AF500 Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer
FAQ
What are the different functions?
Air fry, roast, bake, proof, reheat, dehydrate and keep warm.
What do the different cooking functions do?
Air Fry: Use this function to give your food crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
Roast: Best for roasting joints of meat and vegetables.
Bake: Create decadent baked treats and desserts.
Proof: Create an environment for dough to rest and rise.
Reheat: Revive leftovers by gently warming them, leaving you with crispy results.
Dehydrate: Dehydrate meats, fruits and vegetables for healthy snacks.
Keep Warm: Reheat or keep cooked food warm for longer periods of time.
How large is the drawer?
The Megazone is 10.4L and each zone is 5.2L. The megazone fits a 2kg chicken or up to 1.4kg of fries.
When and how do I use Smart Finish?
Smart Finish is recommended when cooking 2 foods using 2 different functions, temperatures, or cook times. To set up, program each zone as normal and select SMART FINISH to have both zones finish at the same time.
When and how do I use Match Cook?
Match Cook sets both zones to the same function, time, and temperature so you can have double the capacity. To use Match Cook, first turn the unit on, select MATCH COOK, then select the desired function. Adjust the time and temperature accordingly (Note: This will adjust both zones). Press START/PAUSE to begin cooking.
How do I start a cook function?
To select a cooking function, press the power button, then press the desired cook function to select. Using the TIME and TEMP arrows, adjust the cooking duration and temperatures accordingly. Press the START/PAUSE button to begin cooking.
Do I need to let the unit preheat before using?
Preheating is not needed.
Do I need to defrost frozen foods before air frying them?
It depends on the food. Follow package instructions. For food without instructions, refer to our cooking charts for more information.
Does the unit pause when I remove the basket?
No, the unit will not pause when you remove the basket. Press the START/PAUSE button to pause cooking.
Can I remove the basket at any time during cookout?
Yes, you can remove the basket at any point during cooking. We recommend you remove the basket a few times during cooking to shake/stir your ingredients to ensure even cooking. Press the START PAUSE button to properly pause unit before removing the baskets.
How do I clean the unit?
The unit, basket, divider and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Before cleaning, unplug the unit from the wall outlet. To clean the main unit and control panel, wipe them with a damp cloth. The basket*, divider*, crisper plates*, and any other accessories are dishwasher safe. If there is food residue stuck on the basket or crisper plate, place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and allow them to soak. Use a soft sponge to help remove any remaining residue. Thoroughly air-dry or towel-dry all parts after cleaning.
*To extend the life of the basket, divider and crisper plates, we recommend hand-washing.
Will the outside of the unit get hot?
Yes, the outside of the unit will heat up during cooking, but the control panel and basket handle will remain safe to touch.
Why is there steam coming from the unit during cooking?
It’s normal for some steam to release through either the vents or the baskets, especially when cooking foods with high water content such as vegetables.
How do I adjust the temperature or time while cooking?
You can adjust the cook time or temperature at any point during cooking. To do so, select the zone number you would like to change, then press the UP/DOWN arrows to adjust TEMP or TIME.
Can I cook different foods in each zone and not worry about cross contamination?
Yes, both zones are self-contained with separate heating elements and fans.
Is the basket safe to put on my countertop?
The basket will heat up during cooking. Use caution when handling and place it on heat-safe surfaces only. DO NOT place the basket on top of the unit.
When should I use the crisper plate?
For best cooking results, use the crisper plate when you want food to come out crispy. The plate elevates the food in the basket so that air can flow under and around it to cook ingredients evenly.
Do I need to use oil when air frying?
Although oil is not required, we recommend starting with one tablespoon and adjusting for personal preference or referencing the recipe for recommended oil amounts. Note that different oils and fats (such as butter or margarine) has different smoke points. We recommend using fats with a high smoke point to prevent burning during high temperature cooking. If you are noticing smoking of food during your cooking experience, try using a fat with a higher smoke point such as avocado or olive oil.
What is the coating on the basket?
The coating on the basket, divider, and crisper plates are PFOA free and non-toxic. There is no coating on the unit that are toxic to any animal.
The crisper plate or divider won’t come out of the basket.
When removing the crisper plate, wait for the unit to cool, then remove the entire basket from the unit. To speed up the cooling process, remove the basket from the unit and run under cold water. Then reach into the basket and grab the small handle located in the center of the crisper plate. Pull up firmly to remove the crisper plate from the basket.
Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil in the baskets?
Yes. It is safe to use parchment paper and aluminum foil in the baskets. The use of aluminum foil is suggested in some recipes.
Why is my food burned?
For best results, check progress throughout cooking and remove food when the desired level of brownness has been achieved. Remove food immediately after the cooking time is complete to avoid overcooking.
Why didn’t my food fully cook?
Make sure the basket is fully inserted during cooking. For consistent browning, make sure ingredients are arranged in an even layer on the bottom of the basket with no overlapping. Shake basket to toss ingredients for even crispiness. Cook temperature and time can be adjusted at any time during cooking. Simply use the TEMP arrows to adjust the temperature or the TIME arrows to adjust the time.
Do I have to shake the basket while cooking?
Yes. It is important to shake or rotate your food for consistent browning and crispiness. For best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to find out how often you should shake or rotate ingredients while cooking.
Can I air fry wet battered ingredients?
Yes, but use the proper breading technique. It is important to coat foods first with flour, then with egg, and then with bread crumbs. Press breading firmly onto the battered ingredients, so crumbs won't be blown off by the fan.
Why is the unit beeping?
The beeping means the cook time is complete or cooking has started in another zone.
Why does the display show an “ERR” code?
This means the unit is not functioning properly. Contact Customer Service. So we may better assist you, please register your product online and have the product on hand when you call.