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Hello, today, we’re diving into a detailed review of a kitchen gadget that’s been making waves – the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer. This versatile appliance promises to simplify your cooking experience, and we’re here to find out if it lives up to the hype.
Imagine you could easily craft an entire meal, from a juicy chicken breast entrée to a multi-textured 3-part meal, all in the comfort of your own home. The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is capable of doing just that. With its 12-in-1 functionality, you’re not just empowered to air fry; you can also steam, bake, air broil, and more, navigating through the options with the flip of the smartswitch functionality. Whether you’re looking to slow cook a stew or quickly steam vegetables while searing protein with air fry technology, this kitchen tool offers variety and versatility.
When I first received my Ninja Speedi I was worried that it was going to be too large. But, it has quickly become a staple in my culinary routine, and I’m excited to share my experience with you in this review.
What Is The Ninja Speedi?
The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a steamer, baker, roaster, searer, dehydrator, sauté pan, slow cooker, sous vide feature, and more. For those who are short on time, the speedi meals function delivers healthy, satisfying dishes in a snap—no need for multiple pots and pans. The nonstick pot and multi-functional crisper tray enrich the cooking process, giving you tender, flavorful results with textures that impress.
Video: Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer Review
Key Features of the Ninja Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer
- 12-in-1 Functions: This cooker offers a wide range of cooking options, including steam, bake, roast, sear, sauté, slow cook, sous vide, and more. It covers almost every cooking method you may need in your kitchen.
- Rapid Cooker Functions: You can effortlessly blend steam and air fry technology to achieve restaurant-worthy results quickly. The Speedi Rapid Cooker utilizes advanced heating technology to cook meals faster than traditional methods, helping you save time and energy and ensuring delivery times of meals are cut down substantially.
- Air Fry Function: Uses up to 75% less fat when using the air fry function vs. traditional deep frying
- Even Heat Distribution: The unit features a unique design that ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time.
- 6-Quart Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is ideal for preparing a whole family meal, such as four chicken breasts and a side dish, all at once.
- Intuitive Controls: The control panel is user-friendly, featuring simple buttons and a digital display for easy operation.
- Multiple Safety Features: The cooker includes built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off, overheating protection, and a cool-touch exterior to prevent accidents in the kitchen.
12-in-1 Versatility
The most striking aspect of this cooker is its versatility. Shortly after my purchase I had the chance to try out the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer, and it’s become clear that the sheer adaptability of this appliance is a standout feature. The brand boasts its 12-in-1 functionality, allowing for a diverse range of cooking methods all within a single device.
Whether you’re aiming to craft an entire meal with the speedi meal function or seeking the perfect multi-textured meal, the 12-in-1 functionality presents endless possibilities. With options ranging from air frying, which provides healthy meals with less fat compared to traditional deep frying, to steaming for tender veggies, everything can be done with the simple switch to air fry mode or rapid cooker mode.
The 12 Functions:
- Air Fry
- Bake/Roast
- Broil
- Dehydrate
- Proof
- Sear/Saute
- Slow Cook
- Sous Vide
- Speedi Meals
- Steam
- Steam and Bake
- Steam and Crisp
One-Touch Speedi Meals
If you’re seeking the convenience of one-pot meals, the Ninja Speedi stands out with its Speedi Meals function. Imagine you’re coming home after a long day; within 15 minutes, you have an entire meal ready. You can cook up delicious 3-part meals combining your favorite vegetables, proteins like succulent chicken breasts, and a carb base—all customizable to your liking with Ninja’s Speedi Meal Builder.
SmartSwitch Technology
The ability to toggle between air fry mode and rapid cooker mode without fuss is genuinely handy. Let’s say you’re preparing an entire meal with chicken breasts; this feature enables a transition from searing to slow cook with ease, maintaining the flexibility needed for a diverse range of recipes.
Clean Up
Here’s to those who dread cleanup—the nonstick pot surfaces promise a Speedi cleanup, snapping this task short. Cleanup, often the bane of cooking appliances, is a breeze with the Ninja Speedi. The nonstick pot and crisper tray are not just removable but dishwasher-safe, ensuring a speedy cleanup and more time spent with your loved ones.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Versatility: The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer offers a comprehensive range of cooking functions, making it suitable for a variety of dishes and cooking styles.
- Rapid Cooking: With its advanced heating technology, this cooker significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals quickly.
- Even Heat Distribution: The unit’s design ensures that heat is evenly distributed, resulting in consistent cooking results.
- Generous Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for families or individuals who enjoy batch cooking or hosting gatherings.
- User-Friendly Controls: The intuitive control panel makes it easy to navigate and select the desired cooking function.
- Safety Features: The built-in safety features provide peace of mind and prevent accidents in the kitchen.
What Could Be Improved
- Bulky Design: The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer has a relatively large footprint, which may require ample counter or storage space.
- While the Ninja Speedi is undoubtedly versatile, its heft is a minor inconvenience. Its sturdy build means it’s not as portable or easy to move around as some lighter models. This is something to consider if you frequently rearrange your kitchen appliances or have limited counter space.
- Size: Another aspect that some users may find limiting is the 6-quart capacity of the device. While ample for main menu men or preparing a substantial 3-part meal, those organizing gatherings or cooking for large groups might require a larger size to accommodate their needs.
- Learning Curve: Some users may find it necessary to spend time experimenting with the various functions and settings to achieve the desired results.
- To harness the full potential of the Ninja Speedi, a bit of a learning curve is required. The Ninja’s rapid cooking system thrives on experimentation and familiarity with the various air fry, slow cook, and sear modes. New users or those less tech-savvy may take longer to become comfortable navigating the controls and making the most of this kitchen appliance’s extensive capabilities.
What People Are Saying From Reviews
Customers who have purchased the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer generally appreciate its versatility and the time-saving benefits it offers. With an impressive rating, the Speedi from Ninja clearly wins the hearts of users.
Feedback often highlights its multi-functionality, particularly the 12-in-1 feature set that ranges from air fry and rapid cooker mode to sous vide. The one-pot meals capability is a hit, allowing for effortless preparation of an entire meal, from chicken breasts to a 3-part dinner, without switching appliances. Many users have praised its ability to cook meals quickly, its even heat distribution, and appreciate the easy clean-up.
While some users find the Ninja Speedi somewhat heavy, they admit that its benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience. They celebrate being able to create their own customized recipe, as well as, wholesome dinners for the whole family.
Some customers have mentioned that the learning curve associated with using all the functions can be steep initially, but they found it worthwhile after gaining familiarity with the appliance.
My Experience
I purchased the Ninja Speedi about 2 months ago, initially thinking it was too big, but it quickly proved to be the right size. If you have a larger household, and depending on the size of your family’s appetites, it may be too small. Ninja suggests that the Speedi is for feeding up to 4.
I started with the slow cooker feature and it worked well, but I primarily bought it for other functions. The included recipe book didn’t have the type of recipes I was looking for, but I found the Burrito Bowl recipe to be a favorite.
I struggled at first to use the Speedi effectively. However, joining a few Facebook groups and watching YouTube recipes helped me settle in. People in the Facebook groups are very helpful with answering questions as well as posting recipes. I’ve also found searching youtube great for recipes demonstrated by those who have more experience with the Speedi.
The fried chicken I made was amazing, not using any oil it crisped up perfectly. The absence of a pressure cooking setting is worth noting, unlike the Ninja Foodi.
What I would like to have improved is how the lid of the Speedi opens upward (as shown above) so I need to pull it out from under the cupboard to open it up but that isn’t too much of an issue. Maybe, one day they will come out with a model where the lid slides open, but that is my wish nothing put out by the manufacturer.
I also wish there was a better way to clean the inside top of the lid where the coil and fan blades are. However, the dishwasher-safe cooking pan and crisper plate make cleanup simple. For the interior, steaming with water and lemon juice for 20 minutes followed by a wipe down has been effective.
Be sure to use silicone utensils to prevent scratching.
Though I struggled at first and have more to learn, I no longer use any other cooking appliance other than the occasional microwave to heat something up. Another unexpected bonus is that I very rarely eat out or pick up fast food.
Unboxing the Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer
Right out of the box, the Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer impresses with its sleek design and suburb packaging. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into its construction.
As I mentioned above when I first received it I thought the Ninja might be too large for me, but my thoughts quickly vanished. In fact, if you have a large family it may be too small.
What Comes In The Box
- 6-qt non-stick Cooking Pot
- Multi-Functional Crisper Tray
- Owner’s Guide
- Build Your Own Speedi Meals -1 Page
- Quick Start Guide & Recipe Book – 69 pgs
It’s always a good idea to keep the original packaging in case of need to return.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 14.1 x 13.8 x 12.4 inches
- Suggested Capacity: Up to 4 Chicken Breasts and 1 lb pasta
- Functions: 12-in-1
- Color: Sea Salt Gray
- Control Panel: Digital display and intuitive buttons
- Safety Features: Automatic shut-off, overheating protection, cool-touch exterior
FAQs
Can I use metal utensils inside the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer?
It is recommended to avoid using metal utensils directly inside the cooker to prevent scratching the non-stick coating of the inner pot. It is best to use non-metallic utensils, such as silicone or wooden utensils, to ensure the longevity of the non-stick surface.
Does the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer dishwasher safe parts?
Partially, yes. The inner pot and the steam rack are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze. However, the outer housing of the appliance should not be submerged in water and should be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Can I cook frozen food directly in the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen food directly in the cooker. The rapid cooking technology of the appliance allows for cooking from frozen without the need for defrosting. However, keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted to ensure thorough cooking.
Additional Reading
Conclusion
With your busy lifestyle, the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker Air Fryer may just be the ally you need in the kitchen. This device is a powerhouse with its 12-in-1 functionality, offering endless possibilities even creating a restaurant-quality meal for the whole family. Its Speedi Meals function stands out, cooking an entire meal in as little as 15 minutes—impressive for those evenings when time isn’t on your side.
For those busy days when not in the mood to cook food but you’re still wanting to whip up a nutritious one-pot meal without compromising quality, the Ninja Speedi’s Speedi Meal Builder comes in handy. A robust multi-functional crisper tray accompanies the cooker, ensuring that something like chicken breasts come out perfectly crispy. Meanwhile, the sous vide functions set a new standard for home cooks aiming to achieve restaurant worthy meals in the comfort of your own home. It offers precision cooking, ably managing temperature control to achieve the perfect doneness
The air fry mode delivers comfort food with less guilt, giving those deep fried french fries a healthier twist using air fry technology. The multi-functional crisper tray ensures a perfect air broil for your chicken breasts, contributing to multi-textured meals that can rival those from your favorite restaurant. The non-stick cooking pot is not only a dream to cook with but also simplifies cleanup, a boon for anyone who dreads the post-meal cleanup.
On the downside, it’s heavy, which might be cumbersome for some users. Yet, the Ninja Speedi’s variety of functions, including rapid cooker mode, air fry function, and sous vide, plus the ease of whipping up one-pot meals, more than compensate for its heft. The smartswitch functionality enhances the experience, making it straightforward even for a main menu novice.
Overall, this Ninja Speedi cooker supports healthy meals without sacrificing flavor and can easily become your ultimate kitchen companion. It may take a few tries to explore all the customizable recipes and master its full potential, but once you do, you’ll discover the joy of creating a complete 3-part meal swiftly and efficiently, right in the comfort of your own home.
Please note that this review is based on my personal experience and observations. I encourage you to do your own research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase. After all, a well-informed decision is always the best decision. Happy cooking!
With all products, features can change, so be sure the qualities that attract you to the product are still the same before purchasing.
If you have any recipes you love for the Ninja Speedi, please comment below.
