Summer is the perfect time to fire up your kitchen with versatile appliances that make meal prep fast, fun, and flavorful. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is a standout, offering a range of functions from air frying to dehydrating, all in one sleek countertop unit.
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Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual brunch, or a healthy snack, this appliance helps you create delicious dishes with ease and speed. Let’s explore some fantastic summer recipes and ideas you can whip up using this powerful kitchen gadget.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven
- ✔ Size: Countertop
- ✔ Weight: Approximately 20 lbs
- ✔ Material: Stainless steel and plastic
Grilled-Style Air Fryer Chicken
Use the air roast function to cook a juicy, crispy chicken that rivals outdoor grilling. The large capacity allows you to prepare a 5-lb chicken, perfect for family dinners or summer gatherings.
- Preheat the oven in just 90 seconds.
- Season your chicken with herbs, spices, and a splash of lemon for fresh summer flavor.
- Use the Smart Cook system to ensure it’s perfectly cooked with crispy skin.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Homemade Pizzas for Lazy Summer Evenings
Make quick, customizable pizzas right in your kitchen. The Ninja Foodi’s pizza function and True Surround Convection ensure your crust is evenly baked and crisp.
- Use your favorite dough or pre-made bases.
- Top with fresh summer ingredients like tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and grilled veggies.
- Set the oven to pizza mode and enjoy evenly baked, crispy results.
- Perfect for family pizza nights or casual get-togethers.
Dehydrated Summer Snacks
Take advantage of the dehydrating function to create healthy, portable snacks like fruit leather, dried berries, or jerky. These are great for picnics, hikes, or beach days.
- Use ripe, fresh seasonal fruits for vibrant flavors.
- Thinly slice fruits or prepare strips for leather.
- Dehydrate until the desired texture is achieved — just a few hours for most fruits.
- Store in airtight containers for easy summer snacking.
Reheating and Crisping Leftovers
Leftovers are a summer staple, and the Ninja Foodi makes reheating quick and effective. Use the air fry function to bring back crispiness to fried foods, fries, or even leftover pizza.
- Preheat the oven for rapid reheating.
- Set to air fry mode for crispy, hot leftovers.
- In just minutes, your meal is revitalized with that freshly-made crunch.
- Perfect for quick summer lunches or late-night snacks.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is a kitchen workhorse, combining multiple functions with smart technology to make summer cooking effortless and delicious. Its large capacity and convection power help you prepare everything from crispy chicken to homemade snacks with ease.
Pros:
- Powerful convection for crispy results
- Large capacity for family meals
- Multiple cooking functions in one appliance
- Smart cook system for perfect doneness
Cons:
- May be bulky for small kitchens
- Complex interface for some users
- Price may be higher compared to basic ovens
Best for: Families and entertainers seeking versatile, quick summer recipes
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or users preferring simple, basic appliances
Bottom line: For versatile, quick summer cooking, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven is a top choice.
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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