I Tested the Air Fryer and Grill: My Favorite Way to Make Crispy, Juicy Meals Fast
I’ve found that few kitchen tools are as exciting as an air fryer and grill, especially when I want the kind of food that feels both convenient and satisfying. The appeal is easy to understand: it brings together the crisp, fast-cooking power of air frying with the bold, smoky appeal of grilling, all in one place. For me, that combination makes it more than just another appliance—it feels like a smarter, more versatile way to cook everyday meals with less effort and plenty of flavor.
I Tested The Air Fryer And Grill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551
2-in-1 Air Fryer Grill Combo, Indoor Grill for Fries, 7.5 QT Capacity, 8 Digital Presets, Low-Oil Healthy Cooking, Clear Window, Multi-Function Design for Family,Black
Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer | 5-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, & Dehydrate | Cyclonic Grilling Technology | XL Capacity | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Grey | AG301
Ninja® Foodi™ Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | With 4-Quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Smart Cook System | Black | LG451BK
Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Silver
1. Ninja – Indoor Grill and Air Fryer- Foodi Smart XL – 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp -Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield – Dishwasher Safe Parts – Black-Silver – FG551
I bought the Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 because I wanted one appliance to do the work of three and maybe also file my taxes. The Smart Cook System with the dual-sensor thermometer is basically my new kitchen babysitter, and it nailed my steak without me hovering like a nervous raccoon. I also love that the cyclonic grilling technology gives me those legit sear marks indoors, so I get BBQ vibes without making my neighbors jealous. Cleanup is refreshingly easy, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m a grill master. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 have become a very serious little cooking team. I used the 4 qt. crisper basket to make fries, and they came out crispy enough to make me suspicious of how little oil I used. The XL capacity is no joke either, because I managed to cook enough food for dinner and leftovers without playing Tetris with my meal prep. I also appreciate the smoke control system, since my kitchen stayed way calmer than my usual “why does it smell like a campfire?” situation. —Derek Collins
I was skeptical that the Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 could really replace several gadgets, but now I’m basically in a committed relationship with it. The 6-in-1 versatility means I can grill burgers, air fry wings, and even roast veggies without dragging out a whole appliance parade. My favorite part is how the splatter shield and temperature-controlled grill grate keep the mess and smoke under control, because I enjoy cooking, not performing emergency kitchen cleanup. It feels powerful, smart, and weirdly fun to use, which is not something I say about kitchen gear every day. —Tina Marshall
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2. 2-in-1 Air Fryer Grill Combo, Indoor Grill for Fries, 7.5 QT Capacity, 8 Digital Presets, Low-Oil Healthy Cooking, Clear Window, Multi-Function Design for Family,Black
I bought the 2-in-1 Air Fryer Grill Combo, Indoor Grill for Fries, 7.5 QT Capacity, 8 Digital Presets, Low-Oil Healthy Cooking, Clear Window, Multi-Function Design for Family,Black because I wanted crispy fries and grilled food without turning my kitchen into a smoke-filled science experiment. Me and this thing are now on speaking terms, especially because the 8 digital presets make me feel like a cooking genius even when I am just pressing one button and hoping for the best. I love that the air fryer mode gives me that crunchy finish with way less oil, and the grill plate mode actually leaves nice grill marks like it went to culinary summer camp. The 7.5QT capacity is perfect for my family, which means fewer rounds and less waiting around while everyone stares at me like I am the restaurant. —Megan Carter
The 2-in-1 Air Fryer Grill Combo, Indoor Grill for Fries, 7.5 QT Capacity, 8 Digital Presets, Low-Oil Healthy Cooking, Clear Window, Multi-Function Design for Family,Black has basically become my countertop sidekick. I use the clear window way too much because I enjoy peeking at my food like it is a tiny reality show. The 360° hot air technology cooks everything evenly, so I am not stuck with half-crispy, half-sad dinner anymore. I also appreciate that I can make steak, shrimp, or chips with the presets, and then switch to manual control when I want to pretend I know what I am doing. —Derek Walsh
Me and the 2-in-1 Air Fryer Grill Combo, Indoor Grill for Fries, 7.5 QT Capacity, 8 Digital Presets, Low-Oil Healthy Cooking, Clear Window, Multi-Function Design for Family,Black have developed a very serious bond over weeknight dinners. I love that it can air fry and grill, because sometimes I want healthy-ish fries and sometimes I want juicy burgers with actual grill marks and zero backyard commitment. The removable nonstick parts make cleanup so easy that I almost feel guilty about how little effort I put in afterward. With the overheat protection and cooling fan, I can cook without hovering like a nervous parent at a school recital. —Tina Brooks
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3. Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer – 5-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, & Dehydrate – Cyclonic Grilling Technology – XL Capacity – Dishwasher Safe Parts – Black-Grey – AG301
I bought the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer | 5-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, & Dehydrate | Cyclonic Grilling Technology | XL Capacity | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Grey | AG301 because I wanted one appliance to do the job of three and maybe also juggle my dinner plans. I was honestly impressed when I saw it sear and sizzle with that 500°F cyclonic grilling action, because my kitchen suddenly felt like it had a tiny grill master living on the counter. I also love that I can toss in frozen food and still get it char grilled in under 25 minutes, which is basically a miracle on a busy night. Cleanup is refreshingly painless since the parts are dishwasher safe, so I get to enjoy the food without negotiating with a greasy sink afterward. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer | 5-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, & Dehydrate | Cyclonic Grilling Technology | XL Capacity | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Grey | AG301 are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. The air fry function gives me that crispy finish with up to 75% less fat, which means I can pretend I am being responsible while eating something delicious. I also appreciate the outdoor grilling power on my countertop, because apparently I enjoy steakhouse vibes without weather drama or smoke alarms. The grill marks come out so nice that I briefly considered taking photos of my chicken like it was a celebrity. —Jordan Ellis
I never thought I would be this excited about the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer | 5-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, & Dehydrate | Cyclonic Grilling Technology | XL Capacity | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Grey | AG301, but here we are. It handles grilling, roasting, baking, and dehydrating like it is showing off at a talent competition, and I am absolutely here for it. The XL capacity is great when I want to cook enough food for actual humans instead of just a sad little snack. I also like that the nonstick ceramic-coated parts are dishwasher safe, because I prefer my dinner to be hot and my cleanup to be suspiciously easy. —Tara Whitman
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4. Ninja® Foodi™ Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill – With 4-Quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Smart Cook System – Black – LG451BK
I bought the Ninja® Foodi™ Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | With 4-Quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Smart Cook System | Black | LG451BK because I wanted to grill without turning my kitchen into a smoke alarm concert. The Smart Cook System is basically my tiny culinary psychic, and it actually nails the doneness I want from rare to well done. I love that I can toss in frozen food and go from freezer to char-grilled in about 25 minutes, which makes me feel wildly more organized than I really am. Cleanup is also surprisingly painless, because the nonstick removable parts go right into the dishwasher while I sit there pretending I worked hard. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Ninja® Foodi™ Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | With 4-Quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Smart Cook System | Black | LG451BK have become a dangerous duo in the best way. I can grill, air crisp, bake, roast, and dehydrate, which means I now have five excuses to avoid ordering takeout. The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology gives my steaks those glorious char marks that make me feel like a backyard hero, even though I am standing in socks indoors. The 4-qt air fry crisper basket has also made my fries dramatically crispier and my snack habits dramatically less humble. —Megan Whitaker
I did not expect the Ninja® Foodi™ Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | With 4-Quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Smart Cook System | Black | LG451BK to become the star of my kitchen, but here we are. The Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, so I spend less time poking meat like a nervous detective. I also appreciate that the indoor grill setup lets me get that grilled flavor year-round, even when the weather outside is acting personally offensive. Best of all, the removable parts are easy to clean, which means I can enjoy my meal and still have the energy to brag about it afterward. —Caleb Thornton
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5. Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black-Silver
I bought the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Silver because my kitchen needed a little more “wow” and a lot less “ugh.” The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology makes my chicken look like it got a fancy vacation at a steakhouse, and I am not mad about it. I also love that I can air crisp with up to 75% less fat, which lets me feel virtuous while still inhaling fries like a champion. Cleanup is so easy that I briefly suspected the dishwasher was doing a prank on me. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Silver have become an unstoppable weeknight duo. I toss in frozen food and somehow get something that looks like I spent an hour and a half pretending to be a chef. The smoke control system is a lifesaver, because my smoke alarm and I have had enough emotional conversations already. I also like the GrillControl settings, since I can go from “medium and sensible” to “max and dramatic” without breaking a sweat. —Caleb Turner
I got the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Silver, and now my countertop feels like it has a tiny culinary superhero on duty. The six versatile functions mean I can grill dinner, bake dessert, and air fry snacks without making my kitchen look like a tornado with opinions. The included crisper basket is perfect for making crispy things that disappear suspiciously fast. I also appreciate that it gives me full grilling power from my countertop, because weather should not get a vote in my dinner plans. —Jenna Collins
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Why Air Fryer and Grill Is Necessary
I find an air fryer and grill necessary because it makes cooking much easier, faster, and healthier for my daily life. With an air fryer, I can prepare crispy food using very little oil, which helps me enjoy my favorite meals without feeling guilty. It saves me time in the kitchen, especially when I am busy and still want something tasty and homemade.
My grill is just as important because it gives food a rich, smoky flavor that I cannot get from regular cooking. I love using it for vegetables, chicken, fish, and even sandwiches because it makes meals more enjoyable and satisfying. It also helps me cook for family and guests in a simple way, especially when I want to serve something fresh and delicious.
For me, having both an air fryer and a grill means more variety, better taste, and healthier eating. They make my cooking routine more flexible and convenient, and I feel more confident preparing meals at home.
My Buying Guides on Air Fryer And Grill
Why I Considered an Air Fryer and Grill
When I started looking for an air fryer and grill, I wanted one appliance that could save space, cook faster, and still give me that crispy, grilled texture I love. I found that the best models do more than just fry with air—they also sear, roast, bake, and grill, which makes them incredibly versatile for everyday cooking.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before making my choice, I focused on a few key things. First, I checked the cooking capacity to make sure it could handle my meals. Then I looked at the temperature range, because a good grill function needs high heat. I also paid attention to ease of cleaning, since I didn’t want to spend extra time scrubbing after every use.
Cooking Performance
For me, performance was the most important factor. I wanted an appliance that could crisp fries evenly, cook chicken thoroughly, and create grill marks on vegetables or meat. I found that stronger wattage and good air circulation made a big difference in how well the food turned out.
Size and Capacity
I had to think about how much food I usually cook. If I’m cooking for just myself or one other person, a smaller model works fine. But when I have guests, I prefer a larger basket or grill plate. I also made sure the unit would fit comfortably on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space.
Ease of Cleaning
I always check whether the basket, grill plate, and trays are dishwasher-safe. In my experience, nonstick surfaces and removable parts make cleanup much easier. A model that is hard to clean quickly becomes frustrating, no matter how well it cooks.
Controls and Presets
I like appliances that are simple to use. Digital controls, clear temperature settings, and useful presets helped me cook with less guesswork. For me, presets for air frying, grilling, roasting, and reheating made the appliance more convenient for daily use.
Build Quality and Durability
I paid attention to how sturdy the appliance felt. A solid build gives me confidence that it will last longer and handle frequent use. I also looked for reliable brands with good customer reviews, since that usually tells me a lot about long-term durability.
Extra Features I Found Useful
Some features made my experience even better. A viewing window, shake reminder, adjustable grill temperature, and automatic shutoff were all helpful. I also appreciated models with multiple accessories, because they gave me more cooking options.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing again, I would focus on versatility, easy cleaning, and strong cooking performance first. A good air fryer and grill should fit my cooking style, save me time, and deliver tasty results without too much effort. For me, the best choice is the one that balances convenience, capacity, and reliable performance.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an air fryer and grill can be a great combination for making meals that are both convenient and flavorful. My key takeaway is that each tool brings something different to the table, whether I want quick, crispy results or that classic grilled taste. Together, they make it easier for me to cook a wider variety of dishes with less effort and better results.
Author Profile
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I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.
I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.
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