When it comes to kitchen appliances, versatility is key. That’s why my wife and I decided to get the Ninja Foodi – it offered us a multitude of cooking options in a single device. We were hesitant at first, wondering if it would be worth the extra space it would take up. But let me tell you, ever since we got the Foodi, our slow cookers have been gathering dust!
Yes, you can absolutely use your Ninja Foodi as a slow cooker. You may want to invest in a glass lid to place on top, but we found that a large round pan lid fits our 8 qt model perfectly. Now, we use the slow cook function on our Foodi all the time!
I was inspired to write this article when I had to retrieve our slow cookers from under the sink due to a pipe leak. It struck me then that we hadn’t used them even once since we got our Ninja Foodi.
Is Ninja Foodi Even Good as a Slow Cooker?
I’ve come across this question online numerous times, and even my own mom has asked me something similar. The answer is a resounding YES – the Ninja Foodi is an excellent slow cooker. It offers all the traditional settings, including a keep warm function. But what sets it apart is the ability to perform additional steps if desired.
For instance, when I make my slow cooker lasagna recipe, I like my cheese to have a slightly burnt finish. So, once it’s done cooking, I sprinkle extra cheese on top and use the Tender Crisper function to air fry it to perfection.
In another instance, when I slow cooked a roast, I wanted the fat to be extra crispy. So again, I used the Tender Crisp function to elevate the taste and texture of the dish.
But here’s the best part – we recently made Rotel Cheese Dip using the Foodi. Thanks to its multiple functionalities, we were able to brown the meat, melt the cheese, and keep the dip warm all in one pot! My mom’s slow cooker couldn’t do that.
Overall, if you enjoy making soups, roasts, lasagnas, and more in a regular slow cooker, you’ll feel right at home using the Ninja Foodi as your slow cooker of choice.
Using the Ninja Foodi as a Slow Cooker
Using your Ninja Foodi as a slow cooker is quite simple. While the instructions may vary slightly depending on the model, a few things remain consistent. First, select the slow cooker mode, then choose either the high or low setting.
Congratulations, you’ve transformed your Ninja Foodi into a slow cooker! From there, you can follow the instructions as you normally would. However, here are a few cool things to keep in mind:
- You can sauté in the same pan you’ll be slow cooking in, making it perfect for roasts. No need to transfer the ingredients – simply select the sauté function, then switch to slow cook mode and add the remaining ingredients.
- If you want that nice oven finish on your food after the slow cooking cycle without using the actual oven, you can air fry or broil it right in your Ninja Foodi.
- Once your cooking is complete, the Foodi automatically switches to a keep warm mode at around 165°F for up to 8 hours.
- And let’s not forget – fewer dishes!
You can also set a specific cooking time until the Ninja Foodi switches to keep warm mode. The time can be adjusted in 15-minute increments for up to 12 hours.
Now that you know the basics of using your Ninja Foodi as a slow cooker, let me address some additional questions I came across during my research.
Can I Use Slow Cooker Liners in my Ninja Foodi?
Yes, you can use slow cooker liners in your Ninja Foodi. However, the Foodi’s advanced ceramic non-stick surface makes them unnecessary. Cleanup is still easier with the liners, though. Personally, I appreciate being able to lift the bag and dump the entire contents into a storage container. It saves time and effort.
Which Lid Should I Use With the Ninja Foodi Slow Cooker?
Luckily, my wife and I had a glass lid that fits perfectly on our Ninja Foodi pot, allowing us to monitor the cooking process. If you don’t have a lid like ours or prefer to order one, the pressure lid with the pressure release valve set to “vent” is the proper lid to use.
We enjoy being able to peek at our food while it cooks, purely out of curiosity. It adds a sense of anticipation and excitement to the cooking experience.
That wraps up everything you need to know about using the Ninja Foodi as a slow cooker. If you want to learn more about this fantastic device, head over to Ekilove for more information and resources. Happy cooking!
