Among the novelties presented at Ninja at the IFA, the AirFryer Foodi Flex was quick to pique our curiosity with its XXL format. Granted, it’s far from America’s first full-size oil-free fryer. Its dimensions are reminiscent of DualZone models such as the AF400EU or the most recent AF451EU with cooking probe, but while the latter have two drawers, it has only one.
The Ninja Foodi Flex oil-free fryer
This is immediately noticed by the handle that runs from one end of the device to the other. However, this model also promises to be able to carry out two different cooking operations simultaneously, while therefore offering the possibility of taking advantage of a very large drawer (MegaZone) if necessary, for very large quantities or a beautiful butcher’s piece.
One large 10.4 l drawer or two 5.2 l zones
The first Foodi Flex bears the reference AF500EU and more precisely offers a 10.4 liter drawer, which can be divided into two equal parts and supposed to be able to accommodate all the same a 2 kg chicken or 1.5 kg of fries according to Ninja. To do this, simply slide the separator into the grooves provided in the center of the tank. Thanks to two resistances, for a total power of 2470 W, it is also possible to switch on only one cooking zone to avoid wasting energy, but the idea is above all to give the possibility of preparing meat or a fish and its accompaniment at the same time. On the other hand, since the two zones are interdependent, it is impossible to open only one of them. If a cake is cooking on one side, it is therefore difficult to monitor what is happening in the other, since it risks falling when it is opened. It will also be impossible to mix the fries by shaking the drawer if it is shared with a chicken on the other side, you will have to stir instead.
By removing the separation plate, we have a large tank of 10.4 liters.
As on the DualZone models, Ninja makes it possible to synchronize the drawers so that cooking ends at the same time on both sides in the event of different preparations, or to transfer the settings from one side to the other for identical preparations even if the we see a little less interest in this function since it is then easier to use the MegaZone. In terms of cooking modes, seven are offered for frying without oil, crisping, roasting, baking cakes, reheating, dehydrating and finally raising pasta.
Ninja promises as always a quick cleaning after use, thanks to a non-stick coating applied to the drawers and accessories. The latter therefore include the separator, and two cooking plates to slide into the bottom of the drawers to facilitate the circulation of hot air. The Airfryer Foodi Flex AF500EU will be launched soon, at an MSRP of €269.99.