Yes, you can absolutely fry foods in the Ninja Foodi. The Ninja Foodi is an all-in-one multi-cooker that functions as an air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and more. Thanks to its air fryer function, the Ninja Foodi allows you to make crispy fried foods with little to no oil.
How Does Air Frying Work?
The Ninja Foodi uses advanced convection technology and super heated air to circulate around food to essentially “air fry” it. The rapid air circulation mimics deep frying, creating that crispy, golden brown texture without submerging food in oil.
The Ninja Foodi air fryer basket holds 3-5 quarts of food. It heats up to 450°F to quickly cook and crisp up your favorite fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, onion rings, fish fillets, and more. The nonstick basket is easy to clean when you’re done.
Tips for Air Frying in the Ninja Foodi
Here are some top tips for getting the best air fried results in your Ninja Foodi:
- Use a small amount of oil – A light coating or misting helps crisp up the exterior.
- Flip halfway during cooking – This ensures even browning and cooking throughout.
- Open the basket halfway during cooking – This releases some steam to prevent food from becoming soggy.
- Spread into a single layer – Overcrowding reduces crispiness.
- Toss items like fries or nuggets with corn starch or baking powder – This helps achieve extra crispiness.
- Pat off excess moisture from foods before air frying.
- Adjust cook times as needed – Cooking may take a bit longer than deep frying.
Best Foods to Air Fry
You can make almost anything crispy and delicious in the Ninja Foodi air fryer. Here are some of the top foods to try:
| Food | Cook Temp | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| French fries | 400°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Chicken wings/drumettes | 390°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Chicken nuggets | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
| Fish fillets | 400°F | 8-12 minutes |
| Shrimp | 400°F | 5-8 minutes |
| Egg rolls | 375°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Onion rings | 400°F | 8-10 minutes |
| Zucchini fries | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
| Pork chops | 380°F | 10-14 minutes |
| Potstickers | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
Oil-Free vs. With Oil
While air frying does significantly reduce the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying, using a small amount of oil can help enhance browning and texture. You can mist foods with oil or drizzle with just 1-2 tbsp oil before air frying.
That said, you can still achieve deliciously crispy results completely oil-free. It may just take a bit more time. When going oil-free, highly recommend tossing items in a cornstarch mixture to encourage extra crispiness.
Cleaning the Ninja Foodi Air Fry Basket
One of the benefits of air frying is minimal cleanup required compared to deep frying. Here are some tips for cleaning the nonstick air fry basket:
- Let cool fully before cleaning.
- Wipe basket with paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Hand wash with warm soapy water and non-abrasive sponge or brush.
- Avoid metal scrubbers or abrasive cleaners which can damage the coating.
- If needed, fill basket with water and vinegar and boil to loosen stuck-on bits.
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi offers the golden crispy texture of deep fried foods without all the oil. Thanks to advanced air fry technology, you can enjoy healthier versions of fried favorites. From french fries to chicken wings, shrimp, and more, the options are limitless. Just be sure to refer to recipe cook times as air frying may take a bit longer than deep frying. With a few easy tips, you’ll be serving up crispy, mouthwatering air fried meals in no time.