Material: Plastic and stainless steel | Control Type: Touch and dial | Number of Functions: 12 | Temperature Range: 80 to 400 degrees
Ninja's Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL has 12 cooking functions: pressure-cooking, steaming, slow-cooking, yogurt making, sous vide, searing/sauteing, air-crisping, broiling, baking/roasting, dehydrating, reheating and warming. The selling point is all of these functions are available at the touch of a button in one machine. And if we wanted to piggyback cooking functions, we could do that as well, such as the extra-tender crispiness that we got by using both the pressure-cooking and air-crisping functions. We liked that the steaming function required less water than traditional methods and still produced exceptional results.
This appliance is large enough to cook a 7-pound chicken, and it comes with a reversible two-layer rack, crisping basket and cooking pot. The air fryer has 14 built-in safety features, and the cooking surfaces have a durable nonstick coating that reduces cleaning time to about 10 minutes. While the appliance is heavy, we liked that it was very intuitive to use, making it simple enough for even a first-timer to operate with ease.
Pros
- Easy to operate: After spending some time with this model, we decided it was one of the easiest ways to cook a full meal.
- Versatile: With a dozen cooking functions, this one air fryer let us prepare foods in a wide variety of ways.
- Consistent cooking: We made dishes ranging from yogurt to beef and found each to be remarkably consistent in the quality of results.
- Nonstick coating: We weren't as gentle as we might have been with this model, yet it cleaned easily and the nonstick coating showed no signs of wear and tear.
- Good value: While the price might seem a little high when compared to single-function air fryers, this versatile appliance performs 12 different cooking functions. That works out to roughly $20 per function.
Cons
- Tall: The biggest drawback with this model is its height. Since it’s 21 inches tall, it did not fit in the space beneath our cabinets. But our counter is L-shaped, with one section that lacks cabinets above, and that gave us a work-around.
- Heavy: At 26 pounds, this is not a lightweight countertop appliance. However, its weight makes it feel extremely rugged and durable.
- Can dry out some foods: On a few occasions, we found the air fryer dried out the food a little too much, but it wasn't too bad, and the issue could be fixed with a shorter cooking time.
- Steep learning curve: We thought this was a very simple way to make a meal, but this machine can do so much that figuring out the advanced features steepened the learning curve a bit.
- Noisy: In Air Fry mode, the fan was just a bit too loud for comfort. It isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s something we want consumers to be aware of.
Who is it for?
The Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 has an 8-quart capacity, and it can cook a variety of foods from snacks to steaks, so it is a suitable appliance for a family. It would also be a good air fryer to get if you do a lot of entertaining. We also believe any home chef would love this model because of its remarkable flexibility. Anyone who has a small kitchen (but plenty of clearance under the cabinets) and wants to do a lot of cooking can get plenty of mileage out of this Ninja.
How we tested
To make sure we fully understood how the Ninja 12-in-1 worked, we put it through several controlled cooking tests. We had two purposes for each test. First, we wanted to determine if the function performed as expected. For example, did the air fryer crisp tasty french fries using minimal oil? Second, we wanted to evaluate how well each function worked. Could the pressure cooker evenly cook chicken in about 15 minutes? Here are the specifics of three tests that we performed using the Ninja Foodi.
Air-frying french fries
We tossed 2 pounds of french fries in 2 tablespoons of oil before adding them to the Cook & Crisp Basket. We cooked the fries for 17 minutes at 400 degrees to get the desired crispiness. The fries had an even golden color, and the taste and texture were comparable to those of french fries cooked in oil. We were very pleased with the results and gave them a score of 9 out of 10.
Pressure-cooking chicken
To test the pressure cooker, we filled it with chicken thighs. It took 13 minutes for the unit to reach the required pressure, then 15 minutes to cook. While the thighs reached the necessary safe internal temperature, they came out a little drier than expected. They were still tasty, however, just not as juicy as we’d hoped. We gave this recipe an 8.5 out of 10.
Dehydrating fruits
For dehydrating, we dried a tray of apple slices for seven hours. After the suggested time, the slices were not fully done. While they were flavorful, they only had a soft crunch and were chewier than expected. We gave the slices an 8.5 out of 10.
Price and where to buy
The Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL is available to buy directly from Ninja for $269.99. You can also get it on Amazon for $249.99.
Features
While we enjoyed using the dozen cooking functions to get to know this Ninja air fryer, there are a few features we want to point out: dial control interface, cooking capacity and attached air-frying lid.
Dial control interface
This is not the only brand or model that uses a dial control interface. However, Ninja has streamlined its functionality to simplify operation. There are three buttons for temperature, function and time. To set the parameters, you just press the appropriate button and rotate the dial. To start or stop the machine, you press the dial. We found this made operating the Ninja very easy.
Cooking capacity
One thing to be aware of with this model is the cooking capacity for the air fryer is considerably smaller than that of the pressure cooker because the air fryer basket fits inside the pressure cooker pot. The ceramic-coated extra-large capacity pot holds 8 quarts, while the ceramic-coated air fryer basket holds 5 quarts. Still, we found it was large enough to hold a 7-pound chicken. When we used the reversible rack, it doubled the cooking space because it offered two levels for food. This let us fit eight chicken breasts in the air fryer basket at one time.
Attached air-frying lid
A pressure cooker lid needs to create an airtight seal, which is not necessary for an air fryer, so this model has two lids. The air fryer lid is permanently attached to the side of the unit and lifts on a hinge. This is convenient and keeps the air fryer to essentially one piece. However, when the lid is raised, it increases the height from 14 to 21 inches. For us, this was a problem because there are only 18 inches of clearance between our counter and cabinets. It’s important to measure your countertop and cabinet clearance before purchasing to make sure there is sufficient room to use the appliance.
Design
After using this air fryer and getting very familiar with it, we wanted to talk about some of the design elements. Regarding functions, this is an ideal model, but if it's too large for your kitchen, it won’t be of any use to you.
Size and dimensions
There are larger air fryers on the market. At roughly 14 by 16 inches, this unit is not massive. It takes up about the same amount of counter space as some microwaves. However, the lid on this model needs to be raised for the appliance to work, which makes it 21 inches tall. Without sufficient clearance under your kitchen cabinets, this model might not be a suitable option.
Cooking pot and crisping basket
To function as both an air fryer and a pressure cooker, the Ninja Foodi needs two different types of cooking chambers. The air fryer needs air to circulate freely, while the pressure cooker needs to be airtight. The cooking pot has an 8-quart capacity, which is large enough to cook enough food for at least six people. The air fryer basket is only 5 quarts because it needs to fit inside the cooking pot. Still, we were able to cook a 7-pound chicken in it.
Temperature settings
Each function on the Ninja Foodi has an ideal temperature range. For example, you can't dehydrate at 325 degrees, so that function has a very narrow range from 80 to 195 degrees. Conversely, air-frying is best at higher temperatures. In this mode, you can only set the temperature from 300 to 400 degrees. If we tried to set a particular temperature but couldn’t, it meant we were using the wrong cooking function. It’s essential to select the cooking function first when using this appliance.
Ease of cleaning
It’s important to clean the Ninja Foodi after each cooking session. The nonstick coating made it easy, and it only took about 10 minutes. The removable parts, pressure lid, cooking pot, silicone ring, deluxe reversible rack, Cook & Crisp Basket and detachable diffuser can all be put in the dishwasher. The other parts can be wiped down with a damp cloth after the air fryer has fully cooled. For a more thorough cleaning, we used dish soap and water on the pressure lid, pressure-release valve and anti-clog cap.
How does it compare to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp?
The Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL and the Instant Pot Duo Crisp are very similar products from two different brands. With the exception of having designated yogurt and reheat features, both appliances essentially do the same things and have similar capacities. The Ninja has a slightly lower minimum temperature while the Instant Pot costs about $50 less at most locations.
In our opinion, the Ninja dial is an easier and simpler design for control. The biggest difference is the crisping lid is not removable on the Ninja. This meant that we needed more overhead room to operate the appliance. The Ninja also feels sturdier and has fewer consumer complaints regarding the chipping of the nonstick coating. And there is greater overall customer satisfaction with the performance of the individual functions and the pressure cooker seal.
FAQ
Q. Why are there two different cooking lids?
A. For the Ninja to perform as expected for certain functions, it requires a lid that seals in air and moisture. The pressure lid is required for pressure-cooking, steaming, slow-cooking or making yogurt. Other features using dry heat require the hinged crisping lid.
Q. How long does it take to pressurize this model?
A. The precise time needed to reach full pressure varies depending on the desired pressure, the temperature of the pot and the temperature of the ingredients. This can take up to 20 minutes. To reduce the time, use hot liquid.
Q. Can I open the pressure lid while cooking?
A. No. Not only is it unsafe, but a float valve rises to lock the lid so you can't accidentally open it once the pressure starts to build.
Q. How long does it take to depressurize the Foodi?
A. The manufacturer states that there is no set time for pressure release. You must wait for the float valve to drop.
Should you get the Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL Air Fryer?
This air fryer is a good size for feeding a family. It has a dozen functions, and it is easy to use and clean. If you like all of those benefits, it might be a top choice for you. However, if you’re someone who just wants to fix a small portion of snacks now and then, this appliance would be a little large and expensive for your needs. It’s durable and performs well, but it’s also heavy and takes up a good bit of counter space.
On the plus side, it is much smaller than having two or more appliances, such as an air fryer and a pressure cooker. In conclusion, if you want an air fryer that does more and does it well, this is a top choice.