The Ninja Foodi is a popular multi-cooker that can pressure cook, air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. One of the handy accessories that comes with the Ninja Foodi is the cook and crisp basket. This basket allows you to easily air fry foods or dehydrate fruits and vegetables. If you’re wondering what size the cook and crisp basket is, read on for more details.
Ninja Foodi Cook and Crisp Basket Capacity
The Ninja Foodi cook and crisp basket has a 5 quart capacity. This means it can hold up to 5 quarts or 20 cups of food. Here are some examples of how much food you can fit in the 5 quart cook and crisp basket:
- 2 pounds of french fries
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 pounds of chicken wings
- 1 pound of vegetables
- 6 cake donuts
The 5 quart basket provides enough room to cook meals for 3-5 people. It’s a versatile accessory that allows you to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate a good amount of food at once in the Ninja Foodi.
Ninja Foodi Cook and Crisp Basket Dimensions
In addition to 5 quart capacity, the cook and crisp basket has the following dimensions:
- 12 inches long
- 11.75 inches wide
- 2.75 inches high
The rectangular shape and shallow height of the basket allows hot air to circulate around food for even cooking. The width also gives plenty of surface area for things like french fries and chicken wings to crisp up.
Comparison to Other Ninja Foodi Cooking Accessories
It’s helpful to compare the cook and crisp basket size to other cooking accessories that come with the Ninja Foodi. Here is an overview:
| Accessory | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cook & Crisp Basket | 5 quarts |
| Deluxe Reversible Rack | 6 quarts |
| Broil Rack | 6 quarts |
| Stainless Steel Pot | 6.5 quarts |
As you can see, the deluxe rack, broil rack, and stainless steel pot that come with the Ninja Foodi are all slightly larger than the cook and crisp basket. The basket is best used for air frying smaller batches of food, while the other accessories can handle larger recipes like roasts, whole chickens, or larger cuts of meat.
Tips for Using the Ninja Foodi Cook and Crisp Basket
Here are some handy tips to get the most out of using the 5 quart cook and crisp basket with your Ninja Foodi:
- Don’t overfill – leave at least 2 inches from the top of the basket for air circulation.
- Toss food halfway during cooking to promote browning.
- Spray basket with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- For crispiest results, cut pieces smaller and cook in single layer.
- When air frying, set temperature between 360-400°F.
- For dehydrating, fruits and veggies can overlap but don’t pack too tight.
- Check food frequently when cooking to prevent burning.
Following these tips will help you get the best results when using the handy Ninja Foodi cook and crisp basket!
Cleaning the Ninja Foodi Cook and Crisp Basket
It’s important to properly clean the cook and crisp basket after each use. Here are some tips for cleaning:
- Remove food debris by hand or use a soft brush.
- Wash with hot soapy water and sponge or soft cloth.
- Do not use abrasive brushes or scouring pads.
- Towel dry thoroughly after washing.
- Let air dry completely before next use.
- Avoid dishwasher – hand wash only.
Be sure to fully dry the basket before storing or using again. Any moisture left behind can allow bacteria to grow. A good cleaning after each use will help the nonstick coating last longer.
Where to Buy a Replacement Ninja Foodi Cook and Crisp Basket
Over time, the nonstick coating on the cook and crisp basket can wear down. When this happens, you may want to replace the accessory rather than buying a whole new appliance. Here are some places you can purchase a replacement 5 quart Ninja Foodi crisping basket:
- NinjaKitchen.com – $29.95 for basket
- Bed Bath & Beyond – $29.99 for basket
- Target – $29.99 for basket
- Walmart – $29.88 for basket
- Amazon – $21.99 for basket
Ninja also offers an upgrade stainless steel version of the cook and crisp basket for $49.95. This is a good option if you want a more durable basket.
Get the Most Out of Your Ninja Foodi Cook and Crisp Basket
When used properly, the 5 quart cook and crisp basket opens up a world of air frying and dehydrating possibilities with the Ninja Foodi. Follow the tips in this article to maximize the versatility of this handy multi-cooker accessory. Refer to your Ninja Foodi user manual for the official manufacturer guidance on using the cook and crisp basket. Enjoy making quick, delicious meals for the whole family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a whole chicken in the Ninja Foodi cook and crisp basket?
While the 5 quart cook and crisp basket can hold a whole chicken, it’s not the best accessory to use. The basket is quite shallow, so a whole chicken won’t fit comfortably. You’re better off using the deeper stainless steel pot or deluxe reversible rack that comes with the Ninja Foodi when cooking a whole chicken.
What is the maximum weight the Ninja Foodi crisping basket can hold?
The official maximum weight the 5 quart cook and crisp basket can hold is 5 pounds. This includes the weight of any oil or liquid added to the food you are cooking. Exceeding the 5 pound capacity could damage the basket and prevent it from sitting properly in the Ninja Foodi.
Can I cook a pork shoulder in the Ninja Foodi crisping basket?
No, you should not attempt to cook large cuts of meat like a pork shoulder in the cook and crisp basket. The shallow depth and 5 quart capacity make it unsuitable for large roasts. Use the stainless steel pot instead if you want to pressure cook or braise a pork shoulder in your Ninja Foodi.
What happens if I overfill the Ninja Foodi crisping basket?
It’s important not to overfill the cook and crisp basket. If you add too much food, it can interfere with air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Overfilled food also has a higher chance of making contact with the heating element, potentially burning the food. Stick to the recommended 5 quart capacity for best results.
Can I cook frozen foods in the Ninja Foodi crisping basket?
Yes, you can cook frozen foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks in the cook and crisp basket. Make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Also, toss the food halfway through cooking to help frozen items cook evenly. Letting frozen foods thaw slightly before air frying can help speed up cooking.
Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi cook and crisp basket provides a handy way to air fry and dehydrate your favorite foods. Its 5 quart capacity can hold around 4 servings of fries, wings, or vegetables. Following the tips in this article will allow you to maximize the use of this versatile accessory. Check your Ninja Foodi owner’s manual for the official guidance on getting the most out of the cook and crisp basket.