Perfect Ninja Foodi Grill Steak

Are you considering purchasing a Ninja Foodi Grill but need a thorough review before making the commitment? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share my detailed thoughts and experiences with this popular kitchen appliance. While I’ve long been a fan of the traditional Ninja Foodi pressure cooker and air fryer combo, this dedicated indoor grill offers a distinct and truly unique cooking experience. (Please note: this article contains affiliate links).

Why the Ninja Foodi Grill? A Personal Journey

As someone who regularly tests and reviews countertop kitchen appliances, I confess my home kitchen is quite the gadget hub. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out an extensive range of devices, from numerous Instant Pots and traditional slow cookers to various air fryers and multi-cookers. My latest culinary addition is this fantastic Ninja Foodi Grill! For those seeking even more advanced features, keep an eye out for the Ninja Smart Grill, which introduces additional perks and smart cooking capabilities designed for perfect results every time.

To get a visual understanding of how this appliance works before you dive in, you can watch a video of me using my Ninja Foodi Grill here. It’s often helpful to see it in action before beginning your own culinary adventure.

Many of these appliances have been graciously provided to me free of charge, allowing me to share comprehensive and honest reviews with my audience. I received this particular Ninja Grill as a token of appreciation for contributing a recipe to an upcoming Ninja Foodi cookbook. Initially, I wasn’t entirely convinced I needed yet another kitchen gadget. After all, we already have a large outdoor grill and a smoker at home, making an indoor grill seem somewhat redundant.

However, circumstances changed when we realized our cabin in Northern Idaho lacked any grilling facilities. The idea of having a versatile indoor grill there became incredibly appealing. So, I had the Ninja Foodi Grill sent directly to the cabin, and it has proven to be an absolute game-changer, especially during the harsh Idaho winters when outdoor cooking is simply not an option. My very first creation in it was a batch of delicious brats paired with perfectly cooked air fryer vegetables, which I documented in a video review of the Ninja Foodi Pro Grill.

For tonight’s dinner, I kept things simple, using just a few key ingredients to prepare a fantastic meal, capturing a few photos to share the process with you. The beauty of the Ninja Foodi Grill lies in its dual functionality. You can operate it much like a traditional outdoor grill, achieving those coveted char marks and smoky flavors, or utilize its powerful air crisping function to achieve perfectly crispy food using superheated circulating air. This versatility means you have multiple cooking options at your fingertips, making it a truly adaptable appliance.

Ninja Foodi Grill FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Steak and Potatoes

1. Steak: For this recipe, we used a combination of two sirloin steaks and one tender filet mignon, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
2. Steak Seasoning: Your favorite blend works perfectly. The seasoning pictured above is our go-to for maximum flavor.
3. Potatoes: Russet potatoes are highly recommended due to their ideal texture for air frying and grilling.
4. Salt: Coarse sea salt or kosher salt is preferred for an enhanced crust and flavor.
5. Avocado Oil: This is crucial. Do NOT use olive oil, which I typically use for other recipes, as it tends to smoke excessively in the Foodi Grill. My first attempt with olive oil regrettably triggered the smoke alarm, a mistake I won’t be repeating!

Preparing the Potatoes in the Foodi Grill

For the perfect crispy potatoes to accompany your steak, you’ll need:

• Russet potatoes
• Sea salt
• Avocado oil
• The air crisper basket (included with your Ninja Foodi Grill)

We’ve also experimented with air fryer steak bites recently, which turned out exceptionally delicious and can also be prepared in this versatile appliance. I highly recommend trying both to discover your personal favorite!

For this easy, throw-together meal, I opted for a quality premade steak seasoning, which yielded fantastic results. If you prefer to craft a killer homemade steak seasoning, you can find my preferred recipe on my air fryer steak post. To make a batch of simple air fryer baked potatoes, simply follow these steps, referencing our comprehensive air fryer cooking times chart, which you can also print for easy reference.

To prepare this meal, you’ll first use the air fryer function for your potatoes, followed by the grill function for your meat. I highly recommend cooking the potatoes first, as they take longer and will retain their warmth while you grill the steak. In my freezer, I had two sirloin steaks and one filet mignon, which formed the basis of this meal. The precise cook time for your steak will naturally vary based on your preferred level of doneness and, of course, the thickness of the cut. This principle applies to other grilled foods like chicken breasts as well; always cook until the proper internal temperature is reached for food safety and optimal taste.

One of the significant advantages of using this indoor grill is the ability to easily lift the lid and visually check on your food. For steak, you can perform a quick touch test for doneness. If your steak is still too rare for your liking, simply close the lid and continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reaches perfection. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve a perfectly cooked piece of beef. Beyond grilling, the Ninja Foodi Grill also excels at reheating food, making it one of the best ways to reheat food in an air fryer.

My Comprehensive Ninja Foodi Grill Review

So, what’s my final verdict on the Ninja Foodi Grill? Given that our cabin currently lacks an outdoor barbecue or grill, this appliance has proven to be an incredibly valuable addition. Even if we had an outdoor grill, the challenging winter conditions in Northern Idaho would prevent any outdoor cooking for months, making an indoor grill an absolute necessity and a perfect solution for year-round grilling.

• Ease of Cleaning: This is a major plus point for me. The non-stick components are remarkably easy to clean, and many pieces are conveniently dishwasher safe, simplifying post-meal cleanup.
• Cost-Effective Grilling: Compared to propane gas grills, the Foodi Grill offers a more economical grilling solution. There’s no need to worry about refilling gas tanks, providing consistent and convenient cooking power.
• Air Frying Functionality: While the air fryer function is excellent, as I already own a standalone air fryer, this specific feature isn’t the primary draw for me. The appliance operates one function at a time, meaning for optimal efficiency, I might use my dedicated air fryer for potatoes while simultaneously grilling steaks in the Foodi Grill.
• Ideal for Small Spaces: However, if you don’t possess another dedicated air fryer or have limited counter space, this combo unit is an outstanding choice. It consolidates two essential cooking functions into one compact appliance, making it incredibly practical for smaller kitchens or those seeking a minimalist approach.

What Could Be Improved?

• Integrated Multi-Functionality: My ultimate wish for this appliance would be for it to combine all three core cooking functions: air crisping, indoor grilling, AND pressure cooking. A Ninja Foodi Grill that also functions as a pressure cooker would truly be a game-changer and an unbeatable kitchen powerhouse!

More Delicious Ninja Foodi Grill Recipes

Beyond steak and potatoes, the Ninja Foodi Grill is capable of producing a wide array of fantastic meals. Here are some of our favorite recipes to try:

1. These air fryer vegetables, along with other variations shared in this post, are a constant on our dinner rotation!
2. Air fryer zucchini fries make another excellent and healthy side dish.
3. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Ninja Foodi chicken wings are incredibly easy and delicious.
4. Utilize kebab skewers to make our flavorful air fryer chicken kebabs.

The cooking times provided in the recipe below achieved medium-well doneness for our sirloins and rare-to-medium for our filet. A New York strip typically cooks in about 13 minutes. Always keep a close eye on your meat, especially during the first cook, to ensure it reaches your desired level of perfection when you slice into it.