The Ninja FD401 LP3 Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer is a must-have kitchen appliance for families who want to cook meals quickly and efficiently. This versatile cooker combines the best of pressure cooking, air frying, and other cooking methods in one appliance, making it a true all-in-one solution. Whether you want to cook tender meats, crispy air-fried dishes, or even slow-cooked stews, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL can handle it all. In this review, we will dive into the features, performance, pros, cons, and user feedback to help you decide if the Ninja FD401 LP3 Foodi is the right fit for your kitchen.
Key Features of the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL offers several standout features that make it a top choice for families or anyone looking for a versatile kitchen appliance.
- TenderCrisp Technology
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL uses TenderCrisp Technology, a unique system that allows you to pressure cook ingredients to lock in moisture and then air fry them for a crispy, golden finish. This combination ensures you get tender, juicy meals with a perfect crispy texture in less time compared to traditional methods. - 8-Quart Ceramic-Coated Pot
The 8-quart capacity ceramic-coated pot is large enough to prepare meals for a family, making it perfect for cooking large portions. The pot is PTFE and PFOA-free, nonstick, and easy to hand-wash, ensuring safe and convenient cooking. - 5-Quart XL Air Frying Basket
With a 5-quart cook & crisp ceramic-coated basket, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL offers ample space to air fry family-sized portions. This basket can hold up to a 7-pound chicken, making it ideal for family meals. Like the pot, the basket is also nonstick, PTFE and PFOA-free, and dishwasher-safe. - Deluxe Reversible Rack
The Deluxe Reversible Rack lets you steam, broil, or TenderCrisp multiple servings of food at once. It can hold up to 8 chicken breasts or layer food for 360-degree even cooking, making it a great tool for large meals. - 12-in-1 Cooking Functions
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL offers 12 cooking functions: Pressure Cook, Air Fry/Air Crisp, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide, and Keep Warm. This wide variety of functions lets you cook almost anything with ease. - 45 Recipe Inspiration Guide
The included recipe guide gives you inspiration to get started, with 45 delicious recipes to help you make the most out of your new appliance. The recipes cover a wide range of dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Performance and Versatility
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is designed for fast, efficient cooking. Thanks to its TenderCrisp Technology, meals cook faster without sacrificing flavor or texture. For instance, dry beans, which usually take a long time to cook, can be prepared in a fraction of the time in this pressure cooker.
Users particularly appreciate the machine’s ability to cook different types of meals—everything from quick weeknight dinners to slow-cooked meals and crispy air-fried dishes. Pressure cooking meats and vegetables ensures they are tender and flavorful, while air frying adds a crispy exterior, perfect for chicken wings, fries, and more. With the ability to bake, roast, broil, and even make yogurt, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL truly excels in versatility.
The XL air frying basket can hold large quantities of food, which is ideal for families or those who like to entertain. The ceramic coating on both the pot and the basket ensures easy cleanup and helps prevent food from sticking.
Pros of the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL
- Large Capacity: The 8-quart pot and 5-quart air frying basket are large enough to prepare meals for large families or gatherings, making it perfect for everyday cooking or hosting guests.
- TenderCrisp Technology: The combination of pressure cooking and air frying delivers juicy, tender meals with a crispy finish, all in one appliance.
- 12-in-1 Versatility: With 12 cooking functions, you can cook almost anything—from soups and stews to air-fried crispy treats and baked goods.
- Quick Cooking: The pressure cooker function allows for fast cooking times, especially for dishes that typically take longer, like beans or meats.
- Easy Cleanup: The ceramic-coated pot and basket are nonstick, PTFE, and PFOA-free, making them safe for everyday cooking and easy to clean. The parts are dishwasher-safe as well.
- Reversible Rack: The Deluxe Reversible Rack increases cooking capacity, allowing you to cook multiple servings or layer ingredients for more efficient cooking.
- Recipe Guide: The included recipe guide is a great bonus, offering inspiration for a variety of dishes that can be made in the Foodi Deluxe XL.
Cons of the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL
- Size: The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is a large appliance, and it may take up considerable counter space. If you have a small kitchen, storage could be an issue.
- Learning Curve: Some users find the wide range of functions a bit overwhelming at first. However, once you get used to the controls and settings, the machine becomes intuitive.
- Price: The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL is a premium product with a higher price tag compared to other kitchen appliances. While it offers great value, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
- No Automatic Stirring: While the machine offers multiple cooking functions, it doesn’t automatically stir food, so you may need to manually mix ingredients during some cooking processes.
- Noise: Some users have noted that the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL can be a bit noisy, particularly when pressure cooking or air frying.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Customers generally rave about the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL for its ability to cook a wide range of meals quickly and efficiently. The TenderCrisp Technology is a standout feature, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds—tender, pressure-cooked meals with a crispy finish. The XL capacity is perfect for families, and many customers appreciate the ease of making large meals, such as roasting a chicken or cooking a batch of fries, all in one appliance.
The 12-in-1 versatility is another highlight, as users can switch between different cooking methods without needing separate appliances. The easy cleanup is frequently mentioned, as both the pot and basket are dishwasher-safe, reducing post-cooking hassle. However, some users note that the appliance is a bit bulky, which may pose storage issues in smaller kitchens.
FAQ Section
1. What can I cook with the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL?
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL can cook a variety of meals, including pressure cooking, air frying, steaming, slow cooking, roasting, baking, and making yogurt. It also offers specialized programs for items like sous vide and dehydrating.
2. How large is the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL?
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL has an 8-quart ceramic-coated pot and a 5-quart air frying basket, making it ideal for families or cooking for multiple people at once.
3. How does TenderCrisp Technology work?
TenderCrisp Technology combines pressure cooking to lock in juices with air frying to give food a crispy, golden finish, all in one appliance.
4. Is the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL easy to clean?
Yes, the ceramic-coated pot and basket are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and easy.
5. What cooking functions are available on the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL?
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL offers 12 cooking functions, including Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Steam, Slow Cook, Yogurt, Sear/Sauté, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Sous Vide, and Keep Warm.
Conclusion
The Ninja FD401 LP3 Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer is a powerful, versatile kitchen appliance that delivers great results for a wide variety of cooking methods. Whether you’re looking to pressure cook tender meats, air fry crispy snacks, or bake delicious desserts, this appliance can handle it all. The TenderCrisp Technology, large capacity, and 12-in-1 versatility make it a great choice for families or anyone looking to streamline their cooking process. While it’s on the larger side and comes with a higher price tag, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL offers excellent value for those who want an all-in-one solution for their kitchen.