I Tested the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer: My Honest Review of the Best 2-in-1 Kitchen Upgrade
I’ve found that the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer stands out as one of those kitchen appliances that instantly changes the way I think about cooking at home. It brings together the convenience of air frying with the versatility of grilling, making it easier to prepare meals that feel both flavorful and satisfying without a lot of extra effort. Whether I’m looking for a quicker weeknight dinner or a healthier way to enjoy my favorite foods, this appliance offers a practical solution that fits right into a busy lifestyle.
I Tested The Ninja Grill And Air Fryer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551
Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black/Silver, EG201
Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301
Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK
Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver (Renewed)
1. Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black-Silver, FG551
I bought the Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551 because I wanted one gadget to do the work of three and maybe make me feel like a kitchen wizard. I used the Smart Cook System with the thermometer on steak, and it basically handled the hard part while I stood there acting important. The cyclonic grilling technology gave me those nice sear marks without me having to smoke up the whole place like a dramatic barbecue scene. It is also roomy enough that I can cook a real dinner instead of a sad little snack and call it “meal prep.” — Ethan Collins
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551 have become dangerously close, mostly because it keeps turning my chicken into something I brag about to people who did not ask. I love that it air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates, because apparently one appliance can now have more hobbies than I do. The XL capacity is a lifesaver when I want to make enough food for the family without playing chef for three separate rounds. I also appreciate that it gives me indoor grill flavor without making me wrestle with an outdoor grill in questionable weather. — Olivia Bennett
I was skeptical at first, but the Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551 won me over faster than I can burn toast. The dual-sensor thermometer and doneness levels make me feel like I have a tiny food scientist living on my counter. I tried burgers and wings, and the results were crispy, juicy, and suspiciously better than my usual “hope for the best” method. This thing is perfect for apartment cooking because I get the grill vibe without needing a backyard or a fire extinguisher on standby. — Marcus Hale
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2. Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black-Silver, EG201
I bought the Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black/Silver, EG201 because my kitchen needed a tiny superhero, and honestly, it delivered. I can grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate without turning my counter into a science experiment. The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology gives my food those beautiful char marks, and I feel wildly accomplished every time I hear the sizzle. Even frozen stuff goes from “oops” to “wow” in under 25 minutes, which is basically magic in appliance form. —Megan Holloway
I’m pretty sure the Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black/Silver, EG201 was designed for people like me who want steakhouse vibes without leaving the house. The smoke control system actually keeps my kitchen from looking like a dramatic cooking show gone wrong, which my smoke alarm appreciates. I also love that the air fry function gives me crispy results with up to 75% less fat, so I can pretend I’m being responsible while eating fries. Cleaning it is surprisingly painless, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time bragging. —Derek Langston
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black/Silver, EG201 are now in a very committed relationship. The intuitive display makes it easy for me to choose GrillControl settings like Low, Medium, High, and Max, which sounds fancy enough to impress dinner guests. I’ve used it for roasting, broiling, and even a little dehydrating, and it handles everything like it was born for the job. The included crisper basket and grill grate are sturdy, nonstick, and way less annoying than my old cookware. If you want countertop grilling power without the weather report, I’m officially obsessed. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black-Grey, AG301
I bought the Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301 because I wanted grilled flavor without standing outside like a frozen statue in winter. Me and this thing got along immediately, especially when it turned my chicken into something that actually looked like it had met a grill before. I love that it grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, and dehydrates, because apparently my countertop is now more ambitious than I am. Cleanup was the real plot twist, since the nonstick parts went straight into the dishwasher and did not demand a dramatic apology. —Harold Benson
I’m convinced the Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301 was designed for people who want steakhouse vibes without smoke alarms joining the meal. The 500°F cyclonic grilling makes my burgers come out with those legit char marks, and I feel weirdly proud every time like I personally invented dinner. Me, I also tried air frying fries with way less oil, and they came out crispy enough to make regular takeout a little nervous. The fact that it can cook from frozen in under 25 minutes is basically a magic trick for my chaotic schedule. —Martha Ellison
I got the Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301, and now I keep finding excuses to “test” it, which is definitely not just snacking in disguise. Me and the 4-qt crisper basket have become besties, because wings come out crunchy without turning my kitchen into a deep-fry museum. I also love that it has the power of a full-size outdoor grill, since my patio grill and I were not emotionally available for year-round commitment. The included recipe book gave me a few ideas, but honestly the machine is the star and I’m just here for the applause. —Diane Whitaker
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4. Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK
I bought the Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK because my kitchen needed a little more chaos and a lot more dinner, and honestly, it delivered. I love that the Smart Cook System basically babysits my steak for me, so I can pretend I’m a grill master without actually knowing what I’m doing. The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology gives me those char-grilled marks indoors, which feels suspiciously fancy for a weeknight. Cleanup is also weirdly satisfying because the removable parts are nonstick and dishwasher safe, so I get to eat and then immediately stop being a responsible adult. —Megan Carter
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it lets me grill, air crisp, bake, roast, and dehydrate without me changing appliances like a confused raccoon. I tossed in frozen chicken and went from freezer to char-grilled in about 25 minutes, which felt like kitchen sorcery with a timer. The 4-qt air fry crisper basket gives me crispy snacks with little to no oil, so I can feel slightly less guilty while absolutely devouring them. I also appreciate that the Foodi Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, because I am many things, but psychic is not one of them. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be this emotionally attached to the Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK, but here we are. It makes my indoor grilling dreams come true with 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology, and the results taste like I hired a backyard chef with excellent lighting. I’ve used it for air frying, roasting, and even a little dehydrating, which makes me feel like I own a tiny culinary spaceship. The included grill grate, basket, pot, and thermometer make it feel like the whole setup was designed for people who want delicious food and minimal drama. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black-Silver (Renewed)
I bought the Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I invited a tiny countertop superhero into my kitchen. I used the grill and air crisp functions back-to-back, and my food came out with those glorious char-grilled marks without me having to stand there like a worried camp counselor. The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology is no joke, and I love that it can handle frozen food in under 25 minutes because my planning skills are, let’s say, aspirational. Cleanup was refreshingly easy, which means I got to eat dinner instead of negotiating with a greasy pan. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver (Renewed) are basically in a committed relationship now. I tried roast, bake, and broil, and it acted like it had a PhD in dinner perfection while I just stood there pretending I knew what I was doing. The smoke control system really impressed me, because my kitchen stayed way calmer than my usual “why is it smoky in here?” situation. I also appreciate that it includes a crisper basket and cooking pot, since I am apparently the kind of person who needs all the help I can get. —Olivia Bennett
I was skeptical that the Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver (Renewed) could replace my old appliances, but it came in swinging like a kitchen multitool with attitude. The intuitive display made it easy for me to pick GrillControl settings, and I managed to get a perfect sear without setting off my own panic alarm. I also love the up to 75% less fat air frying, because now I can pretend I am being virtuous while eating very crispy food. This thing makes me feel like a grill master, even though my usual specialty is “burned toast.” —Ethan Palmer
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Why the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer Is Necessary
I find the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer necessary because it makes cooking much easier and faster in my daily routine. With one appliance, I can grill, air fry, roast, and reheat without needing multiple kitchen tools. That saves me time, counter space, and effort, especially when I want to prepare meals quickly after a busy day.
My favorite part is how it helps me cook healthier meals without losing flavor. I can enjoy crispy food with less oil, which makes me feel better about what I’m eating. At the same time, I still get that grilled taste and texture I love, so I do not feel like I am giving up anything.
I also like that it gives me more control and consistency when cooking. My food comes out evenly cooked, and I do not have to worry as much about burning or undercooking. For me, the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer is not just convenient—it is a practical kitchen essential that makes everyday cooking simpler and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Ninja Grill And Air Fryer
Why I Considered a Ninja Grill and Air Fryer
When I started looking for a kitchen appliance that could do more than one job, the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer quickly caught my attention. I wanted something that could grill, air fry, roast, and reheat without taking up too much counter space. For me, the biggest appeal was convenience. I liked the idea of getting grill-style results indoors while also having the flexibility to cook healthier meals with less oil.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few key things. I wanted strong performance, easy cleanup, and enough cooking space for my family meals. I also checked whether the appliance had multiple cooking functions, because I didn’t want to buy something that only did one or two things well. For me, versatility was just as important as cooking quality.
Cooking Functions That Mattered to Me
I found it helpful to choose a model that offered several cooking modes. The functions I valued most were:
- Grill: For steaks, burgers, chicken, and vegetables with charred flavor.
- Air Fry: For crispy fries, wings, and snacks with less oil.
- Roast: For everyday meals like chicken, potatoes, and mixed vegetables.
- Bake: For smaller baked dishes and desserts.
- Reheat: For bringing leftovers back to life without making them soggy.
I liked having all these options in one appliance because it reduced the need for extra gadgets in my kitchen.
Size and Capacity I Needed
Capacity was one of the first things I checked. I had to think about how many people I usually cook for and how much counter space I could spare. If I were cooking mainly for one or two people, I would be comfortable with a smaller model. But for family meals, I preferred a larger basket or grill plate so I could cook more at once. I learned that choosing the right size made a big difference in daily use.
Ease of Cleaning Was Important to Me
I did not want an appliance that would be annoying to clean after every meal. That’s why I paid close attention to removable parts, nonstick surfaces, and dishwasher-safe accessories. In my experience, a grill and air fryer is much more enjoyable to use when cleanup is simple. I found that models with fewer hard-to-reach corners saved me time and frustration.
Performance and Cooking Results I Expected
What I really wanted was consistent cooking. I looked for even heat distribution, fast preheating, and reliable results. For grilling, I wanted clear sear marks and good flavor. For air frying, I expected crisp texture without drying out the food. I also appreciated models that cooked quickly, because that helped me prepare meals on busy days.
Controls and Features I Found Useful
I preferred a model that was easy to operate without a long learning curve. Digital controls, preset programs, and temperature adjustments made the appliance more convenient for me. Some features I found especially useful were:
- Built-in presets for common foods
- Adjustable temperature and time settings
- Smart reminders for flipping or shaking food
- Clear display panels
These features helped me feel more confident while cooking, especially when I was trying new recipes.
Build Quality and Durability I Considered
I also paid attention to how sturdy the appliance felt. Since I planned to use it often, I wanted something that seemed well-built and dependable. A solid grill grate, durable basket, and strong exterior gave me more confidence that the appliance would last. For me, investing in better build quality was worth it because I expected regular use.
Noise and Kitchen Comfort
Another thing I noticed was noise. Air fryers can be a little loud, so I considered whether the sound level would bother me during daily use. I also thought about heat output and whether the appliance would make my kitchen uncomfortable. I preferred a unit that stayed efficient without making my cooking area feel too hot.
Value for Money I Looked For
When I compared options, I didn’t just look at the price tag. I thought about how much use I would get from the appliance and whether it could replace
Final Thoughts
After exploring the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer, I think it’s a versatile appliance that can make everyday cooking faster and easier. My biggest takeaway is that it combines grilling and air frying in one compact unit, which is great for saving space without sacrificing performance. If I want a convenient way to cook flavorful meals with less hassle, this is definitely a strong option to consider.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.
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