Versatile countertop cooker that grills, air fries, smokes, and crisps with ease.
Imagine rushing home after work, hungry, and wanting a juicy steak, crispy fries, and no oven mess. The Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer is designed to replace several appliances. It aims to give you seared grill marks, air-fried crunch, and even smoke flavor without a messy backyard setup. If you value speed, variety, and easy cleanup, this device promises to simplify weeknight dinners and weekend experiments.
Is Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 Good?
I give a clear yes — especially if you want a multi-use countertop cooker that actually performs. The Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 lived up to its promise in my kitchen. It handled frozen fries to crispy perfection, gave a nice sear to thin steaks with its surround searing, and its smoke control system added a subtle wood-smoke note when I tried smoked chicken. It’s generally great for busy cooks, small families, and anyone who wants grilling flavor without outdoor grilling fuss. In my home, it shortened dinner prep time and cut down on the number of appliances on my counter. One night I cooked salmon with a crisped skin and roasted vegetables in the basket at the same time — both finished evenly. Another weekend, I used the removable grill gate to make panini-style sandwiches with clean lines and even browning. Its versatility kept me experimenting for weeks.
My First Impression
The unit arrived well-packed with clear manuals and accessories snug in foam. The presentation felt premium for a countertop appliance. Out of the box, the grill grate, crisper basket, and removable grill gate looked sturdy. The body uses a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Setting it up was simple — slide in the baskets, plug in, and choose a function. The control dial and buttons are intuitive. On first use, the searing feature produced visible grill marks quickly. I felt excited and relieved because many multi-cookers promise a lot but deliver mediocrity; this one delivered solidly on first runs. I was pleasantly surprised by the smoke system — subtle, not overpowering. Cleanup was easier than expected; most parts are dishwasher safe, though the grill grate benefits from a quick soak.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 5-in-1 functions: grill, air fry, roast, bake, and smoke control.
- Surround searing for even grill marks and quick browning.
- Removable grill gate and crisper basket for flexible cooking styles.
- Cooking pot included for braising or stews with the same unit.
- Adjustable smoke control system for adding wood-smoke flavor indoors.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup.
What I Like
- Realistic grill flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
- Consistently crisp results from air fry mode.
- Flexible setup — use the gate for open grill or remove for more space.
- Smoke control adds subtle depth to meats and vegetables.
- Easy controls and clear presets for quick meals.
What Could Be Better
- Size may be large for very small kitchens or limited counter space.
- Learning curve for maximizing smoke control settings.
- Some accessories are bulky to store.
- Not ideal for very large roasts — best for small to medium portions.
- Grill grate can require a little elbow grease for stuck bits.
My Recommendation
If you want grill flavor without outdoor gear, the Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 hits the mark. It’s best for:
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy Weeknight Cooks | Quick preheat and multi-mode functions cut total cooking time. |
| Apartment Dwellers | Gives grilled and smoked flavors without a backyard or open flame. |
| Small Families | Enough capacity for 2–4 people and multiple cooking styles in one unit. |
Overall, ninja 5 in 1 air fryer reviews show this model is a strong value when you want variety and solid performance. Availability is good on major retailers, and I found it to be a reliable daily cooker.
Alternative Products You Can Consider
Cosori Air Fryer Max XL — Best for straight air frying. If you only want crisp fries and chicken without grilling or smoking, this is simpler and often lighter on counter space. It lacks searing and smoke features but excels at easy air frying and baking.
Instant Vortex Pro — Best for multi-function simplicity. It gives reliable air frying, roasting, and baking with a smaller learning curve. It’s less geared toward indoor grilling flavor but is compact and user-friendly.
Weber SmokeFire (portable model) — Best for true grill and smoke flavor outdoors. If you have space for outdoor cooking, Weber provides deeper smoke and larger cooking area, though it’s not a countertop solution like the Ninja Foodi.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 | Versatility (grill, smoke, air fry) | Combines searing, smoking, and air frying in one indoor unit |
| Cosori Air Fryer Max XL | Simple, large-capacity air frying | Focused on air fry performance; no grill or smoke |
| Instant Vortex Pro | Multi-use with simple controls | Simpler interface; less grilling/smoking emphasis |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want an all-in-one countertop appliance that grills, air fries, smokes, and roasts, the Ninja Foodi 5 In 1 is the best pick. It delivers good searing and reliable air-fry results. Choose the Ninja Foodi if you value indoor grill marks, smoke control, and flexibility.
If you only need a straightforward air fryer with large capacity, consider the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL. For simplicity with multiple bake/roast presets, the Instant Vortex Pro is a solid choice. For outdoor purists who prioritize authentic smoke depth and larger grills, a Weber-style smoker/grill is better.
Overall, for most people who want variety without buying multiple devices, ninja 5 in 1 air fryer reviews reflect a strong, practical choice.
FAQs Of ninja 5 in 1 air fryer reviews
Can this unit really replace an outdoor grill?
Yes for many items. It gives good sear and grill marks for steaks, burgers, and veggies. It won’t fully replace the smoky depth of a large outdoor smoker, but the smoke control adds noticeable flavor indoors.
Is it easy to clean?
Mostly yes. The crisper basket, grill grate, and cooking pot are dishwasher safe. The grill grate may need a soak for stuck-on bits. Wiping the exterior is quick.
How big is the cooking capacity?
It fits meals for about 2–4 people comfortably. It’s roomy for family dinners but not ideal for very large roasts or gatherings.
Does it use a lot of counter space?
It’s moderately large. Plan for a dedicated spot or cabinet storage if your kitchen counters are tight.
Is the smoke feature safe for indoor use?
Yes, when used as directed. The smoke control is designed for indoor use and disperses mild smoke. Use proper ventilation (range hood or open window) for best results.
