Using the roast setting on a Ninja Foodi or Ninja Foodi XL is a great way to cook meat and vegetables to perfection. The roast setting circulates hot air around the food to ensure even cooking and crisping. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the roast function on your Ninja cooker.
Understanding the Roast Setting
The roast setting on the Ninja Foodi uses a combination of fan convection and a heating element to circulate hot air around the food. This allows the outside of roasts, chickens, and veggies to get crispy and browned while the inside cooks gently and evenly. It works similarly to a conventional oven but in a much shorter timeframe thanks to the fans circulating the air rapidly around the food.
On most models, the roast setting has a default temperature of 350°F but can be adjusted from 250-400°F. It’s ideal for cooking lean meats like pork loin or chicken breasts as well as vegetables like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and more. The roast setting will take a bit longer than pressure cooking but less time than traditional oven roasting.
Tips for Roasting Meats
Here are some tips for using the roast function to make delicious roasted meats in your Ninja Foodi:
- Choose the right cuts of meat. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin, boneless chicken breasts, and beef sirloin roast work best. Avoid fatty cuts like ribs which may cause more smoke.
- Trim excess fat. Too much fat can cause smoking. Trim off any large pieces of fat before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Roast meats to the recommended safe internal temperature – 145°F for pork, 160°F for chicken, 145°F for beef.
- Preheat if needed. For larger roasts, preheating the Ninja for 5-10 minutes can help sear the outside.
- Flip halfway through. Rotate or flip meat halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Let rest before serving. Once cooked, remove meat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Roasting Chicken
Roasting whole chickens and chicken pieces is easy in the Ninja Foodi. Pat chicken dry before cooking. Brush with oil or rub on seasoning. Cook bone-in pieces on one side for 20 minutes then flip and cook 15 minutes more. Cook boneless breasts for 18-22 minutes per side. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Roasting Pork
Pork tenderloin and pork chops cook up moist and flavorful with the roast setting. Season as desired and roast pork chops for 18-24 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 145°F. For whole pork tenderloin, cook for 25-35 minutes until it reaches 145°F. Baste with barbecue sauce the last 5-10 minutes for added flavor.
Roasting Beef
The roast setting is perfect for cooking beef roasts like top sirloin, tri-tip, eye of round, and tenderloin. Use a meat thermometer and cook roasts to an internal temperature of 145°F for medium rare. Cook times will vary depending on size – plan on 25-35 minutes per pound. Let beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Roasting Vegetables
Beyond meats, the roast function allows you to cook veggies to crispy, flavorful perfection. Follow these tips for roasting vegetables in the Ninja Foodi:
- Cut veggies evenly – Opt for pieces 1-2 inches in size to promote even cooking.
- Toss in oil – Lightly coat veggies in olive oil or cooking spray to help get them crispy.
- Season well – Flavor with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or rubs before roasting.
- Use the sheet pan – Arrange veggies in a single layer on the sheet pan insert.
- Give space – Avoid overcrowding vegetables to allow air flow.
- Flip halfway – Stir or turn vegetables halfway through roasting.
Roasting Potatoes
Cubes of russet or sweet potatoes get perfectly crispy when roasted in the Ninja Foodi. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes, toss with oil, and season with salt and pepper or a spice blend. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway, until browned and fork tender.
Roasting Root Vegetables
Root veggies like carrots, parsnips, beets, and Brussels sprouts all shine when roasted. Peel if needed, cut into 1-inch pieces, and roast at 375°F for 25-35 minutes until browned and tender, stirring halfway through.
Roasting Broccoli and Cauliflower
Chop broccoli and cauliflower florets into similar sized pieces for even roasting. Toss with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crisped and lightly charred. Stir or turn vegetables halfway through roasting.
Choosing Cook Times and Temperatures
One key to success when using the roast setting is choosing the right cook times and temperatures for what you are making. Here are some general guidelines:
| Food | Temperature | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken pieces | 375°F | 20-25 minutes per lb |
| Pork tenderloin | 400°F | 25-35 minutes |
| Beef roast | 350°F | 25-35 minutes per lb |
| Root vegetables | 375°F | 25-35 minutes |
| Broccoli/cauliflower | 400°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Potatoes | 400°F | 20-25 minutes |
Keep in mind cook times will vary based on the quantity and size of what you are cooking. Get to know your Ninja Foodi and adjust cook times as needed based on your observations. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to determine doneness, especially for poultry and roasts.
Troubleshooting Roast Setting Issues
While the roast function on the Ninja Foodi often delivers delicious results, you may occasionally run into some issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Food is undercooked
If food is undercooked, it likely needed more time to finish roasting. For meats, use a thermometer to determine if the center has reached the proper internal temperature. For vegetables that are still hard, return them to the Ninja for 5-10 more minutes.
Food is overcooked or burnt
Overcooked, dried out food could indicate it was left in too long. When roasting at higher temps like 400°F, check food frequently to prevent burning. Cut pieces smaller to reduce cook times.
Meat is dry after cooking
Allowing meat to rest after roasting helps juices redistribute and makes it juicier. For extra moist roasts, baste with broth or sauce periodically during cooking. Cook to just below desired doneness as it will continue cooking during the rest time.
Excess smoke
Trimming excess fat from meats prevents flare ups and smoking. Avoid fatty cuts of meat and opt for leaner choices when roasting. If smoke develops, press Cancel and remove food immediately.
Uneven cooking or burning
Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking in the roast setting. Make sure to leave space around food to allow air circulation. Flip or turn food halfway through cooking.
Conclusion
The roast function on the Ninja Foodi is perfect for cooking tender, flavorful meats, vegetables, and more with a crispy exterior. Allowing enough time for doughiness, monitoring temperatures, avoiding overcrowding, and flipping or turning food will all help prevent common issues. With some practice roasting in your Ninja Foodi, you’ll be turning out restaurant-quality results in no time. This versatile appliance makes it so easy to cook delicious roasted dishes your whole family will love.