Ninja Foodi Review 2024: Air Fryer + Pressure Cooker in One Appliance

Overview

The Ninja Foodi solves a problem every Instant Pot and air fryer owner has: two large appliances taking up counter space. The Foodi combines both functions in one pot — pressure cook a whole chicken to fall-off-the-bone tenderness, then switch to the air crisping lid for golden, crackling skin. We cooked 50+ meals across 10 weeks.

Key Features

TenderCrisp Technology: Pressure cook first, then air crisp for the perfect texture combination
9-in-1 functions: Pressure cook, air fry, steam, slow cook, sear, saute, bake, broil, and dehydrate
6.5-quart capacity: Enough for a whole chicken or 3 pounds of fries
Reversible rack: Elevate food for even air circulation or lower for steaming
Ceramic-coated pot: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe inner pot
Multiple sizes: Available from 5-quart to 8-quart depending on household size

Pros

TenderCrisp combination produces results neither appliance achieves alone
Replaces both an Instant Pot and an air fryer — saves significant counter space
Whole chicken in 30 minutes with crispy skin is genuinely impressive
More versatile than any single-function appliance
Strong price point appeals to a broad audience

Cons

Larger footprint than a standard Instant Pot
Two separate lids to manage and store
Air frying capacity is smaller than a dedicated air fryer
Learning curve for timing the TenderCrisp transition

Our Verdict

The Ninja Foodi is the best multi-cooker available for cooks who want both pressure cooking and air frying without two separate appliances. The TenderCrisp combination produces results that justify the purchase on the first use.