Why I Upgraded to the Foodi Pro
I had a basic air fryer for two years before it died. Instead of replacing it with the same thing, I wanted something with more capacity and better features. The Ninja Foodi Pro kept showing up in comparisons, so I took the plunge.
Six months of cooking with it, here’s my honest take.
First Thing I Noticed: It’s Bigger Than Expected
The 5-quart capacity sounded moderate on paper, but this thing takes up real counter space. Measure your counter before buying. I had to reorganize my kitchen setup to fit it.
That said, the larger capacity is genuinely useful. I can cook a whole batch of wings for friends or make enough roasted vegetables to last a few days of meal prep. My old 4-quart model couldn’t handle that.
How It Actually Cooks
The heating is even and consistent. I’ve gotten crispy results on everything from frozen fries to fresh chicken thighs to Brussels sprouts. The temperature range goes up to 400F which handles most things you’d want to air fry.
The preset buttons are… fine? I mostly ignore them and set my own time and temp. But if you’re new to air frying, the presets give you a starting point for common foods.
One thing I appreciate: the preheat time is quick. About 2-3 minutes and you’re ready to cook. Compared to waiting for a full oven to heat, that’s a meaningful time saver.
Build Quality Thoughts
This feels like a solidly built appliance. The basket has held up well - no flaking coating, no warping. The exterior stays cool during operation except right near the vents. The digital display is bright and easy to read.
The basket is dishwasher safe, which I use constantly. Hand washing air fryer baskets is annoying, so this is a huge plus.
My only durability concern: the plastic exterior picks up grease fingerprints and they’re visible. I wipe it down weekly but it always looks a bit grimy.
What Works Well
- Consistent cooking - No hot spots I’ve noticed. Food cooks evenly.
- Quick preheat - Ready in minutes, not 15+ like an oven.
- Easy cleanup - Dishwasher safe basket and removable crisper plate.
- Quiet operation - It’s not silent but way quieter than I expected.
- 5 functions - Air fry, air roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake. I use the first three regularly.
What Could Be Better
- Size - It’s big. Make sure you have space.
- No window - You have to open it to check on food. Some models have windows.
- Cord is short - Had to rearrange things to reach my outlet.
- The app exists but isn’t necessary - I tried it once and never used it again. Just use the machine directly.
Favorite Things to Make
Since everyone asks, here’s what I make most often:
- Chicken thighs - Skin gets incredibly crispy. 380F for about 20 minutes.
- Roasted vegetables - Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower. Tosses with olive oil and salt.
- Frozen appetizers - Egg rolls, mozzarella sticks, etc. Way better than microwaved.
- Reheated pizza - Stays crispy, cheese melts nicely.
- Bacon - Less mess than a pan, crispy results.
Should You Get This One?
If you cook for 2-4 people regularly and have the counter space, the Foodi Pro is a solid choice. It’s well-built, cooks consistently, and the larger capacity is useful.
For single people or tight kitchens, a smaller model might make more sense. And if you want to see your food while it cooks, look at models with viewing windows.
It’s become one of the most-used appliances in my kitchen. That’s probably the best endorsement I can give.
Prices may vary. Check current deals before purchasing.