5 Must-Try Recipes with Your Ninja Foodi

Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good meal with minimal effort, the Ninja Foodi has quickly become a kitchen staple. Known for its versatility, the Ninja Foodi can pressure cook, air fry, steam, slow cook, sear, sauté, and even bake. Today, we'll explore five must-try recipes that take full advantage of the Ninja Foodi's capabilities, showcasing its ability to streamline cooking tasks and enhance flavors.

Recipe 1: Ninja Foodi Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Chicken fried steak is a beloved comfort food, but it can be challenging to achieve that perfect crust without overdoing the oil. Here’s how you can enjoy this dish with less mess and more flavor:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 beef cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 1 cup milk (for gravy)

Instructions:

1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In another dish, beat eggs with buttermilk.
4. Dredge the steaks in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and back into the flour for a double coating.
5. Pour the vegetable oil into the Ninja Foodi's pot. Set to "Sauté/Sear" and heat until the oil is hot (about 375°F/190°C).
6. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the pot. Add the leftover seasoned flour to make a roux.
8. Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once thickened, pour in milk and continue to stir until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
9. Serve the steaks smothered in the gravy, with mashed potatoes or veggies on the side.

📝 Note: For a crispier texture, you can use the "Air Crisp" setting after searing to reduce oil and still achieve a fried look.

Recipe 2: Ninja Foodi Pot Roast with Vegetables

A pot roast is a classic comfort food, and with the Ninja Foodi, you can achieve tender, flavorful results without hours of waiting:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs chuck roast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 3 potatoes, quartered
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried

Instructions:

1. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
2. Set the Ninja Foodi to "Sauté/Sear" mode, add olive oil, and sear the roast on all sides until browned. Remove the roast.
3. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Return the roast to the pot, add vegetables around it. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
5. Lock the lid, and set to "Pressure Cook" on high for 60 minutes.
6. Once cooked, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
7. Remove the roast and vegetables. If the gravy isn't thick enough, reduce the cooking liquid on sauté mode until thickened, then season to taste.

🔎 Note: You can also use the "Bake/Roast" function for a slower cook, but the pressure cooking setting will save time while tenderizing the meat beautifully.

Recipe 3: Ninja Foodi BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs don’t always require an outdoor grill. Here’s how to make fall-off-the-bone ribs right in your Ninja Foodi:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry rub ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, and salt).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, and apply the rub generously on both sides.
3. Pour 1 cup of water into the Ninja Foodi pot, place the trivet inside, and add ribs on top.
4. Lock the lid, and set to "Pressure Cook" on high for 25 minutes.
5. Once done, quick release the pressure, remove ribs, and pat dry.
6. Set to "Air Crisp" mode at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce every few minutes.

These ribs will come out tender from the pressure cooking and get a delicious caramelized char from the air crisping. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Recipe 4: Ninja Foodi Shrimp Paella

Make an easy, aromatic paella with your Ninja Foodi. This recipe simplifies the traditional process, making it much quicker:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads or turmeric for color
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Turn the Ninja Foodi to "Sauté/Sear" mode, heat olive oil, then sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add bell peppers, cook for a few minutes, then stir in rice, paprika, and saffron/turmeric.
3. Pour in the broth, mix well, and level the rice.
4. Place the shrimp and peas on top. Do not stir.
5. Set to "Pressure Cook" on high for 10 minutes. After cooking, quick release pressure.
6. Let the paella sit for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid. Squeeze lemon juice over before serving.

🔎 Note: This recipe is versatile; feel free to add or substitute ingredients like chorizo, mussels, or chicken for a personalized touch.

Recipe 5: Ninja Foodi Chocolate Cake

Yes, you can bake a cake with the Ninja Foodi! Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Prepare a 7-inch or 8-inch round cake pan that fits into the Ninja Foodi.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add milk, oil, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
4. Pour boiling water into the batter, stir until well combined (batter will be thin).
5. Pour into the cake pan, cover with foil.
6. Pour 1 cup of water into the Ninja Foodi pot, place the rack inside, and then put the cake pan on top.
7. Set to "Steam Bake" at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool before removing from the pan, dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired.

In this recap, we've explored a range of dishes that illustrate the versatility of the Ninja Foodi. From comfort foods like chicken fried steak and pot roast to quick meals like shrimp paella and even desserts such as a rich chocolate cake, the Ninja Foodi shows its prowess in reducing cooking time while enhancing flavors and textures. These recipes not only demonstrate the appliance's functionality but also inspire you to get creative in your kitchen, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Can I use other meats in the pot roast recipe?

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Yes, absolutely! While chuck roast is traditional, you can also use beef brisket, round, or even pork shoulder for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times based on the cut of meat for optimal tenderness.

What can I do if my cake is too moist?

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If your cake comes out too moist, you might want to increase the cooking time in small increments or lower the amount of liquid in the recipe. Also, ensure the cake pan isn’t too tightly covered, allowing steam to escape to some extent.

How do I prevent the ribs from drying out?

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To keep ribs moist, you can wrap them in foil during the pressure cooking phase. This traps the moisture, helping to keep the ribs tender. Additionally, brushing them with a mixture of BBQ sauce and water during the air crisping stage adds extra moisture and flavor.