Summer Grilled Chicken with Ninja Foodi XL Air Oven

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor-style grilled dishes, even if you’re cooking indoors. The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Oven makes it easy to prepare juicy, flavorful grilled chicken without firing up the grill.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to use your Ninja Foodi to achieve crispy, evenly cooked chicken, perfect for summer family dinners or picnics.

Our top pick at a glance

BEST FOR SUMMER GRILLING
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven

Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven

  • Cord Length: 36 inches
  • Included Accessories: 2 sheet pans, 2 wire racks, Air fry basket, Roast Tray, Crumb Tray, Smart Thermometer, Recipe Guide
  • Weight: Approximately 30 lbs
Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven, Bake, Broil, Toast, Roast, Digital Toaster, Thermometer, True Surround Convection up to 450°F, includes 6 trays & Recipe Guide, Silver

Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven, Bake, Broil, Toast, Roast, Digital Toaster, Thermometer, True Surround Convection up to 450°F, includes 6 trays & Recipe Guide, Silver

TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier,...

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Preparing Your Chicken

Start with a fresh or thawed 5-lb whole chicken. Season generously with your favorite herbs, spices, and a bit of olive oil to enhance flavor and crispiness. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Gather your Ninja Foodi accessories: the roast tray, wire racks, and the included Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.

Setting Up the Ninja Foodi

Place the wire racks inside the oven and position the Roast Tray underneath for catching drippings. Insert the Smart Thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to monitor internal temperature throughout cooking.

Preheat the Ninja Foodi XL Air Oven to 375°F using the Roast function, which typically takes around 90 seconds. This quick preheat ensures your chicken starts cooking immediately.

Cooking the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken on the wire rack inside the oven. Set the Ninja Foodi to the Roast function at 375°F, and turn on the Smart Cook System. The oven will monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F for fully cooked chicken.

Cook for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the Smart Thermometer indicates the chicken has reached the target temperature. Use the oven’s True Surround Convection to ensure even, crispy skin all around.

Finishing and Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps retain juices for maximum flavor and tenderness. Serve with fresh summer sides like salads, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob.

Enjoy your perfectly roasted, crispy-skinned chicken — a summer dinner made simple with your Ninja Foodi XL Air Oven.

Tips for Perfect Summer Chicken

  • Use the Smart Thermometer for precise doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Marinate your chicken in lemon, herbs, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
  • Preheat the oven for faster cooking and better crispiness.
  • Let the chicken rest before carving to keep juices locked in.
  • Combine with summer sides for a complete outdoor-inspired meal indoors.

More Details on Our Top Picks

Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven

Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven
OUR VERDICT
A versatile, easy-to-use oven for perfect summer chicken
VIEW LATEST PRICE

The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Oven simplifies summer cooking with fast, even roasting and smart temperature monitoring. Its large capacity makes it ideal for family meals.

Pros:

  • Fast preheat and cooking times
  • Large capacity for family-sized dishes
  • Multiple functions in one appliance
  • Smart Thermometer for perfect results

Cons:

  • Bulky for small kitchens
  • Complex controls with learning curve
  • Higher power consumption

Best for: Families looking for a versatile summer cooking appliance

Not ideal for: Small kitchens or those preferring simple, manual appliances

Capacity:
XL (fits a 5-lb chicken, 12-in pizzas, or 12-lb turkey)
Functions:
Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, Pizza
Power:
1800 watts
Temperature Range:
Up to 450°F
Preheat Time:
90 seconds
Cooking Speed:
Up to 30% faster than traditional convection ovens

Bottom line: A versatile, efficient oven that makes summer cooking quick and easy

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.

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