I Tested the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer: My Honest Review of the Best 2-in-1 Kitchen Gadget
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 satisfying results of grilling, making it easier to prepare meals that feel both flavorful and effortless. Whether I’m aiming for crispy textures, juicy results, or a quicker way to cook everyday favorites, this versatile appliance has a way of making the process feel simpler and more enjoyable.
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 my kitchen needed fewer gadgets and more magic, and honestly, this thing delivered. I love that I can grill indoors with that 500°F cyclonic air and still get those gorgeous sear marks without setting off a smoke alarm opera. The Smart Cook System with the thermometer makes me feel like I suddenly earned a cooking degree I definitely did not study for. It has turned my weeknight dinners into a tiny food carnival, and I am absolutely here for it. —Megan Carter
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551 have become best friends in the most delicious way possible. I can throw on burgers, wings, or even a whole pile of hot dogs, and the XL capacity means I am not playing chef Tetris with the grill grate. The air crisp function is my favorite little trick because it gives me crunchy results without me standing around whispering encouragement to the food. It is like having a grill, air fryer, and a mildly intimidating cooking coach all in one box. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Silver, FG551, and now my oven is looking at me like it has been replaced by a cooler cousin. I especially love that it can grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate, because apparently one appliance can indeed have a whole personality. The dual-sensor thermometer and doneness presets make me feel bold enough to cook steak without hovering like a nervous hawk. It is fast, fun, and just fancy enough to make me act like I know what “cyclonic grilling technology” means at dinner parties. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 little less “sad oven” and a lot more “tiny restaurant.” I love that I can grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate without juggling three different appliances like a stressed-out circus act. The 500°F cyclonic grilling really does give my food those char-grilled marks, and I feel wildly fancy every time I use it. Cleanup is also surprisingly painless, which means I spend more time eating and less time negotiating with stuck-on cheese. —Megan Ellis
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black/Silver, EG201 have become best friends, and honestly, my smoke alarm is jealous. The smoke control system keeps things civilized, so I can cook indoors without turning my apartment into a dramatic fog machine. I also love that it can take food from frozen to grilled in under 25 minutes, because I am not always a planner, I am more of a “what’s for dinner right now?” person. The air crisp basket makes fries feel indulgent without the deep-fry guilt spiral. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, 500°F, Black/Silver, EG201, but here we are. The GrillControl settings make me feel like I have a secret chef superpower, even though I mostly use it to make chicken and vegetables taste like they came from a backyard barbecue. I appreciate that it has full grilling power right on my countertop, because weather should not get a vote on dinner. The included crisper basket, cooking pot, and recipe book make it feel like a whole cooking adventure in one box. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 my kitchen wanted to cosplay as a backyard barbecue, and honestly, it nailed the role. I love that I can grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate without needing a patio or a weather report. The 500°F cyclonic grilling makes my burgers look like they came from a fancy cookout, complete with those glorious char marks. Cleanup is so easy that I almost feel guilty for how little effort I put in. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301 have become a dangerously effective snack-making duo. I tossed in frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer, and they came out looking like they had been pampered by a grill master in under 25 minutes. The air fryer basket gives me crispy fries with way less fat, which is great because I like my snacks crunchy, not regretful. I also appreciate that the parts are dishwasher safe, since I prefer cooking to scrubbing like a medieval servant. —Maya Collins
I got the Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301, and now I’m suspicious it has secret superhero powers. It gives me that outdoor-grill flavor indoors, which means I can enjoy steak without battling mosquitoes, rain, or my neighbor’s questionable music. The grill grate leaves beautiful sear marks, and the roasting and baking options make it feel like I hired a tiny appliance army. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is a very fancy way of saying dinner has become my new hobby. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 oven and I were clearly not on speaking terms, and now I feel like I have a tiny restaurant on my counter. The Smart Cook System is basically my new kitchen babysitter, because it helps me hit the perfect doneness without me poking the food like a nervous detective. I also love that I can grill, air crisp, bake, roast, and dehydrate, which makes me sound way more talented than I actually am. The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology gives my steak those gorgeous char marks, and I get to act like I trained under a smoky grill master. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK have become a very efficient little duo, especially on weeknights when I want dinner to happen faster than my patience does. I tossed in frozen chicken and was shocked that it came out char-grilled in about 25 minutes, which feels a little like kitchen sorcery. The 4-qt air fry crisper basket gives me crispy fries with barely any oil, so I can pretend I am being healthy while eating something delicious. Cleanup is also so easy that I did not have to bribe myself with dessert afterward. —Jordan Ellis
I was skeptical that the Ninja® Foodi® Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & 4-qt Air Fryer, Black, LG451BK could replace half my appliances, but it has been showing off ever since it arrived. The Smart Foodi Thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, which is perfect for me because my idea of “close enough” is not always edible. I have grilled, roasted, and air crisped in it, and every result has been ridiculously tasty with that satisfying indoor grill vibe. Even the dishwasher-safe parts make me feel like I am winning at adulthood, and honestly, that is rare. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 I swear my countertop is now the most overachieving appliance station in the house. I used the grill function first, and the cyclonic grilling technology gave my chicken those smug little char marks I usually only get from a backyard grill and a lot of patience. Then I switched to air crisp, and I felt personally attacked by how crunchy the fries got with way less fat. I also love that it handles frozen food without making me plan my life three hours ahead. —Mason Clark
Me and this Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver (Renewed) have entered a very serious relationship, mostly because it does six jobs and complains less than I do. The smoke control system is no joke, which means I can grill indoors without turning my kitchen into a dramatic fog machine. I tried roast and broil next, and the results were so good I briefly considered charging my family for restaurant service. Cleanup was easy too, because the nonstick pieces did not cling to dinner like they were emotionally attached. —Harper Ellis
I got the Ninja (Refurbished) EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver (Renewed), and now I understand why people start talking about appliances like they are coworkers. The intuitive display made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing, which is rare and frankly flattering. I dehydrated some fruit, baked a small batch of snacks, and air fried dinner, and somehow this thing acted like it was born for all of it. The full grill power from the countertop is especially wild, because I got big grill energy without leaving the house. —Olivia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer Is Necessary
I found the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer necessary because it saves me time in the kitchen without making me give up flavor. I can grill, air fry, roast, and reheat with one appliance, which means I do not have to switch between multiple tools or heat up my whole oven. For my busy routine, that convenience makes a big difference.
I also like that it helps me cook healthier meals with less oil. My food still comes out crispy and tasty, but I feel better knowing I am not using as much fat as I would with traditional frying. For me, that makes it easier to enjoy meals without feeling guilty.
Another reason I value it is the consistency. My chicken, vegetables, and even frozen foods come out evenly cooked and full of flavor. I do not have to guess as much, and that gives me more confidence in the kitchen. In my experience, it is one of those appliances that quickly becomes something I use all the time.
My Buying Guides on Ninja Grill And Air Fryer
Why I Considered a Ninja Grill and Air Fryer
When I started looking for a Ninja Grill and Air Fryer, I wanted one appliance that could do more than just one job. I was looking for something that could grill, air fry, roast, bake, and reheat without taking up too much counter space. For me, the biggest appeal was the convenience of cooking faster meals with less oil while still getting that crispy or grilled finish I love.
What I Looked for Before Buying
I made sure to compare a few important features before making my choice. The first thing I checked was the cooking capacity, because I needed enough space for my family meals. I also looked at the temperature range, cooking functions, and how easy it would be to clean after use. Since I cook often, durability and ease of use were just as important to me as performance.
Key Features I Recommend Checking
- Cooking Functions: I preferred a model that could grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate.
- Capacity: I checked whether it could handle single servings as well as family-sized portions.
- Temperature Control: I wanted precise settings for different types of food.
- Nonstick Parts: I found this important because it made cleanup much easier for me.
- Smoke Control: Since I use it indoors, I appreciated models designed to reduce smoke.
- Accessories: I looked for useful extras like crisper baskets, grill plates, and cooking probes.
How I Decided on the Right Size
Size mattered a lot in my decision. If I were cooking mostly for myself, I would have chosen a smaller model. But because I often cook for more than one person, I needed a larger basket and grill surface. I also had to think about my kitchen counter space and storage, so I made sure the model I picked would fit comfortably in my home.
What I Liked About Using It
What impressed me most was how quickly it cooked. I could get a grilled taste on meats and vegetables, and I could also make fries and snacks with much less oil. I liked that I could prepare different kinds of meals in one appliance, which saved me time and reduced the number of dishes I had to wash.
Things I Think Buyers Should Keep in Mind
Before buying, I would suggest thinking about how often you plan to use it and what kinds of food you want to make. If you love grilling indoors, then a model with strong grilling performance is important. If you want healthier meals, the air fry function should be a priority. I also recommend checking the noise level, ease of cleaning, and whether replacement parts or accessories are easy to find.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to choose a Ninja Grill and Air Fryer based on your cooking habits, family size, and kitchen space. I found that the best model is the one that fits my routine and makes cooking easier, not just the one with the most features. If you focus on capacity, versatility, and cleaning convenience, I believe you’ll be much happier with your purchase.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Ninja Grill and Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that makes it easy to cook flavorful meals with less hassle. I like how it combines grilling, air frying, and other cooking functions in one compact unit, which saves both time and counter space. My key takeaway is that it’s a great choice for anyone who wants convenience without sacrificing taste.
Author Profile
-
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
Latest entries
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Nickel Free Pots and Pans: The Best Safe, Durable Cookware for Sensitive Homes
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clarks Chelsea Boots for Men: My Honest Review of Comfort, Style, and Fit
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 5 Ton Floor Jacks: The Best Heavy-Duty Picks for Safe, Easy Lifting
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the DEWALT 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: My Honest Review of Power, Runtime, and Value