My Ninja Foodi 11 in 1 Review

I recently made a short video (below) about our Ninja Foodi 11 in 1 multi-cooker where I talk about the one thing I don’t like about this machine and how to fix it. But apart from that one thing which is easily resolved, I LOVE this machine, and so does hubby. We’ve owned it for two years at the time of writing this post, and it has been used pretty much every single day since it arrived in our kitchen. We even take it with us when we go to stay with family and friends!

The Ninja Foodi makes cooking meat so easy, with SO much less mess – and that’s why we bought it in the first place.

What we found when we first started eating a carnivore diet was that we very quickly got sick of cleaning up all that fat from the frying pan! Enter the Ninja….

Check out our Ninja Foodi on Amazon

And the stainless steel replacement pot for the Ninja Foodi 11 in 1

Best Air Fryer for the Carnivore Diet?

After owning our Ninja Foodi for two years, I just would not consider not owning an air fryer. And there are plenty of amazing air fryers on the market these days. But air frying isnt the only way to cook meat (even though that’s what we do most of the time). Sometimes we want to sloooow cook those tougher cuts, or pressure cook some amazing piece of meat to perfection. Or what about using a sous vide to get the perfectly cooked steak? In the past all these different ways of cooking meat would have required a different piece of kitchen equipement. But not now.

Why have multiple appliances that cook meat, when you can do it all with one amazing piece of kit?

For those who eat a meat-based diet, finding the best kitchen appliances that are going to work for our meat-heavy meals can be a challenge. The Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that’s not just another gadget, but a true game-changer for carnivores. This multi-function cooker is designed to tackle a variety of cooking tasks with ease, making it the perfect tool for anyone who loves their meat-based meals.

Ninja Foodi Design and Quality

The Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 comes with a robust design that not only looks great in your kitchen but also stands up to the demands of daily use. Its six litre (6.5 quart) capacity makes it perfect for carnivorous couples, or families of two to four meat eaters. It’s plenty large enough to cook a whole chicken, large cuts of meat or heavy batches of stew. The digital control panel is intuitive and super easy to use, featuring a clear display and straightforward buttons that simplify the cooking process.

Chicken wings air fryer

Meat-Centric Versatility and Functionality

What sets the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 apart is its impressive range of functions that cater specifically to the meat lover’s needs:

  1. Pressure Cooker – Perfect for cooking tough cuts of meat like brisket or pork shoulder quickly while preserving tenderness and flavor.
  2. Air Crisp/Air Fryer – Ideal for cooking the perfect steak from frozen, making chicken wings with a crunch, and crispy bacon without the mess.
  3. Slow Cooker – Excellent for preparing slow-cooked beef stews, pulled pork, and succulent pot roasts with minimal effort.
  4. Sear/Sauté – Essential for browning meats before pressure cooking or slow cooking, ensuring rich, deep flavors in every bite.
  5. Bake/Roast – Allows you to roast large cuts of meat or poultry, and you can even use it to bake the sourdough bread for hubby like I do…
  6. Grill (Broil) – Ideal for caramelizing the tops of meatloaf, crisping up pork chops, or melting cheese on meat dishes.
  7. Dehydrate – Useful for making homemade jerky or biltong. Firm favorites among meat enthusiasts.
  8. Yogurt Maker – For those who like to make their own yogurt to enjoy with their meals.
  9. Steam – If you pair your meats with grains, this function will cook rice perfectly.
  10. Sous Vide – Cook steaks to perfection every time!
  11. Keep Warm – Keeps your meat dishes warm until you’re ready to eat, which is perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.

Performance

The Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 excels in performance, particularly when it comes to preparing meat. The pressure cooker function is a standout, reducing cooking times for tough cuts while ensuring they turn out tender and flavorful.

I often use the pressure cooker feature when I decide at lunch time to cook a big tougher cut of meat such as a pot roast, but haven’t got anything defrosted… I simply pull the meat out of the freezer and pressure cook for an hour or so to defrost and start the cooking process. Then I turn it to slow cook for the rest of the afternoon (usually about 4 hours). Sometimes (depending on the cut) I’ll then drain all the liquid and put it on to bake/roast for 30-60 minutes before serving, to crisp up the outside for a perfect, falling apart, melt in the mouth meal.

The air fryer is equally impressive, delivering perfectly crispy chicken wings, nibbles and drums, pork belly, and other favorites like our Cheesy Meatballs recipe.

For slow-cooked meals, the Ninja performs well, offering a ‘set and forget’ approach to preparing hearty stews and roasts. The sauté function is also a valuable feature, allowing you to sear meats to perfection before proceeding with other cooking methods.

One minor downside (depending on bench space) is its size. However the footprint of this machine is comparible to many other air fryers or kitchen appliances, and while the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 is a bit bulky, its ability to replace several kitchen appliances means it is absolutely a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize meat-based meals. To have one amazing machine that lives on your kitchen counter, being used daily to cook most of your meals, is worth more than all those smaller appliances and pans that clutter your cupboards and never get used!

Ease of Use and Cleaning

The Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 is designed with ease of use in mind. The digital control panel simplifies selecting different cooking modes, and the pre-programmed settings for meat dishes ensure consistent results. The user manual provides clear instructions and recipe ideas tailored to meat-based meals, making it easier to get started.

Cleaning is straightforward, as most components are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Just wipe down the exterior and control panel with a damp cloth to keep it in top condition.

The One Problem with the Ninja Foodi 11 in 1

As discussed in my video above, the one thing we haven’t been happy with on this machine has been the inner pot. The thin enamel, non-stick coating doesn’t last long with constant use and quickly becomes more difficult to clean, looks terrible, and obviously losing the coating into our food isn’t ideal.

Thankfully this is easily rectified now that there is a stainless steel replacement pot for the Ninja Foodi 11 in 1 (sadly not manufactured or supplied by Ninja), that’s available worldwide and that is not too expensive. If you have one of these machines and you’re looking for a replacement inner, you can find the pot here: https://amzn.to/3WrIzdR This stainless steel pot is much better quality than the original. It is much heavier (585 grams vs over 900 grams), the base is thicker so food is less likely to burn, and there is no coating to come off. Perfect!

Conclusion

For meat enthusiasts, the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 is more than just a kitchen gadget. It is a versatile tool that simplifies and enhances meat-based cooking. With its ability to pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, and more, it caters perfectly to those who prefer hearty, protein-rich meals. While its size may be a consideration for smaller kitchens, its multifunctionality and robust performance make finding a permanent spot for it worthwhile.

If you’re passionate about creating delicious, healthy, tender, and flavorful meat dishes with absolute simplicity and minimal fuss, the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 is an investment that promises to deliver both convenience and quality. Its wide range of functions ensures you can prepare virtually any meat-based dish with ease, making it a must-have for anyone dedicated to a carnivorous diet.

Check out our Ninja Foodi on Amazon

And the stainless steel replacement pot for the Ninja Foodi 11 in 1

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top