Ninja Foodi vs. Instant Pot: The Ultimate Review and Shopping Guide The Holy Mess

There is a new kitchen appliance in town, just in time for the holiday season. The Ninja Foodi is a must-have item on many peoples’ wish lists. The Ninja Foodi gives you tender, crisp food that cooks quickly. The Foodi combines elements of the pressure cooker and Air Fryer in one. If you are wondering what the difference is between the Ninja Foodi vs. Instant Pot, I will help break down the differences, so you know if the Ninja is an item you want.

What makes the Ninja Foodi so unique is it pairs a pressure cooker element and air fryer element all in one machine.

If you are like most people, you might wonder if this a gadget you want to invest in. Especially if you already own an Instant Pot, does it mean you need this as well? Or is it so similar that it would be a waste of money?

Ninja Foodi 1400-Watt Multi Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Steamer & Air Fryer w/ TenderCrisp Technology, Pressure & Crisping Lid, 6.5 Qt Pot (OP301), Black/Gray

Let me share the differences between the two so you can decide for yourself if you want to add the Ninja Foodi to your wish list.

Ninja Foodi vs. Instant Pot: The Ultimate Review of The Ninja Foodi and Shopping Guide

This review and shopping guide will give you everything you need to know before you decide if the Ninja Foodi is the right buying decision for you.

How Does The Ninja Foodi Work as an Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker?

This is the biggest question that is leaving many scratching their heads. How can one device crisp food up without oil like an Air Fryer and pressure cook meals like an Instant Pot all in one?

The simple answer is that the Foodi has two different lids. One lid is for the pressure cooker which locks on tight for that perfect seal. The other lid has the crisping element built into the lid which will blast the hot air into the pot to give your food a crisp or caramelized taste and texture.

How Does The Ninja Foodi Compare to the Instant Pot?

Just like the Instant Pot, the electric pressure cooker portion of the Foodi works similarly. If you have an Instant Pot, you will understand the cooking method with a minimal learning curve. You will find similar buttons that make cooking your dishes in the device easy.

The Instant Pot doesn’t offer the air frying technique so you can only use your Instant Pot as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer and yogurt maker. Many of the features are the same, with the air frying feature being the key distinction of the Ninja Foodi vs. Instant Pot.

How Does The Ninja Foodi Compare to an Air Fryer?

Just like the Air Fryers that are on the market, you will find with the Ninja Foodi that you can get that crispy fried texture with little to no oil needed.

The one downfall of the Foodi many people report the size. The lid is a bit bulky, and to cook a 5 lb whole chicken can be a little tight. The pot size is much smaller than larger Air Fryers on the market as compared to say the Cuisinart Air Fryer oven.

What are the Ways You Can Cook With a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer + Instant Pot?

What does the Ninja Foodi do? The Ninja Foodi is a highly versatile kitchen appliance because you can:

Air Fry
Pressure Cook
Steamer
Broil
Bake
Roast
Slow Cooker
Portable Oven
Rice Cooker

Ninja Foodi 1400-Watt Multi Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Steamer & Air Fryer w/ TenderCrisp Technology, Pressure & Crisping Lid, 6.5 Qt Pot (OP301), Black/Gray Ninja Foodi: The Pressure Cooker that Crisps: Complete Cookbook for Beginners: Your Expert Guide to Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Dehydrate, and More Ninja Foodi: The Pressure Cooker that Crisps: One-Pot Cookbook: 100 Fast and Flavorful Meals to Maximize Your Foodi

What are Some Foods That Work Great Using The Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker Method of the Ninja Foodi?

Let me share a few meals that you can really utilize both aspects of the air fryer and pressure cooker in one. This will help you to really see the full potential of the Ninja Foodi.

Sticky Ribs | You can easily pressure cook ribs for that fall of the bone texture, and then use the air fryer component to create a sticky glaze without having to toss them in the oven to create that glaze effect. If you were to use this in the Instant Pot (click here for our Instant Pot Ribs recipe), you would have to remove the ribs, create the glaze, slather the ribs and toss in oven or grill to get the glaze to become sticky. With this one device, you can do it all because of the air fryer component.

Whole Chicken | We all love a good rotisserie chicken that has tender and juicy meat with a slightly crunchy skin. This recipe is another prime example of getting that store quality chicken at home in one single kitchen appliance. Use the pressure cooker aspect to cook the whole chicken locking in the moisture, and then switch over to the air fryer to crisp up the skin without pulling the juices out of the chicken.

Wings | Okay, football season is here, and chicken wings are being served up left and right. Chicken wings are very similar to the sticky ribs method. Lock in juicy chicken wings meat from the pressure cooker, then transfer over to create that finger licking glaze you get from your favorite restaurant.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese | I love baked mac and cheese because it offers that crispy crust that changes the whole flavor. You can do the mac and cheese cooking portion in the pressure cooker, and then switch it to air fryer to give the top a golden brown crust.

If you don’t own the Ninja Foodi, you would have to either transfer to your Air Fryer, oven or even toss on the grill to crisp all these items up. To me, the crispy aspect of wings, ribs, rotisserie style chicken, and baked mac and cheese is a must, and I can find a vast benefits of having a kitchen appliance that does both.

What are the Benefits To Owning a Ninja Foodi?

If you decide to invest in a Ninja Food, here are the benefits.

You have essentially two machines in one, so less space is needed to store both an air fryer and electric pressure cooker.
The versatility is almost endless, from making homemade rolls, prime rib, roast, steamed vegetables, rice, cakes, and more all in one machine.
Convenient for someone who is limited on space and wants both appliances (air fryer and pressure cooker). The Ninja Foodi air fryer and Instant Pot combined is great for taking with you if you travel a lot, dorm rooms, apartment living, etc.

What are the Downfalls to The Ninja Foodi Machine?

With all the fantastic benefits there are always going to be some downsides. Here are a few reasons that some people are not head over heels in love with the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer + Instant Pot.

Air Fryer Lid | The air fryer (crisper) lid doesn’t entirely remove. When you are using the pressure cooker setting the crisper cover stands up on the back. It can be slightly in the way, making it a little inconvenient.

Weight | You have to consider this is two in one when it comes to appliances. Because of that, the weight of this device is a little heavier than the Instant Pot.

Ease of Cooking | You have to swap out the lids to go from pressure cooker to air fryer. Using both elements can be a little bit of a process to do, especially if you are doing both elements in one recipe.

Should I Buy A Ninja Foodi Air Fryer + Instant Pot?

The choice is up to you, but I think a Ninja Foodi Instant Pot is a good investment, especially if you don’t yet own an Instant Pot and Air Fryer. If you have enjoyed the air fryer or electric pressure cooker, I think this would fit right in! It is a little bit of an investment, but many people say it is worth it.

Have you used the Ninja Foodi? Share your thoughts in the comments below.