The Ninja 10-in-1 Air Fry Oven offers a lot of functionality. But in actual use, does it earn its place in the kitchen or is it just another counter hog? Keep reading my honest Ninja air fryer review to find out.

When my old toaster oven bit the dust last year (RIP faithful Breville, you served us well), I figured it was time for an upgrade. I already have an Instant Pot with the air fryer lid, which is fine (review coming for that soon). But I was looking for something more.

So, after reading way too many oven air fryer reviews, I settled on the Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven (the one with the built-in thermometer). After using it for over a year, here is my review.

Ninja Air Fryer Oven vs Air Fryer Instant Pot

I was already a fan of cooking with an air fryer, but I needed more space. My Instant Pot with the air fryer lid works well but since it’s a tall but not super wide pot, it can’t air fry very much food at once.

For example, to cook 4 pork chops, I have to do it in two batches because 2 chops are all that will fit in the bottom of the pot. This means dinner is ready for 2 people before I can even start on the other two. I tried using a rack for a two-tier operation, but that didn’t work out.

And honestly, reaching down into that tall, sizzling hot pot to flip things over made me fear for my forearms every time! 🔥

So I knew I wanted something more oven-like, with racks that pull out for convenient food manipulation, and that allowed me to cook more at the same time.

The Ninja delivers in spades on this! The flat oven layout and multiple racks mean I can spread food out evenly, which is huge when you’re cooking for more than one person.

It’s also easy to pull the tray out to flip or stir things without the risk of burning yourself. Plus, this oven preheats fast – much faster than a traditional oven – and it’s big enough to cook complete meals without batch-cooking.

My Favorite Features of the Ninja Air Fryer Oven

This model comes with some great features. It’s a 10-in-1 oven, so it does a lot more than just air fry. Here are a few things I really love about it:

Multi-Level Racks: Having an air fryer with racks changes the game for bigger meals. Now I can cook things like chicken on the bottom rack while roasting veggies up top. I’ve even tried using all the racks to make multiple layers of crispy bacon, and it works like a charm (and let me tell you, cooking bacon in the Ninja Air Fryer Oven or other oven-style air fryers is such a treat – it’s fast, hands-off, and splatter-free).

Easy Viewing Door: This sounds basic, but being able to see through the door without opening it up is so convenient. I can check on browning without having to let the heat out or disturb the cooking process. This feature has been a huge help, especially for baking where even heat distribution matters.

Size and Capacity: I won’t lie – this isn’t a tiny appliance. But it earns the counter space it occupies. It’s roomy enough to cook an entire meal in one go, whether I’m air frying, baking, or roasting. And for someone like me who cooks often, that’s worth every inch of countertop real estate.

Plus, when the holidays come around, it’s a lifesaver! It effectively doubles my conventional oven space, so multiple dishes can cook or reheat simultaneously. So if you like to entertain, give this oven serious consideration.

Built-in Thermometer: The thermometer makes cooking meat a breeze. As soon as you plug it in, it offers preset programs based on the type of meat and your preferred doneness. I just set my desired temperature, and the oven will stop cooking once it’s reached. No need to keep opening the door or poke around guessing. It’s perfect for meats and delicate foods that need precise cooking.

Multiple Cooking Functions: In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a bit of a nerd. I love me some techy gadgets and this oven definitely scratches that itch. We’ve used almost every function at least once. Here are all the things it can do:

It covers practically every cooking method except sous vide. I’m sure Ninja’s will have that combo coming out soon! 😂

Everyday Cooking Made Easier

This oven is frankly a workhorse. We use it almost daily for things like:

And it continues to perform well every time.

If you’re someone like me who enjoys cooking but doesn’t want to use 5 different kitchen appliances, this oven is for you. I love its larger capacity which means I can cook multiple things at the same time and/or switch from one mode to another in quick succession without dirtying multiple devices or dishes.

The cooking capacity is generous but it also works well for smaller things. So if you don’t want to heat up your wall oven for 20 minutes just to bake a small recipe, this Ninja air fryer is there to save the day. It heats up fast and cooks evenly (although as with any oven, I still recommend rotating your pan/dish 180 degrees halfway through cooking for best results). In my opinion, this type of air fryer oven is perfect for any modern kitchen.

User-Friendly Controls and Settings

The User-Friendly Controls and Settings make the Ninja Air Fryer feel like an extension of your culinary skills rather than an intimidating appliance.

Intuitive Digital Interface

Navigating through the settings is a breeze. The digital air fryer control panel is straightforward, featuring large buttons and an easy-to-read display. Each function is clearly labeled, so you won’t find yourself second-guessing what button to press. The quick-access presets allow you to set cooking times and temperatures for common foods with just a tap, which is especially convenient when you’re in a hurry.

The oven comes with handbook explaining each settings and which to use when, but it would be easy to figure out even without it.

Versatile Temperature Range

One notable feature of the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer is its versatility in temperature settings. The adjustable temperature range typically starts from 105°F, allowing you to dehydrate foods or warm leftovers, while maxing out around 450°F for air frying and roasting. Additionally, the ability to customize cooking times and temperatures means you can experiment with different recipes and find your perfect settings without a hassle.

Convenient Timers and Auto Shut-off

The built-in timer is another game changer. Set it according to your desired cooking duration, and the air fryer will automatically shut off once the time is up. But you can always keep an eye on your food through the clear viewing window, which I love. There’s even a button to turn on the interior light, which then turns itself off after a few moments.

Cleaning the Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Compared to other kitchen appliances, I think this oven is pretty easy to clean. All of the racks fit into the dishwasher, although I try to do that sparingly to avoid corroding the coating.

The front door is glass, so splatters and smears usually come off pretty easily. And I got a silicone drop mat for the bottom (that can also go into the dishwasher) to keep the bottom from getting gross.

The most challenging part is cleaning the inner walls of the oven after it’s been used for a while. A greasy film will build up over time and the longer you leave it, the tougher it will be to remove it. A rag and hot water applied with some elbow grease is all it takes to keep it clean.

Another way to help keep your oven from getting gross is to invest in some silicone liners and perforated air frying liners that go right into the dishwasher. The air-fryer rack that comes with the oven works amazingly well but can be hard to keep clean. Using one of these mats helps tremendously.

Some good old-fashioned parchment paper is another great option.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Results

After a year of using this oven, here are some tips that might help you get the best results if you’re thinking about getting one:

Turn the Pan Mid-Way: While the oven heats pretty evenly, I’ve found that turning the pan around halfway through cooking (same with a conventional oven) can make a noticeable difference, especially for foods that need that perfect even cook, like cookies.

Use Both Racks for Faster Cooking: This large air fryer toaster oven can cook on multiple levels, so I often set up veggies on one rack and the main protein on another. This setup lets me get a whole meal done at once, saving time and keeping everything warm.

Get Creative with the Thermometer: The thermometer works for more than just meat! I’ve used it on thicker items like casseroles to make sure everything’s heated all the way through. It’s especially useful when baking because you don’t have to keep guessing if something’s done inside.

Experiment with Different Cooking Modes: This oven goes beyond air frying. I’ve used it to roast, broil, and bake, which means I can skip the big oven more often and save on energy costs. For anyone who’s used to a regular toaster oven or a Ninja Air Fryer, the added functionality here is a big plus.

Give it a Spot on Your Counter: This oven is fairly large, so if you have a small kitchen, it might feel like a space commitment. But because it replaces several appliances, it’s worth making room for it if you can.

Ninja Air Fryer Review Verdict: Kitchen Ninja

Bottom line – I love my Ninja air fryer oven. It IS big, so keep that in mind. But for me, it’s totally worth the space.

I would recommend it if you:

Sure, it’s a bit on the larger side, but if you’re looking for something that can handle almost every cooking task, the Ninja Foodi is definitely worth the counter space. It’s fast, versatile, and turns out delicious, evenly cooked food.