This is one of the most versatile counter-top appliances I have ever encountered. It claims a total of fourteen cooking functions in addition to: to “Air-Fry” mode, “it can function as a “pressure cooker” and a “steam crisper“.
Let’s talk chicken. We can place 6-8 of these prepped chicken tenders on the air fry rack, and the Ninja Air Fryer (on the “air fry” setting) will cook them to perfection in 6 minutes at 390 degrees. Preparing the chicken is quick and easy. We coat the tenders in olive oil, lay them flat and sprinkle just a little of Tutu’s Pantry’s Hawaiian BBQ Seasoning. Of course, if you like extra spicy you can add more – but just a light sprinkle is enough for my palate.
The removable cooking container is easy to clean, and typically is used with the inserted cooking rack or the crisping basket. After cooking, I let it cool a bit and carefully remove the cooking container, rack and basket. I add a little soap and water to soak a bit and then rinse.
Ok. About that crisping backet. Every so often, I really want a few fresh and hot fries. So, I’ll slice two or three potatoes – sometimes thin and sometimes a little thicker. I’ll let them swim in just a little olive oil and a dash of salt to coat, and then into the Ninja on “air fryer” mode at 390 degrees for about 25 – 30 minutes.
The Ninja will beep about halfway through the timer setting to remind you to shake the crisper backet, but the basket is quite hot. So, I have a cooking spoon that I use to reach in and toss the fries three or four times until they are done.
The pressure cooker mode is activated by locking the lid, adjusting the pressure relief valve to the proper position and setting the timer. Steam crisp settings are for air frying other vegetables that you would prefer crisp, yet still moist.