Last Updated on June 4, 2023
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, providing a healthier alternative to deep frying food.
Ninja and Instant are two of the most popular air fryer brands on the market. While both brands offer similar features and functions, some key differences may influence your purchasing decision.
Ninja air fryers are known for their versatility and convenience. They offer a wide range of cooking functions, including air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating.
There are also a bunch of Ninja air fryer accessories, like a crisper plate, a multilayer rack, and a broil rack. These accessories make it easy to cook a variety of meals and snacks, from crispy French fries to juicy chicken breasts.
Meanwhile, the instant air fryer has a user-friendly display with customizable one-touch smart programs that make cooking a breeze. The temperature range of 95 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit provides the flexibility to cook various recipes.
We’re going to compare and contrast Ninja and Instant air fryers so you can decide which one is right for you.
What Are the Differences Between Ninja and Instant Air Fryers?
Both brands offer a range of models with varying features and functionalities. However, some key differences between the two are worth noting.
The differences are the design, size, build quality, cooking capacity, control panel settings, performance, user-friendliness, value for money, additional functionalities (such as baking and roasting), and cleaning.
Design, Size, and Build Quality
Both air fryers’ design, size, and build quality have been carefully crafted to ensure a compact and sturdy construction that provides longevity and durability, emphasizing creating a sleek appearance that can conveniently fit most kitchen countertops.
The Ninja air fryer features a polyurethane exterior that enhances its durability and sleek appearance, while the Instant Air Fryer boasts a modern design that is well-built and sturdy.
Both air fryers are suitable for most kitchen countertops, providing a balance between cooking capacity and space efficiency.
The build quality of both air fryers is robust, ensuring long-term usage. The Ninja air fryer is known for its sturdy and reliable build quality, while the Instant Air Fryer is lauded for its durability and longevity.
Consumers can trust that both air fryers have been built to last and can withstand frequent usage without showing signs of wear and tear.
Cooking Capacity
The cooking capacity of both the Ninja and Instant air fryers is impressive, providing users with ample space to prepare their desired dishes easily.
The Ninja air fryer has a 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate, which can accommodate approximately 2 pounds of French fries or other ingredients.
This cooking capacity makes it ideal for small families or individuals who want to cook batches without using an oven or a stove.
On the other hand, the Instant Air Fryer offers a versatile cooking capacity suitable for various meals. With its included accessories like perforated cooking trays and a rotisserie basket, it can easily accommodate a variety of ingredients and cooking styles.
This makes it ideal for large families or those who like to cook multiple dishes at once.
Although, the Instant Air Fryer is bulkier than the Ninja Air fryer, which may limit its storage options in smaller kitchens.
Control Panel and Settings
The Ninja air fryer provides easy-to-use buttons for adjusting the temperature and time settings, with a wide temperature range from 105 degrees Fahrenheit up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, its control panel includes specific settings for dehydration, enabling the creation of homemade snacks.
Alternatively, the Instant Air Fryer features a user-friendly control panel with customizable one-touch smart programs. These smart programs offer preset cooking settings for various dishes, simplifying the cooking process.
The temperature range starts from 95 degrees Fahrenheit and goes up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, providing flexibility in cooking different recipes.
Furthermore, the Ninja air fryer has a unique feature that allows users to customize each recipe’s cooking time and temperature.
This feature gives the user complete control over the cooking process and allows them to experiment with different cooking techniques.
The Instant Air Fryer also has a unique feature that allows the user to pause the cooking process, giving them the chance to check on the food and adjust the settings if needed.
Furthermore, it has a preheat function that ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before starting the cooking process.
Performance and Cooking Results
The Ninja air fryer utilizes convection heat to ensure even cooking and crispy results, while the Instant Air Fryer employs EvenCrisp technology, which ensures a top-down air flow for a perfect golden finish and tender results.
In terms of cooking results, both air fryers are capable of delivering comparable results to traditional deep-frying methods, with up to 75 percent less fat.
With the Ninja air fryer, you can gently remove moisture or cook and crisp foods quickly, while the rotisserie feature, top heating element, and fan enhance the cooking and baking experience.
Additionally, the fast preheating feature of the Instant Air Fryer minimizes waiting time, allowing for quick and efficient cooking.
User-friendliness and Convenience
The Ninja air fryer provides an easy-to-use control panel and buttons, making it a user-friendly option.
It requires preheating for optimal results, and the unit takes a few minutes to reach the desired temperature.
The Ninja air fryer’s dishwasher-safe parts, including the basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack, make cleaning convenient.
In contrast, the Instant Air Fryer offers a hassle-free cooking experience with its one-touch smart programs, requiring minimal effort for precise cooking. The removable oven door and dishwasher-safe parts ensure easy cleanup after cooking.
In addition, access to the free Instant Pot app expands recipe options and makes it convenient for discovering new dishes. These features make the Instant Air Fryer a user-friendly and convenient option.
Price Range and Value for Money
The Ninja air fryer is an affordable option that provides reliable performance and versatile cooking capabilities. While it may not come with advanced features or additional accessories, it offers decent value for money.
Meanwhile, the Instant Air Fryer is available at a slightly higher price point, but it offers 7-in-1 functionality, additional accessories, and advanced features that justify the higher price.
The Instant Air Fryer, therefore, offers excellent value for money, and it could be a better choice for those who are willing to spend more to get advanced features and accessories.
Ultimately, the value for money of both air fryers depends on the buyer’s budget, cooking needs, and preferences.
• Affordability is a crucial consideration for many buyers, and the Ninja air fryer offers a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance.
• The Instant Air Fryer offers excellent value for money by combining advanced features, additional accessories, and versatile cooking capabilities.
• Buyers who prioritize affordability may prefer the Ninja air fryer, while those who prioritize advanced features and versatility may prefer the Instant Air Fryer.
Additional Functionalities
The inclusion of additional functionalities such as baking and roasting can significantly enhance the cooking versatility of air fryers, allowing for a wider range of meal options and culinary creativity.
In this aspect, the Ninja air fryer falls short as it does not explicitly mention baking or roasting functionalities. While it offers a dehydration feature, it may not be enough for those who want an air fryer that can do more than fry and dehydrate.
The lack of these functionalities may limit the cooking options for users, especially those who want to explore different cooking techniques and recipes.
As opposed to this, the Instant Air Fryer provides a 7-in-1 functionality, including air frying, broiling, baking, roasting, dehydrating, reheating, and rotisserie.
Its versatility is further expanded with the accessories that come with it, such as a non-stick drip pan, perforated cooking trays, rotisserie basket, spit, and forks. These features allow users to cook a variety of meals, from air-fried chicken wings to roasted vegetables and baked desserts.
The Instant Air Fryer allows users to experiment with different cooking techniques and explore new recipes, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Both brands offer dishwasher-safe parts, making cleaning a breeze. However, regular maintenance should also be observed to ensure efficient operation and longevity of the appliance.
For the Ninja air fryer, wiping the exterior surface and ensuring proper air circulation are necessary steps to maintain its performance. Regularly cleaning the basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack is crucial in preventing buildup and maintaining food quality.
On the other hand, the Instant Air Fryer has a removable oven door that adds convenience to the cleaning process, but it is still recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance and cleaning.
Why is a Ninja air fryer better than others?
When compared to other air fryers available in the market, the Ninja air fryer stands out due to its ability to cook a wide variety of dishes quickly and evenly, minimal oil usage, large capacity, digital display, preset cooking modes, and ease of cleaning.
The Ninja air fryer is equipped with a powerful fan that circulates hot air around the food, resulting in evenly cooked dishes. It also requires minimal oil, making meals healthier and less greasy.
The large capacity allows for cooking larger portions, making it perfect for families or meal prep.
In addition to its cooking abilities, the Ninja air fryer comes with preset cooking modes that take the guesswork out of cooking. These modes include air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, allowing for a wide range of dishes to be cooked with ease.
The digital display makes selecting the desired cooking mode and time easy, ensuring that dishes are always cooked to perfection.
Lastly, the Ninja air fryer is easy to clean, with its non-stick surface and dishwasher-safe parts. This makes it convenient for busy individuals who want to spend less time cleaning up after cooking.
Is Ninja Airfryer healthy?
While the Ninja air fryer has been noted to have some advantages over other air fryers, it is important to consider whether or not the cooking method itself is healthy. Air frying is indeed a healthier alternative to traditional oil frying. It can significantly reduce food’s calorie count and fat content, which can benefit those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
To further understand the health benefits of air frying, it is helpful to compare the nutritional content of air-fried foods to those that are traditionally fried. The table below outlines the nutritional differences between air-fried and deep-fried chicken wings:
| Nutrient | Air Fried Chicken Wings | Deep Fried Chicken Wings |
| Calories | 280 | 430 |
| Fat (g) | 15 | 27 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 0 | 8 |
| Protein (g) | 33 | 26 |
Air frying can significantly reduce calorie and fat intake while offering a higher protein content. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Can you put aluminum foil in an instant air fryer?
Aluminum foil can be safely used in an instant air fryer to prevent food from sticking and promote even cooking. However, it is important to use the foil correctly to avoid any potential hazards.
First, make sure the foil does not touch the heating element or block the air vents, as this can cause the air fryer to overheat and potentially start a fire.
Secondly, do not use foil to completely cover food, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Instead, use small sheets of foil to wrap around individual pieces of food, such as chicken wings or vegetables.
It is also important to note that some air fryer manufacturers may recommend against using aluminum foil in their products, so it is always best to consult the user manual before using foil in an air fryer.
Additionally, it is recommended to use heavy-duty aluminum foil, as regular foil may tear or puncture during cooking and cause food to stick to the air fryer basket.
Frying Technology Face-Off: Ninja vs. Instant Air Fryer
The comparison between Ninja and Instant air fryers has revealed significant differences in terms of design, functionality, and performance.
While Instant air fryers are known for their simplicity and ease of use, Ninja air fryers are considered to be more versatile in terms of cooking options and temperature control.
Additionally, Ninja air fryers are equipped with innovative technology that enables them to cook food faster and more evenly than other brands.
Despite the differences, both Ninja and Instant air fryers provide a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
By using hot air to cook food, they are able to reduce the amount of oil required, resulting in lower fat and calorie content.
Also, they are both easy to clean and maintain, making them a convenient kitchen appliances for health-conscious individuals.
