Ninja Foodi: An Instant Pot on Steroids

Cyber Monday is my favorite time of the year to look for some great deals. This past November, I was able to snag a great deal on an eight-quart Ninja Foodi.



I had wanted a pressure cooker for some time after hearing rave reviews from friends about their Instant Pot. An InstaPot seemed safer than the old pressure cooker that was in the kitchen while I was a child. I witnessed various chefs get hurt when the shaky part on the top was removed or if they try to open the lid too soon.

However, as I have discovered with our small kitchen, I developed a preference for multi-purpose items. I was not sure if it was worthwhile to buy a pressure cooker to take up the space. Thanks to my research background, I was able to come across Ninja Foodi. I was immediately intrigued because it was multipurpose! It was like an Instant Pot on steroids, I swear. It is a pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker, air fryer, roaster, broiler, dehydrator in one!

We are in love. Unfortunately, our kitchen is not big enough to accommodate two of those. I can just dream for a bigger kitchen in the near future.


I have used all functions so far. Here's what I have learned about each function:

• Pressure: It makes perfect hard boiled eggs. My husband and I want to try making soft-boiled eggs next. It does well for hot cereals, legumes, and grains (quinoa). You can pressure cook a whole chicken then switch to air crisp (air frying function) to finish it off. 
• Steam: we are still figuring out this one. I personally like the stovetop method of steaming better but will keep on playing with this one.
• Slow cook: I have done different recipes and they turn out well. I used this feature to make bone broth. After cooking for 24 hours, this ended up smelling like bone broth for a while (I did not like this smell). I think I will stick with my regular slow cooker for bone broths which does not retain that smell afterwards.
• Sear/saute is a nice feature to prepare for pressure/roasting functions.
• Air crisp: we used to have a separate air fryer but this one makes better fries (potato/sweet potato). We also use this for broccoli and Brussel sprouts. Yum.
• Bake/Roast: We find that it's faster to roast vegetables in this than in the oven. Roasting fish on a high rack for about 12 minutes is also delicious!
• Broil: Funny, this is one function I have yet to try. I do not normally broil food anyway.
• Dehydrate: I bought a separate accessory (dehydrator accessory with five levels). I made dried cranberries. I love dried cranberries but it's so difficult to find dried cranberries without cane sugar. I mixed cranberries with maple syrup before putting them in the Foodi. 

If you are aching for a new kitchen toy to play with during the pandemic, this is it!