Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven: A Comprehensive Review

Stepping into a friend’s kitchen recently, I immediately noticed a sleek, modern appliance taking pride of place on their countertop. It was the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven, and they couldn’t stop raving about it. Their enthusiasm was contagious, especially after sampling some perfectly crispy air-fried chicken wings.

I’d heard whispers about this versatile kitchen gadget before, often seeing it pop up in online discussions and Amazon reviews. Many people seemed to be singing its praises for revolutionizing their cooking habits. It certainly piqued my interest, prompting me to delve deeper into what makes this product so popular.

After that initial encounter and hearing several positive experiences, I decided it was time to put together a thorough review. This article will explore the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven’s capabilities, helping you decide if this innovative appliance is the right purchase for your home kitchen.

Product Specs

Here’s a concise look at the core specifications for the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven:

* Dimensions (approximate): 17.09 inches (43.4 cm) deep x 20.22 inches (51.3 cm) wide x 13.03 inches (33.1 cm) high.
* Weight: Approximately 22.9 pounds (10.4 kg).
* Capacity: Large 10-quart (9.5-liter) capacity, fits a 5-pound (2.3 kg) chicken or 2 whole 12-inch (30.5 cm) pizzas.
* Wattage: 1800 Watts.
* Temperature Range: 105°F to 450°F (40°C to 232°C).
* Functions: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, Keep Warm. (Specific functions may vary slightly by model).
* Smart Features: Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for precise cooking control.
* Included Accessories: Foodi Smart Thermometer, Air Fry Basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Recipe Book.
* Construction Materials: Stainless steel and durable, heat-resistant plastics.

This Product is Best For

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is an excellent choice for a variety of home cooks. It truly shines for families or individuals who frequently prepare larger meals. Its generous XL capacity makes it ideal for cooking full dinners, rather than just small side dishes.

It’s also perfect for those seeking a multi-functional appliance to declutter their kitchen. If you want to replace several single-purpose gadgets with one powerful machine, this Ninja Foodi product offers incredible versatility. It streamlines cooking and expands your culinary possibilities significantly.

Features Overview/Summary

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is more than just an air fryer; it’s a true multi-functional powerhouse. It combines the crisping ability of an air fryer with the capacity and precision of a full-sized oven. This makes it a central hub for countless cooking tasks.

Its most notable feature is the integrated Smart Thermometer. This intelligent addition takes the guesswork out of cooking meats, ensuring perfect doneness every time. Coupled with its wide range of cooking functions, this appliance truly elevates the home cooking experience.

Feature Explanations

#### Extra-Large Capacity

One of the standout features of this Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is its impressive internal volume. Unlike smaller air fryers, this model can comfortably handle a substantial amount of food. You can easily roast a 5-pound (2.3 kg) chicken or bake two 12-inch (30.5 cm) pizzas simultaneously.

This ample space is fantastic for families or when entertaining guests. It eliminates the need for multiple batches, saving valuable time and effort in the kitchen. The larger capacity also means better air circulation around food, leading to more even and consistent cooking results.

#### Integrated Smart Thermometer

The included Foodi Smart Thermometer is a game-changer for precise cooking. You simply plug it into the oven and insert it into your food, like a roast or chicken. The oven then monitors the internal temperature in real-time.

This smart feature allows you to select your desired doneness, from rare to well-done. The oven will automatically shut off or alert you when your food reaches that perfect temperature. This ensures consistently delicious results, removing all the guesswork from cooking proteins.

#### Ten Cooking Functions

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven truly lives up to its “XL” and “Smart” designations with a wide array of cooking functions. It’s designed to replace multiple kitchen appliances, offering remarkable versatility in one unit. Let’s explore some of these key functions.

Air Fry: This is perhaps the most celebrated function. It uses superheated circulating air to create a crispy, golden finish with little to no oil. Think perfectly crunchy fries, chicken nuggets, or vegetables that taste deep-fried but are much healthier.

Air Roast: Ideal for cooking larger items with a crispy exterior and tender interior. This setting is perfect for whole chickens, potatoes, or substantial cuts of meat. It provides a more even cook than a traditional oven in a smaller space.

Bake: Use this function for all your conventional oven needs. From cookies and cakes to casseroles and bread, the Ninja Foodi handles baking with ease. Its precise temperature control ensures consistent and delicious baked goods.

Whole Roast: Specifically designed for larger roasts, this setting ensures thorough cooking. When combined with the Smart Thermometer, you can achieve incredibly tender and juicy results for your Sunday dinner. It truly simplifies complex roasting tasks.

Broil: For quick browning and caramelization, the broil function is excellent. It’s perfect for finishing dishes, melting cheese on top of a gratin, or giving a nice crust to fish or vegetables. This feature adds a lovely char and texture.

Toast & Bagel: These dedicated settings take the place of your toaster. You can toast multiple slices of bread or bagels evenly and quickly. It’s a convenient feature, especially during busy mornings, offering perfect results every time.

Dehydrate: This function allows you to make your own healthy snacks. You can dehydrate fruits, vegetables, or even make jerky. It operates at a low, consistent temperature over several hours, preserving nutrients and flavor.

Reheat: Gone are the days of soggy leftovers. The reheat function warms food gently and evenly, often restoring its original texture. This is far superior to a microwave for many dishes, making your leftovers taste fresh again.

Keep Warm: Once your food is cooked, the keep warm function maintains its temperature without overcooking. This is incredibly useful if you’re waiting for other dishes to finish or if dinner is delayed. It ensures everything is hot when served.

#### Digital Display and Controls

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven features an intuitive and easy-to-read digital control panel. It allows for effortless selection of cooking functions, temperature adjustments, and time settings. The clear display shows all necessary information at a glance.

This user-friendly interface makes operating the appliance straightforward, even for those new to multi-cookers. The controls are responsive and well-placed, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. The smart features are also easily managed from this panel.

Pros

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven brings a wealth of advantages to any kitchen, making it a highly desirable product.

* Exceptional Versatility: Replaces multiple appliances, saving counter space and money. It truly is a multi-functional wonder.
* Large Capacity: Ideal for families or batch cooking, easily accommodating substantial meals like whole chickens or two pizzas.
* Precise Cooking with Smart Thermometer: Guarantees perfect doneness for meats, eliminating guesswork and ensuring consistent quality.
* Healthier Cooking: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
* Faster Cooking Times: Many functions cook food quicker than conventional ovens, thanks to powerful convection technology.
* Even Cooking Results: Advanced air circulation ensures food is cooked uniformly, avoiding hot spots and uneven browning.
* User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive digital controls make it easy for anyone to select functions and adjust settings.
* High-Quality Construction: Built with durable materials, promising longevity and reliable performance for years to come.
* Easy to Clean: Non-stick components and a removable crumb tray simplify the cleaning process after use.
* Wide Temperature Range: Offers flexibility for various cooking methods, from low-temperature dehydrating to high-heat roasting.
* Delicious Results: Consistently delivers crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked meals that impress.
* Reduces Oven Use: Keeps the kitchen cooler during warmer months by avoiding the need to heat a large conventional oven.
* Positive Amazon Reviews: Many users praise its performance and utility, reflecting high customer satisfaction with this product.
* Included Accessories: Comes with essential accessories like the air fry basket and roast tray, so you can start cooking right away.
* Energy Efficient: Heating a smaller cavity uses less energy compared to a full-sized oven for many tasks.

Cons

While the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven offers many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. However, most of these can be easily mitigated.

* Countertop Footprint: Its “XL” capacity means it takes up a significant amount of counter space. This might be an issue for smaller kitchens.
* Mitigation: Measure your available counter space before purchase. If space is tight, consider a dedicated storage spot in a pantry or cabinet when not in use, though its weight might make frequent moving cumbersome.
* Initial Learning Curve: With so many functions and the smart thermometer, there might be a slight learning curve to fully utilize all its capabilities.
* Mitigation: Read the user manual thoroughly and experiment with different functions. Ninja often provides helpful recipes and guides that simplify the process. Online videos can also be very useful.
* Price Point: As a premium, multi-functional appliance, its price can be higher than basic air fryers or single-function ovens.
* Mitigation: Consider the value it provides by replacing several other appliances. Factor in the long-term savings from not needing separate toasters, dehydrators, or dedicated air fryers. Look out for sales on Amazon or other retailers.
* Noise Level: Like many powerful convection appliances, the fan can be somewhat noisy during operation, especially on air fry settings.
* Mitigation: The noise is generally comparable to a powerful range hood or a microwave fan and is temporary. It’s a small trade-off for the fast and efficient cooking it provides.

Comparison with Similar Products

When considering the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular options on the market. While many brands offer air fryers, few match its specific combination of XL capacity, smart features, and diverse functions.

Many standard air fryers, like basket-style models from Philips or Cosori, are excellent for small batches. They excel at crisping up fries or wings. However, their capacity is often limited, making them less suitable for full meals or larger items like a whole chicken.

Larger air fryer ovens from brands like Cuisinart or Breville often provide similar oven-style functionality. They might offer baking, toasting, and air frying. However, they frequently lack the integrated smart thermometer, which is a key differentiator for the Ninja Foodi Smart XL.

Some multi-cookers, like the original Ninja Foodi pressure cooker/air fryer combos, offer a different approach. They combine pressure cooking with air frying in one pot. The Smart XL Air Fry Oven, however, focuses on oven-style functions, providing a larger, more traditional cooking cavity.

The absence of the Smart Thermometer in many competing products means less precision, especially for meats. With the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven, you set the desired doneness, and the oven does the rest. This feature alone often justifies the product’s appeal and price for many users.

Ultimately, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven carves out a niche by combining an impressive XL capacity, a wide range of oven-style functions, and the unique precision of the integrated smart thermometer. This makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium, versatile kitchen appliance.

User Comments

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven consistently receives high praise from users across various platforms, including Amazon. Many reviewers highlight its versatility and ability to produce perfectly cooked meals. The smart thermometer is frequently mentioned as a favorite feature.

Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users expressing satisfaction with the product’s performance, quality, and convenience. While some mention the size, most agree it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the cooking capabilities it offers.

Here are some specific user comments:

* “This machine has completely transformed my cooking. I use it almost daily for everything from air-fried chicken to baking cookies. The smart thermometer is a genius addition; my roasts have never been so perfect. Definitely worth the purchase!”
* “I was hesitant about another kitchen gadget, but this Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is different. It replaced my old toaster, air fryer, and even my small oven for many tasks. It cooks so much faster and the food tastes amazing. Cleanup is surprisingly easy too.”
* “The capacity on this thing is incredible. We’re a family of four, and I can easily air fry a whole bag of fries or a tray of chicken wings in one go. No more cooking in batches! The quality is top-notch, and it feels very durable.”
* “My only minor complaint is its size; it’s quite large on my counter. But honestly, the features and the results make me overlook that. The bake function works beautifully, and the air crisp is second to none. I highly recommend this product.”
* “I bought this Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven after reading so many positive reviews, and I’m so glad I did. The presets are very helpful, and the food comes out consistently great. It’s truly a smart appliance that takes the stress out of cooking.”
* “Initially, I found all the functions a bit overwhelming, but after a few uses, it became second nature. The instruction manual is clear, and there are tons of recipes online. My favorite is how evenly it toasts bagels and how crispy it gets vegetables.”
* “This is a high-quality product. The materials feel solid, and the digital display is easy to read. The price point might seem a bit high, but considering all it does, it’s an excellent investment. It saves me so much time in the kitchen.”
* “I love that I can use the Smart Thermometer for different types of meat. It tells you exactly when it’s done. No more guessing or dry chicken! It’s a fantastic piece of tech that genuinely improves the cooking experience.”

Final Verdict

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven truly stands out in a crowded market of kitchen appliances. It’s a versatile, high-capacity, and intelligent cooking solution that delivers on its promises. From air frying crispy snacks to perfectly roasting a whole chicken, its capabilities are extensive.

While its size might require a dedicated spot on your counter, the benefits far outweigh this minor consideration. The integrated Smart Thermometer is a game-changer for precise cooking, ensuring delicious and perfectly done meals every time. This feature alone elevates it above many competitors.

If you’re looking to streamline your cooking process, achieve consistently excellent results, and invest in a durable, multi-functional appliance, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is an outstanding choice. It’s a product that genuinely enhances the home cooking experience, making it a purchase you’re unlikely to regret. Consider adding this smart oven to your kitchen arsenal; it’s available on Amazon and many other retailers.