Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy way to cook frozen foods and make tasty side dishes like fries, wings, and veggies. The Ninja Air Fryer is one of the top models on the market, providing crispy results with little to no oil needed. While most air fryer recipes call for a quick release of the pressure at the end of the cooking time, some recipes specifically instruct you to natural release the Ninja Air Fryer instead. Here’s what you need to know about how to properly natural release a Ninja air fryer.
What is a Natural Release?
A natural release simply means allowing the air fryer to depressurize and return to normal pressure on its own, without manually turning the valve to quick release. As the contents of the fryer basket cook under pressure, steam builds up inside the unit. A quick release opens the valve immediately to vent all the steam and drop the pressure quickly. With a natural release, you allow the steam to slowly dissipate until the float valve drops on its own, which usually takes 10-15 minutes. The food finishes cooking gently as the pressure decreases. Doing a natural release prevents a rush of steam from escaping and cooling down the contents too quickly.
When to Use Natural Release with a Ninja Air Fryer
There are a few instances when recipes specifically call for a natural release with the Ninja air fryer:
- Cooking meat: Natural release allows time for the internal temperature to rise and the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.
- Making cheesecake or custards: These delicate dishes need gentle, even cooking and cooling to set properly.
- Cooking foods with a crust: The crust continues browning and crisping as the pressure drops.
- Making recipes with a sauce: Thick sauces and gravies can spatter when quick released.
- Cooking beans and grains: The extended cooking helps them fully hydrate.
- Cooking anything with a tendency to foam or froth: Natural release prevents a messy rush of foam out the valve.
How to Natural Release a Ninja Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for how to natural release after air frying:
- When the cooking time is complete, resist the temptation to open the air fryer immediately. Do not manually turn the pressure release valve.
- Allow the air fryer to sit undisturbed as the pressure naturally drops and the float valve lowers.
- This will take 10-15 minutes typically. Do not try to rush it!
- The float valve will drop into the lid when the pressure has fully returned to normal.
- Once the float valve is down, then you can safely open the air fryer.
- Carefully open the lid, angling it away from you to allow any remaining steam to escape away from your hands and face.
- Use oven mitts to remove the hot basket.
- Enjoy your perfect air fried food!
Be patient during the natural release time. Attempting to open the lid too soon can lead to dangerous release of steam and incomplete cooking. It may take a few extra minutes, but natural release ensures your food finishes cooking gently for the best texture and moisture.
Tips for Natural Releasing a Ninja Air Fryer
Here are some helpful tips to get perfect results when natural releasing your Ninja:
- Always natural release for the full time specified in the recipe, at least 10-15 minutes minimum.
- Do not try quick releasing for the last few minutes – let the pressure come down fully.
- Do not remove the basket or open the cooker until the float valve has dropped.
- If needed, a quick release can be done for the last 1-2 minutes once pressure is almost all the way down.
- For dishes with sauces, gently shake the basket before opening to prevent eruption.
- If the float valve is stuck, try pressing it gently with a wooden spoon handle.
- Natural release times may vary based on amount of food and liquid in the recipe.
- After releasing pressure, use oven mitts when removing the hot container.
Common Natural Release Questions
Is it okay to let the Ninja air fryer natural release overnight?
It is not recommended to leave your Ninja air fryer natural releasing overnight. The maximum time is typically 15-20 minutes. Leaving food sitting out overnight could potentially allow bacteria to grow and pose food safety issues.
Can I speed up natural release?
It is not advised to try and speed up a natural release, as this can lead to spattering hot liquids or an unsafe rush of steam when opening the lid. Have patience and allow the full natural release time for safety and to prevent affecting the cooking process.
What happens if I forget and quick release instead of natural release?
If you mistakenly do a quick release when the recipe called for natural release, the food may not get the gentle finish the recipe intended. Meat might be drier or less tender. Thick sauces can splatter out the valve. Cheesecakes may crack. It’s best to start over with the recipe whenever possible.
When should I do a quick release instead?
In general, quick release is recommended when cooking vegetables, fruits, or items with lighter sauces where texture is not an issue. Recipes for boiled eggs, steamed veggies, and rice typically instruct a quick release. Always follow the recipe’s release instructions.
Troubleshooting Natural Release Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Float valve won’t go down | Try pressing gently with a wooden spoon handle. Make sure the lid is fully sealed. Open the valve for 1-2 minutes if needed at end to quickly release remaining pressure. |
| Taking much longer than 10-15 minutes | This can happen if cooking a very large quantity of food. Be patient and give it more time. Do not force release. |
| Liquid spurting from valve | Next time natural release thicker sauces, grains, or meals layered with liquids more gently. |
| Burn or crusty coating on basket | Soak basket to loosen debris. Do not scrub coating. Add a bit of water to pot under basket next time. |
Conclusion
Natural releasing is an important step that can’t be rushed when air frying certain foods in the Ninja Foodi. Allowing the pressure to come down slowly prevents splattering sauces, drying out meats, and damage to delicate dishes. Always make sure to natural release for the full time specified in the recipe for safety and properly finished dishes. With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of how long it typically takes your model to come to normal pressure. Mastering natural release is key to becoming an expert Ninja Foodi air fryer chef!