Welcome back to The Average Kitchen! Mark here from Canada, and I'm really excited about today’s video. We’ve got something unique that we've never done before. We picked up the new Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, a compact unit that claims to handle 5 lbs of wings or 4 lbs of fries. We're going to put that to the test with a massive Costco bag of fries.
Key Features of the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
Versatility
This air fryer boasts a 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. Whether you’re cooking up a batch of fries, roasting a chicken, reheating leftovers, or making homemade dried fruits, this unit promises to handle it all.
Compact Design
Despite its compact size, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro can handle substantial quantities. Its dimensions are 11 inches high, 11 inches deep, and 10 inches wide, making it an excellent fit for most kitchens without taking up too much counter space.
Capacity
The Ninja claims it can cook up to 5 lbs of wings or 4 lbs of fries in one go. We'll be testing this to see if it lives up to the promise.
User-Friendly Controls
The air fryer comes with an easy-to-use control panel featuring a digital display. You can set precise cooking times and temperatures, ensuring your food is cooked just the way you like it.
Putting it to the Test
Testing the Fry Capacity
First, we’re testing the air fryer’s capacity with 4 lbs of fries. As we fill the basket, it’s clear that fitting all the fries at once is a challenge. We set a timer on our phone to keep track of the cooking time accurately.
After 23 minutes, we check the fries. The top layer is crispy, but the fries underneath are less done, forming what we call a "fry cake." This inconsistency suggests that cooking 4 lbs of fries might not be as straightforward as Ninja claims. Frequent shaking or stirring is necessary for even cooking, which can be inconvenient.
Testing the Wing Capacity
Next, we test the air fryer with 5 lbs of wings. We season them with Kinder's Wood Fired Garlic seasoning, a favorite of ours, though unfortunately not available in Canada. The wings fit nicely in the basket, and we set the timer for 40 minutes, planning to check and shake them every 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Results
At 27 minutes, the wings are crispy on top but less so underneath. We give them a good stir and continue cooking. By 43 minutes, the wings are consistently crispy and cooked through, proving that the Ninja Air Fryer Pro can handle 5 lbs of wings reasonably well.
Final Thoughts
Performance
While the Ninja Air Fryer Pro manages to cook 5 lbs of wings well, its claim of handling 4 lbs of fries seems optimistic. The fries need frequent shaking for even cooking, which might be a hassle for some users.
Design and Usability
The compact design and user-friendly controls are significant advantages. Measuring 9 inches by 9 inches with a 4-inch depth, the basket is roomy yet the unit itself doesn’t occupy much counter space.
Value for Money
Priced at approximately $119 USD (around $160 CAD), the Ninja Air Fryer Pro offers good value, especially considering its versatility and compact design. However, potential buyers should be aware of the need for frequent stirring when cooking large batches.
Conclusion
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is a solid kitchen appliance that performs well, particularly with wings. It might require some adjustments for fries, but overall, it delivers on its promises. Stay tuned for a future video where we conduct a comprehensive review, putting the air fryer through a series of additional tests.
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