A Day with the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1: Roast Pork and Fries

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with its 5 QT capacity and versatile cooking functions is a popular choice for many home cooks. Recently, I spent a day using this air fryer to make roast pork and fries. Here are my thoughts on the experience, the finished product, and some points to note when using this appliance.

Getting Started

Unboxing the Ninja Air Fryer Pro was a breeze. The sleek gray design fits nicely on my countertop, and the nonstick basket and crisper plate were easy to assemble. The control panel is intuitive, with clearly marked buttons for air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, making it easy to select the desired function.

Preparation

For the roast pork, I seasoned a 2-pound pork loin with a blend of spices and let it marinate for a couple of hours. For the fries, I used fresh potatoes, cutting them into even strips and soaking them in cold water for an hour to remove excess starch.

Cooking

Roast Pork:

1. Preheated the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes.
2. Placed the pork loin into the basket and set the air fryer to roast mode at 375°F for 30 minutes, checking halfway to flip the pork for even cooking.

Fries:

1. Drained and patted the potato strips dry, then tossed them in olive oil and seasoning.
2. After the pork was done, switched to air fry mode, setting the temperature to 400°F and cooking the fries for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

The Finished Product

The roast pork turned out beautifully with a golden-brown crust and juicy, tender interior. The even cooking ensured that every bite was flavorful. The fries were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, just as promised by the air fryer’s Air Crisp technology.

Points to Note

• Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving the best results, especially for meats.
• Even Cooking: Flipping or shaking the food halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and avoids overcooking on one side.
• Capacity: The 5 QT capacity is sufficient for a small family, but for larger meals, cooking in batches might be necessary.
• Nonstick Surface: The nonstick basket and crisper plate make cleaning up easy, but avoid using metal utensils to prevent scratching.
• Versatility: Beyond roasting and air frying, the reheat and dehydrate functions offer additional versatility, making it a multi-functional kitchen appliance.
• Noise Level: The air fryer operates relatively quietly, which is a plus for those sensitive to kitchen noise.

Advantages of the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

• Versatility: The ability to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate makes it a highly versatile appliance.
• Efficiency: The Air Crisp technology ensures hot, crispy results quickly, reducing cooking time compared to traditional methods.
• Ease of Use: The intuitive control panel and nonstick components make it user-friendly and easy to clean.
• Compact Design: Its sleek, compact design fits well in most kitchens without taking up too much counter space.
• Healthy Cooking: Air frying requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.

Disadvantages of the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

• Capacity: While 5 QT is sufficient for small families, it may not be adequate for larger households or for cooking large meals in one go.
• Learning Curve: There may be a slight learning curve in getting the timing and temperature settings just right for different foods.
• Noise: Although relatively quiet, it still produces some noise, which might be a concern for noise-sensitive individuals.
• Cost: The price point may be higher compared to basic air fryers, but the added functionality can justify the cost.

Final Thoughts

Using the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 to make roast pork and fries was a rewarding experience. The appliance’s efficiency and versatility simplify the cooking process, delivering delicious results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy professional or a cooking enthusiast, this air fryer can be a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal. Its ability to produce crispy, evenly cooked dishes quickly makes it worth considering for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking game.