Quick Answer
No, the Ninja air fryers do not come with a built-in thermometer. The Ninja air fryers rely on rapid air circulation and convection heating to cook food without the need for oil. This allows the appliances to air fry, roast, bake and reheat foods by circulating hot air around the food. Since Ninja air fryers cook via airflow rather than oil, there is no built-in thermometer included with the devices.
About the Ninja Air Fryers
The Ninja air fryers are a popular line of countertop convection ovens that use air frying technology to cook foods. Ninja currently offers several different air fryer models including:
- Ninja Air Fryer AF100
- Ninja Air Fryer AF101
- Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
- Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
These air fryers range in size, capacity, and additional functions – but none of the Ninja air fryer models come with a built-in cooking thermometer.
Key Features of Ninja Air Fryers
While they don’t have thermometers, Ninja air fryers are designed with several useful features:
- Digital control panels – Allow you to select cooking programs and adjust time/temperature
- Large capacity baskets – Hold several pounds of food for family-sized meals
- Dishwasher safe parts – Allow for easy cleanup
- Air fry, roast, bake, reheat functions – Provide cooking flexibility
- High-speed air circulation – Cooks food evenly without oil
- Advanced heating elements – Reach temperatures up to 400°F for crisping
These features allow the Ninja air fryers to crisp up foods like french fries, chicken wings, and veggies without a deep fryer.
Do You Need a Thermometer with an Air Fryer?
Since air fryers work differently than traditional frying methods, a thermometer is not essential:
- The rapid air circulation allows food to cook evenly using hot air rather than oil.
- Most models have digital controls that let you set the time and temperature as needed.
- Food is placed in a single layer which promotes thorough cooking.
- You can check food visually and shake or toss it periodically to ensure even browning.
An external thermometer can still be useful for checking the internal temperature of meats and poultry when air frying. But the Ninja air fryers are designed to produce crispy “fried” results without needing to monitor oil temperature.
Tips for Using a Ninja Air Fryer
Here are some tips to get the best results when using your Ninja air fryer:
Preheat Properly
Always preheat your Ninja air fryer for a few minutes before adding food. This allows the appliance to fully heat up to the set temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd
Air fryers need space for air circulation. Avoid overfilling the basket which can lead to uneven cooking.
Use Air Fryer Liners
Lining the basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat can make cleanup easier.
Flip and Rotate Foods
Shaking foods halfway during cooking can help ensure even browning and crisping.
Adjust Cooking Times
Since each air fryer model varies, adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed based on manufacturer guidelines.
Use Caution When Cooking Meat
Cook meat to the recommended safe internal temperature, and insert an instant read thermometer to verify doneness.
Alternatives to Built-In Thermometers
While Ninja air fryers don’t have integrated thermometers, there are several alternate options for monitoring food temperature:
Instant Read Thermometers
Handheld instant read thermometers can be inserted into food at any time during the cooking process to check internal temperatures. They provide quick and accurate readings.
Oven Safe Probe Thermometers
These leave a probe inserted in the food during cooking and wirelessly transmit the temperature to a digital base. Great for larger roasts and whole poultry.
Infrared Thermometers
Infrared or laser thermometers can take surface temperatures by aiming at the food. Helpful for checks but don’t measure internal temp.
Smart Meat Thermometers
Bluetooth connected smart thermometers monitor food temps via a smartphone app and provide alerts when food is ready. Convenient for hands-off monitoring.
| Thermometer Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Instant Read Thermometers | Quick and accurate readings, inexpensive models available |
| Oven Safe Probe Thermometers | Allow for hands free monitoring, track entire cooking time |
| Infrared Thermometers | Great for checking surface temperatures |
| Smart Meat Thermometers | Provide alerts when food reaches target temp, monitor remotely via app |
Conclusion
While the Ninja Air Fryers do not have built-in cooking thermometers, there are many external thermometer options available for monitoring food temperatures. Handheld instant read thermometers are affordable and provide quick temperature checks. For larger cuts of meat, an oven-safe probe thermometer lets you track cooking progress without having to open the appliance. And infrared and smart thermometers provide high-tech hands-free monitoring. With a variety of thermometer types readily available, it’s easy to ensure your air fried foods reach safe internal temperatures for proper doneness.