Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor-inspired meals right from your kitchen. The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven brings the grill flavor indoors, allowing you to prepare a delicious, crispy grilled chicken without firing up the backyard grill.
Whether hosting a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this versatile appliance makes it easy to achieve tender, flavorful chicken with minimal fuss. Let’s walk through how to master this summer favorite using your Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven
- ✔ Cord Length: 36 inches
- ✔ Included Accessories: 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, Air fry basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Smart Thermometer, Recipe Guide
- ✔ Color: Silver
Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven, Bake, Broil, Toast, Roast, Digital Toaster, Thermometer, True Surround Convection up to 450°F, includes 6 trays & Recipe Guide, Silver
TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier,...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Preparing the Chicken
Start with fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even browning. Season generously with your favorite herbs and spices—garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper work beautifully for a smoky, summer-inspired flavor.
For extra juiciness, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances flavor and keeps the meat tender during cooking.
Setting Up Your Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven
Preheat your Ninja Foodi XL Air Fry Oven to 375°F using the Air Roast function, which mimics outdoor grilling with its convection capabilities. The preheat takes just 90 seconds, so you’ll be ready to cook quickly.
Use the included Smart Thermometer to monitor internal temperature, ensuring your chicken is cooked perfectly without overdoing it.
Cooking the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on the included roasting tray or wire rack, making sure there’s space around each piece for air circulation. Insert the Smart Thermometer probe into the thickest part of the meat and set the target temperature to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Cook using the Air Roast setting for about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. The True Surround Convection will circulate hot air evenly, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Check the internal temperature with the Smart Thermometer as you near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Serving Tips & Variations
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with fresh summer sides like grilled vegetables, a light salad, or corn on the cob.
For extra flavor, brush the chicken with a homemade BBQ glaze or lemon herb marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also dehydrate slices of fruit or herbs to add a summery touch to your meal prep.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven
The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven makes summer grilling easy and convenient with its versatile functions and even cooking technology. It’s ideal for preparing large, family-sized dishes with flavor and perfection every time.
Pros:
- Fast preheat and cooking times
- Large capacity for family meals
- Multiple cooking functions in one device
- Smart Thermometer for precise doneness
Cons:
- Bulky for small kitchens
- Complex controls with learning curve
- Higher power consumption
Best for: Families or meal preppers wanting quick, delicious summer meals indoors
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or those preferring simple appliances
Bottom line: A versatile, fast, and reliable appliance perfect for summer indoor grilling and meal prep.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
