Sorry to all the expensive air fryers, but this simple Ninja model is the best I've ever tested for the price

When it comes to air fryers, I've tried everything from high-end models packed with fancy features, like built-in meat thermometers and steam infusion technology – all the way to budget-friendly picks, with flimsy baskets and cheap materials that left me unimpressed. Really, when I am hunting for the best air fryer I am looking for a balance – not silly expensive but not so cheap it's not worth buying at all.

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is neither of those extremes. Instead, it just delivers powerful, fast, and effortless air frying at a price that won’t break the bank. It's at the lower end of Ninja's range, with simple features and compact footprint – but it's thoughtfully designed, incredibly easy to use, and produces crispy, delicious results in record time. And really, isn’t that what air frying is all about?

It didn’t take long for this air fryer to win me over (it's even a non-toxic air fryer, which scored extra points in my notebook). Here’s everything I discovered in the test kitchen.

Specifications

Design

The Ninja Pro air fryer has a wide and squat design, no taller than my kettle, which makes it easy to store on the counter. I was almost fooled by its compact appearance. Inside, the basket is surprisingly spacious, capable of holding up to 4lbs of fries or chicken wings.

The exterior controls are very straightforward. It's designed pretty much like an oven, with basic buttons for adjusting the temperature, time, and selecting your cooking method (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, or Dehydrate). It's a great design for beginners, or anyone who is used to oven cooking.

One of my favorite features is the large digital timer in the center of the machine. It's so big, you can spot it from anywhere you go around the kitchen. I also love the classic Ninja recipe sticker on the front, which lists cooking times for popular ingredients like fish, chicken, veggies, and fries. This simple, but thoughtful addition is so helpful – it takes the guesswork out of cooking.

Inside, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro has a crisper plate with holes inside, allowing the air to flow freely around your ingredients. It's easy to remove for cleaning. Plus, it's ceramic-coated, which makes this a non-toxic air fryer. Ninja confirm: 'This air fryer is 100% PFAS-free.' If you're a health-conscious cook like me, you'll know that is a huge plus.

Cooking performance

Test 1: Frozen Fries

My first test is always frozen fries. I chose a chunky variety, popped them in the basket, and gave them a light spritz of olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. I closed the drawer with a satisfying clunk and selected the 'Air Fry' setting for 20 minutes. I checked after 15 minutes, and they were already golden, crispy, and fluffy inside.

This brings me onto an important air frying tip; it's always best to check on your food a couple of times during the cooking, especially as you get to know your specific air fryer's cooking times. Give the basket a good shake while you're at it – to ensure evenly cooked color and crispiness. This simple habit will help you achieve great results with minimal effort.

Test two: Roasted Vegetables

After my frozen fries success, I added fresh peppers, onions, and tomatoes to the Ninja Air Fryer Pro basket. I gave them a spritz of olive oil from my glass spray bottle (honestly, my favorite air frying companion). Then, I topped the vegetables with marinated chicken thigh fillets.

I selected the 'Roast' setting at 190°C for 25 minutes. With no preheating necessary, the air fryer got to work immediately. You can see the results of both ingredients in the next section.

Test three: Roast chicken

The veggies turned out soft with a delicious char, and the chicken was crispy outside while staying juicy inside. I was genuinely impressed with how well the Ninja Air Fryer Pro cooked everything.

Another quick tip: the chicken needed turning, so I used silicone tongs to move it around during cooking. It's wise to avoid abrasive metal utensils on air fryer baskets to preserve the ceramic non-stick coating. Silicone is ceramic's best friend, so I highly recommend these soft silicone tongs from OXO.

Cleaning

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro cleans like a dream. Leftover marinade and crispy bits rinsed right off with hot, soapy water. The crisper plate's nonstick coating ensures that food slides off easily. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe if you prefer that option, though I always hand-wash with gentle sponges and soap, since that's the best way to make your air fryer last longer.

Customer reviews

With an average of 4.7 stars on Amazon, it’s clear that I’m not alone in loving the Ninja Air Fryer Pro. Customers rave about the compact design with the deceptively spacious basket, with one reviewer noting, 'It's large enough to do fries for a family of four. We also cook chicken wings in batches of about 15. The food comes out crispy with minimal mess, and everything cooks in about 15-20 minutes."

One complaint some customers have is about the loud beeping noises (this is how the air fryer alerts you to the fact the basket is closed, or your food is ready). While some found it irritating, I personally appreciate it, as I can hear my food is done even if I'm busy in the pantry or talking to someone in the kitchen. But I can see how it could get on your nerves if your keen on zen appliances (one of the biggest appliance trends of 2025). I did measure the decibels of the air fryer cooking noise, and it didn't go above 64 decibels, so you can rest assured it's quiet most of the time.

How does it compare?

The Ninja Pro stands head-and-shoulders above similar air fryers like the Cosori Pro, thanks to its non-toxic ceramic coating and reliable cooking performance. If you’re looking for an alternative, the Philips Essential air fryer is another excellent choice for beginners, but it comes at a higher price point and I honestly don't think it's worth it.

For larger families or anyone who needs big capacity, Ninja makes an XL version of the Pro air fryer for around $40 more. This can handle up to 9 lbs (6.5 QT) of wings and provides two more cooking functions (including Bake and Max-Crisp). I also have to recommend the Ninja DoubleStack, which is basically like two Ninja Pros stacked on top of each other. It's even more slender on the counter, and you can fit up to four different ingredients on the shelves.

While the Ninja Pro is more basic compared to some advanced air fryers, I think its four settings should cover most everyday needs. If you’re after specialized features like searing steaks or baking cookies, a model like the Dreo Chefmaker could be worth considering – although it's almost triple the price.

Should you buy it?

If you want a super-efficient and no-fuss air fryer (seriously, who doesn't?) this is the one to get. The Ninja Pro is perfect for beginners – or anyone looking to enjoy crispy, air-fried food without breaking the bank. The PFAS-free, non-toxic ceramic coating is the cherry on top.

How we test air fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Our team has already tested the market leaders, so we know the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so my tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet and the accuracy of recipe presets. I also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess the versatility. While I'm cooking, I make notes on capacity – essential knowledge if you're looking for a family-sized air fryer.

Cleaning up can be a hassle, so I check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. I also examine for non-toxic materials and durability. After testing, I scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weighed up the grill's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.