One of the latest and most diverse kitchen appliance makers is definitely Ninja. Some of the most common are the Ninja Foodi and the Ninja Air Fryer; these two appliances are however different in their functionalities.
The Foodi offers pressure cooking, slow cooking and air frying while the Ninja Air Fryer, as the name suggests, offers air frying exclusively but in a very basic way. In today’s comparison guide, we are going to bring out the disparities between the two appliances to aid your purchase decision.
Brief Key Differences Between Ninja Foodi vs.Ninja Air Fryer
Best Performance Ninja Foodi Versatile kitchen appliance offering multiple cooking functions like air frying, pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and more, making it perfect for those who want an all-in-one solution.  Quick Summary
| Best Value Ninja Airfryer A sleek, modern air fryer focusing primarily on air frying, baking, and roasting, with a compact design, ideal for smaller families or individuals who want a straightforward cooking experience  Quick Summary
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Overview of Each Model
Ninja Foodi
If used to its full potential, Ninja Foodi is not only an air fryer but a pressure cooker, air fryer, baker, and many other things. If you are in need of an appliance that can do everything, then the Foodi is the best to use.
- Multi-functional (up to 9-in-1 cooking options).
- Includes a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and more.
- Ideal for larger households with a capacity of up to 8 quarts.
Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer is dedicated solely to air frying with two other functions being roasting and dehydrating. I believe it is perfect for those people who desire an air fryer without any fancy features.
- Dedicated to air frying, roasting, and dehydrating.
- Simpler to use and operate.
- Comes in various sizes with a maximum capacity of up to 6.5 quarts.
Ninja Foodi vs.Ninja Air Fryer Feature Comparison Table
FEATURES | Ninja Foodi | Ninja Airfryer |
5.2 liters | 4 liters | |
1760 watts | 1500 watts | |
40-200°C | 50-200°C | |
9 | 6 | |
Air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, steam, bake, broil, dehydrate | Air fry, roast, bake, reheat | |
Larger, more robust | More compact, lightweight | |
Heavier | Lighter | |
Yes | Yes | |
Touch screen | Touch screen | |
Faster due to higher wattage | Slightly slower | |
Higher | Lower | |
Yes | Yes | |
Families, versatile cooking | Smaller households, air frying | |
Higher | Lower |
Design and Build Quality
Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi is larger and bulkier, as it needs to accommodate its multi-cooking capabilities. It’s designed for those who need more versatility in the kitchen, but it does take up more counter space.
- Bulky design due to multiple functions.
- Built-in pressure cooker and air fryer.
- Requires more storage space due to accessories.
Ninja Air Fryer
On the other hand, the Ninja Air Fryer is more compact and designed specifically for air frying. It’s sleek and fits easily on the kitchen counter, making it ideal for those with limited space.
- Compact and sleek.
- Lightweight and easy to store.
- Minimal accessories needed.
Performance (Cooking Capabilities)
Ninja Foodi
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Ninja Foodi is slightly bigger and heavier in size as compared to Nutri if it is due to the multi-cooking functions that it performs. It is crafted for users who require additional features in the kitchen but at the same time occupies more space on the countertop.
- TenderCrisp technology for faster, crispier cooking.
- Performs multiple cooking techniques in one.
- Great for batch cooking or larger meals.
Ninja Air Fryer
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In contrast, the Ninja Air Fryer is smaller and specially built just for air frying purposes. It has a small profile and can be mounted on any counter, especially the kitchen counter for people with little space.
- Excellent air frying results.
- Focused on frying, roasting, and dehydrating.
- Suitable for small to medium-sized meals.
Temperature Range
Ninja Foodi
Some of the wonderful things that I’ve found about the Ninja Foodi are the following: It enables one to fry, pressure cook, slow cook, steam as well as air fry. It employs TenderCrisp technology which is the fusion of pressure cooking as well as air frying to afford optimal performance.
- Temperature range of 100°F to 450°F.
- Suitable for pressure cooking, air frying, and roasting.
- Versatile across multiple cooking methods.
Ninja Air Fryer
It will air fry, roast, and dehydrate foods and has adjustable time and temperature controls. It lacks some of the versatility of the Foodi, but it is exceptionally efficient at creating all-around delicious fried foods without using much oil at all.
- Temperature range of 105°F to 400°F.
- Optimized for air frying, roasting, and dehydrating.
- More limited compared to Foodi but sufficient for air frying tasks.
Cooking Speed
Ninja Foodi
With the ability to pressure cook and air fry, the Foodi offers the best of both worlds when it comes to speed. You can quickly pressure cook a meal and then crisp it up with the air fryer function.
- Faster with pressure cooking combined with air frying.
- Cuts down on cooking time by combining methods.
- Ideal for cooking complex meals quickly.
Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer is fast in its own right, particularly for air frying and roasting. However, it doesn’t have the pressure cooking feature, so it may take longer for larger or more complex meals.
- Fast for air frying and roasting.
- Suitable for smaller, quicker meals.
- Lacks pressure cooking capability for extra speed.
User Experience
Ninja Foodi
While the Ninja Foodi offers a ton of features, it also comes with a learning curve. The multiple functions can be overwhelming for some users, but those who master it find it to be a highly valuable kitchen appliance.
- Versatile, but requires more time to learn.
- Multiple functions make it highly adaptable.
- Great for people who like to experiment with different cooking techniques.
Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer is more straightforward and easy to use. With fewer functions to manage, users find it simple to operate right out of the box.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Focused on air frying, making it user-friendly.
- Minimal setup required for daily use.
Capacity
Ninja Foodi
The Foodi offers a larger capacity, making it ideal for families or batch cooking. With sizes up to 8 quarts, it can handle large meals with ease.
- Larger capacity, up to 8 quarts.
- Ideal for families or bulk cooking.
- Can cook multiple dishes at once.
Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer offers a more moderate capacity, usually ranging from 4 to 6.5 quarts. It’s perfect for individuals or small families but may not be sufficient for large gatherings.
- Moderate capacity, up to 6.5 quarts.
- Great for small to medium meals.
- Not as ideal for batch cooking or larger households.
Technology and Features
Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi is packed with advanced technology, including TenderCrisp and SmartLid, which allow for smooth transitions between cooking methods. It’s the go-to appliance for multi-cooking enthusiasts.
- TenderCrisp technology for pressure cooking + air frying.
- SmartLid for easy switching between functions.
- Includes more accessories like a pressure cooker lid and reversible rack.
Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer is simpler in its design but still offers Cyclonic Grilling Technology for even cooking. It focuses more on air frying but also includes basic features for roasting and dehydrating.
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology for even heat distribution.
- Simple yet effective air frying features.
- Includes basic accessories like an air frying basket.
Energy Efficiency
Ninja Foodi
Given its larger size and multiple cooking methods, the Ninja Foodi consumes more energy, especially when using pressure cooking and air frying functions back-to-back. However, it saves time and the need for multiple appliances.
- Higher energy consumption due to multiple functions.
- Time-saving, making it more efficient in the long run.
- Ideal for those who need a multi-cooker.
Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer is more energy-efficient, especially for quick air frying and roasting tasks. It consumes less electricity and is ideal for those who want an energy-saving, single-function appliance.
- Lower energy consumption.
- Ideal for air frying tasks.
- More efficient for smaller meals.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an all-in-one multi-cooker that can air fry, pressure cook, and much more, the Ninja Foodi is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques and need the versatility that a multi-cooker offers.
On the other hand, if simplicity and space-saving are your priorities, the Ninja Air Fryer is a straightforward and reliable option that will deliver crispy, delicious food every time. Both models offer excellent features, but the right choice depends on your specific needs.
