Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Review: Worth the Hype?
After testing the Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Air Fryer for three months and cooking over 50 meals, I'm ready to share my honest opinion on whether this kitchen appliance lives up to its viral popularity.
Product Overview
The Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Air Fryer has taken the cooking world by storm with its promise of crispy, oil-free meals in half the time. With 8 cooking functions including air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, air broil, and keep warm, it aims to replace multiple kitchen appliances.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 8 Quarts (serves 4-6 people)
- Functions: 8 cooking modes
- Temperature Range: 105°F to 450°F
- Power: 1750 watts
- Dimensions: 14.5" W x 16.5" D x 12.5" H
- Price: Around $159.99
What I Tested
Over three months, I put this air fryer through rigorous real-world testing:
- Frozen french fries and chicken wings (the classics)
- Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, potatoes, cauliflower)
- Whole chicken and chicken thighs
- Homemade chicken nuggets and fish sticks
- Reheating leftovers
- Dehydrating fruit chips
- Baking desserts (cookies and brownies)
What I Love
1. Incredibly Crispy Results
The air circulation technology is no joke. Everything from frozen fries to chicken wings comes out perfectly crispy without using any oil. The results rival deep-fried food but with a fraction of the calories.
2. Large Capacity
The 8-quart basket is genuinely spacious. I can cook a whole 5-pound chicken or make enough french fries for my entire family in one batch. This is a huge time-saver compared to smaller air fryers.
3. Easy to Clean
The ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, and cleanup is a breeze. Food doesn't stick, and most of the time, a quick wipe-down is all you need.
4. Intuitive Controls
The digital display is clear and easy to read. Pre-set cooking functions take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures. Even if you're new to air frying, you'll figure this out in minutes.
5. Speed
This thing is fast. Frozen chicken wings that would take 45 minutes in a conventional oven are done in 20 minutes. The rapid air technology truly cuts cooking time in half.
What Could Be Better
1. Takes Up Counter Space
At 14.5 inches wide, this isn't a small appliance. If you have limited counter space, you'll need to plan where to store it. It's too bulky to keep in a cabinet for daily use.
2. Can Be Loud
The fan noise is noticeable when it's running. It's not unbearably loud, but you'll definitely hear it from the next room. Not ideal if you're trying to watch TV in an open-concept space.
3. Learning Curve for Cooking Times
While the presets are helpful, I found I needed to experiment with cooking times for different foods. What works perfectly for one brand of frozen fries might need adjustment for another.
Best Features
✓ Max Crisp Technology
Delivers 450°F of superheated air for maximum crispiness
✓ 8 Cooking Functions
Replaces multiple appliances in your kitchen
✓ Dishwasher Safe Parts
Easy cleanup with removable, dishwasher-safe components
✓ Large 8-Quart Capacity
Cook for the whole family in one batch
The Verdict
Highly Recommended
The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer delivers on its promises with crispy results, large capacity, and versatile cooking options. While it takes up significant counter space and has a slight learning curve, it's become my most-used kitchen appliance.
Who Should Buy This?
Perfect for:
- Families who want healthier versions of fried foods
- People with adequate counter space
- Anyone looking to reduce cooking time
- Health-conscious cooks who miss crispy textures
Skip if:
- You have very limited kitchen space
- You're cooking for just one person (consider the 4-quart model)
- You're sensitive to appliance noise
Final Thoughts
After three months of daily use, the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer has earned its permanent spot on my kitchen counter. It's not perfect - the size and noise are real considerations - but the convenience, speed, and crispy results make it worth the investment. At around $160, it's competitively priced and has genuinely changed how I cook.
If you're on the fence about air fryers, this is an excellent choice that won't disappoint. Just make sure you have the counter space to accommodate it!