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I have been testing out the Ninja Foodi because I’m trying to decide whether or not to get rid of my Instant Pot.
UPDATE 12/26/2019: Instant Pot came out with its own air fryer lid for their 6 quart machines!
This is such great news for those of you who don’t want to buy yet another small appliance for another task. What a great option for just being able to attach it to a machine you already have!
I can’t wait to test it out and will be sure to give a review, but for now, the Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot review below!
I tested the Ninja Foodi out for a full week and made all our meals in it.
I’ve put together an informative pro and con list for each and my final decision below.
Perhaps this will help those of you who are still wondering whether or not you should get an Instant Pot.
There is definitely more and more options out there starting with this Ninja Foodi!
Oh, this is not sponsored. I bought both machines myself so you can trust that this review is 100% unbiased.
What’s different about the Ninja Foodi?
It’s a pressure cooker AND an air fryer AND dehydrator.
It does everything the Instant Pot does (sauté, slow cook, pressure cook) and MORE.
It’s basically four small appliances in one. A slow cooker, a pressure cooker, an air fryer, and a dehydrator.
Why did you get the Ninja Foodi?
I got the Ninja Foodi because I have wanted an air fryer but I really didn’t want to buy another small appliance so I’m hoping that the Ninja Foodi can take place of my Instant Pot.
I have too many as it is and while I have the room for it, I just didn’t want to use up that space for a machine that I may or may not use often.
What comes with the Ninja Foodi?
You get the nonstick pan, the fry basket, the wire rack, and the pressure cooker lid.
How much is the Ninja Foodi?
So, it’s not cheap when you compare it to the Instant Pot BUT if you think about it, it includes an air fryer. So that’s kind of like you buying an Instant Pot AND an air fryer separately.
The cost ends up being the same, if not more, depending on what brand air fryer you buy.
The Ninja Foodi cost me roughly $193 including tax. Retail price is $229 but I bought it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond so I was able to use a 20% off coupon.
However, on Amazon, it is now $179.99!
Why didn’t you buy it at Amazon?
Well, because Amazon didn’t have it for 20% off (but now it’s actually cheaper than BBB at $179.99) but the main reason was because there’s two different models on Amazon and it’s confusing which one you are actually going to get.
Some of the product photos show it has the dehydrator function/button but then some of the product photos show that they don’t. So I didn’t want to order this giant machine and then have to ship it back if I got the one without the dehydrator. See the photo above where this one obviously has the dehydrator option. There are models apparently that don’t have that button.
It was just easier to buy in store somewhere.
Pressure cooker function of Ninja Foodi
I was very eager to test this out first because if I got rid of my Instant Pot, I would need the next pressure cooker to perform like the Instant Pot.
I’m happy to report it worked just as well. I did have an issue with the seal/vent valve but it only happened once so it might’ve been a fluke/user error.
Air fryer function of Ninja Foodi
I’ve never used an air fryer before this machine so I have nothing to compare it to.
I’m very impressed though with how little oil you need for everything to cook and get crisp.
I made my three ingredient nuggets in it — dropped the meatballs in raw and didn’t even use any oil. They came out so crispy!
We’ve made scallops in it, chicken tenders, asparagus, broccoli, and more!
Pros of the Ninja Foodi
- Essentially four machines in one
- It does everything the Instant Pot does and more
- It costs less than an Instant Pot and all the other machines you’d have to buy individually
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Not much of a learning curve
- I like that as it’s coming up to pressure, the digital screen shows you that it’s doing that. With the Instant Pot, it seemed like a guessing game, haha
Cons of the Ninja Foodi
- The size; it’s definitely not a space saver, lol
- The double lid; the air fryer lid doesn’t come off so if you are using the pressure cooker, the air fryer lid stays open. See photo above.
- I don’t like that the main insert is nonstick vs. stainless steel like the Instant Pot. Because you are putting the fry basket into it, I feel like the legs of the fry basket can easily scratch up the nonstick and with use overtime, it might start to peel.
- If you use the air fryer, you have to wash both the basket and the nonstick insert it sits in. Double clean up is no fun.
- The seal and vent valve is more finnicky with the Foodi. You have to really make sure it’s on seal before you start it otherwise it starts to “leak” a little when it comes up to pressure and starts releasing a lot of steam. I ended up having to use a tong to keep it on the sealed side until it came up to pressure. That might’ve been a fluke though and user error.
- There aren’t presets on the Ninja Foodi so those of you that aren’t sure about cooking times might find that this trial and error isn’t for you. Personally, this is no big deal for me because the machine comes with a general cook time template and also I’ve cooked enough with a pressure cooker to know what times to set for each. The air fryer; you can lift the lid during cooking to check up on it.
- It only comes in one size right now. 6.5 quarts; which is decent for our family of two but I know some people have an 8 quart Instant Pot.
- Sometimes with chicken dishes, I have to cook them in two or three batches because of the small basket which makes dinner time drawn out.
Things about the Ninja Foodi that are worth mentioning
- The air fryer actually cooks a lot faster than I thought too. Most things come together in half the time.
- Though both the air fryer basket and nonstick insert look “small,” they are actually 0.5 quarts more than the Instant Pot. I think looks are deceiving because the Foodi is short and round while the Instant Pot is tall and narrow.
Ah, the machine that started it all. The good ole Instant Pot.
I honestly love this machine. I used it plenty.
I found myself to use it more in the cooler months though because I love a good cozy roast.
Pros of the Instant Pot
- It does its job.
- There are presets for those that are nervous about not knowing about cook times.
- If you just want a pressure cooker, this is really honestly the only machine you’ll need.
- It’s smaller so easier to store although I know some people think even the IP is too big!
- It has the ability to slow cook too so again, if you need space and don’t want two appliances, the Instant Pot is a good option.
- Multiple size options. 3 quart, 6 quart, and 8 quart.
- Price; you can always seem to find it on sale on Amazon for like $89.99 or similar; especially during flash deals and Black Friday.
Cons of the Instant Pot
- If you’re looking for more than a pressure cooker then the IP definitely doesn’t do it for you.
- If you want an air fryer or dehydrator, the Instant Pot doesn’t have that.
- Sealing issues with the Instant Pot seem to be the biggest issue I’ve heard. The ring is super finicky. I’ve had one incident where it never completely came up to pressure and I had to release it and it basically ruined dinner cause it was like par-cooked.
- The rubber seal keeps cooking smells and I can definitely attest to this. When I made my Instant Pot Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, my Instant Pot now can’t “unsmell” of Chinese five spice, lol
- I’m hearing the slow cooker function is TERRIBLE on the Instant Pot; I haven’t tried it because I use my 23 year old Crockpot because I know it works.
VERDICT: which did I end up choosing?
So after using the Ninja Foodi to cook dinner in for a week, I ended up PACKING IT UP AND RETURNING IT. Don’t worry, I kept all the packaging and washed it up real good.
I just couldn’t get past the size of the beast (and its weight) and I didn’t see myself actually using the air fryer THAT often.
And the fact I would have to be lugging out the machine just to use the pressure cooker wasn’t appealing.
Additionally, I felt like the air fryer was more like a broiler than anything else.
Some people said if I had a convection oven, I didn’t need an air fryer — slightly disagree.
While the air fryer does push around hot air (it has a fan) like a convection oven, it does cook differently. The final product is crisper than a convection but that might be because the heating element is literally on top of your food — hence why I think it’s more like a broiler.
So yep, I’ll be keeping my Instant Pot!
Now that I’ve actually used an air fryer, I don’t think I’ll be buying one. I’m happy with my pressure cooker and slow cooker!
Where to buy?
- 3 quart Instant Pot
- 6 quart Instant Pot (this is the size I have)
- 8 quart Instant Pot
- Ninja Foodi, 6.5 quart
Questions?
I’m sure I’ve missed something and I’m sure you’ve got questions.
Feel free to ask below and I can try my best to answer!
Pressure Cooker Recipes
These recipes can be made in either the Instant Pot or Foodi (on pressure cooker mode)!
- Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli
- Instant Pot Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
- Instant Pot Sausage and Herbed White Bean Soup
- Instant Pot Braised Korean Beef Ragu
- Instant Pot Pork Poblano Skillet Enchiladas
There are affiliate links in this post.
I found your review interesting. I have an electric pressure cooker, one you put on a burner, an air fryer and a slow cooker. I have found my air fryer to be a real hit in our house. We started out with frozen fries and onion rings. Finally, I cut a game hen in half and seasoned each side separately. My spouse likes orange chicken, I don’t. I can cook the game hens in 20 minutes. I cook a pork tenderloin in 20 minutes. Both have been very good. I don’t have to do any other browning.
Since I have several other appliances including a Showtime I will probably not buy either a IP nor a Ninja Foodi although the Foodi would be my choice if my pressure cooker ever quit.
This is provided only because you did not review the air fryer. It works so well, I wish I had waited for the air fryer oven.
Thanks for your review of instant pot and Foodi. I live in small space seasonably and at 71 am trying to change my cooking style for many reasons. I have been using an air fryer, slow cooker, & convection oven and have enjoyed all. Bought a pressure cooker a year ago and still in box. Just got Foodi for Christmas. Now wondering if I should have asked for Instant Pot. I was fascinated by Foodi because it browns. Havent taken out of box yet but with no comparison to IP wondering if I should trade for IP or try the Foodi first. Thoughts?
If you bought a pressure cooker a year ago, then you shouldn’t need to ask for an Instant Pot unless you want the Instant Pot for the capabilities of being able to sauté in it/browning meats. You said you’re fascinated by Foodi because it browns; Instant Pot does too on the sauté setting. But it doesn’t brown like the Foodi in terms of air frying. It really depends on what you want out of an appliance — do you want all the capabilities (air frying, slow cooking, pressure cooking) or do you just want pressure cooking and slow cooking? I know this isn’t much help but I hope it helps you weigh out what you’re truly looking for in terms of an appliance and what you want it to do for you.
Just got a “ninja foodi” for Xmas. I had never used a pressure cooker. First use was to make stock form the turkey carcass. I did half the carcass in my slow cooker and half in the Foodi, seasoning both the same. Slow cooker 6 hrs. and Foodi pressure cooker 15 min after it came up to pressure. I was intimidated by the size, as well. I am older and it is too heavy for me. Solved the problem with a very nice kitchen cart that fits perfectly at the end of the counter, near an outlet strip. Also, room on the cart for other heavy items that I can now just roll around the kitchen for placement with less lifting. So far I think it is going to do the trick, especially with the addition of the kitchen cart which will be its permanent home.
Ah, brilliant idea!
Thanks for the great review, but I was wondering on the Ninja dehydration mode, does that make jerky or dehydrated fruits?
Yes, it does. You’ll have to buy the dehydrator shelving for the Foodi though.
Hi, thank you so much for this review. I’ve never used a pressure cooker before but I’ve been researching them for a while. Right now as a mom with a toddler my biggest struggle is time. We usually end up eating crap or going out because I forgot to set meat out to thaw. My wish for Christmas was the gift of time. So my husband got my the IP 6qt ultra. The one I thought I wanted was the Ninja for the air fryer. We are out of space as it is right now. We also have the breville convection oven. I myself have never air fried anything so I’m not sure it’s a need right now however it does sound really good. Here are my questions…
1. I was under the impression that I can cook frozen meat to ready to eat in record time is that true.
2. Do you recommend I keep my crock pot?
3. Us the IP ultra 6 quart better than the other models?
Hi, answers to your questions:
1. Yes, I cook frozen meat in my Instant Pot all the time. I love it and it’s amazing!
2. Personally, if you’re looking to free up space, then yes, but otherwise, I’d keep it because I heard that the Instant Pot slow cooker function isn’t as reliable as a real slow cooker.
3. I don’t know; I feel all Instant Pot models are all the same. They all have the same functions; they just update the looks of them.
Can you use instant pot recipes in a Ninja Foodi?
On the pressure cooker setting, yes.
I live in a tiny home so multifunctional appliances are very attractive to me. My kitchen is small and so is my storage.
I’ve used the instant pot for three years and I love it. It is so much a part of my cooking that I keep it on my space limited countertop. I would want to do the same with the foodi. The downside to me is that I would still have to find a place to store the lid which would be a challenge and it would use more countertop real estate. I also think that it would really bother me to see that lid open when I’m pressure cooking. I was willing to overcome all those objections but then after reading your well-written article I realized I (like you) probably wouldn’t air fry often enough to live with the downsides of the foodi.
Thank you for this article and the objective way it was written. It saved me from a purchase I would have ended up returning.
I’m so glad it helped you!!
Where you able to use your instapot recipes in the ninja foodi? Or did you have to adjust them to work?
The pressure cooker in the Ninja Foodi is essentially the same as the Instant Pot pressure cooker. There was nothing I had to change.
We have the Ninja Foodi and love it! But we are now looking for something for our college sophomore vegetarian daughter. She basically does veggie burgers (which would probably be great in the foodi) or other ‘fake-chickeny’ frozen sauteed foods, Any suggestions on the best option for her? To prepare various vegetarian/tofu dishes?
if she’s in college, i feel that the foodi would be a huge space issue. perhaps just getting her an air fryer instead? since it seems like she does more of that (frozen, sautéed) than she would pressure cook.
Hi, thank you for posting this review. I love your point of view. With the foodie 6.5 q would that be meals for 2 or would it feed more than that.
it would be able to feed 2 people, definitely.