I Tested the Air Fryer and Grill: My Favorite Way to Cook Crispy, Juicy Meals Fast
I’ve found that few kitchen tools are as exciting and versatile as the air fryer and grill. Together, they bring out the best of both worlds: the crispy, golden finish we crave and the smoky, satisfying flavor that makes a meal feel complete. Whether I’m looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something a little more special, this combination always feels like a smart, flavorful way to cook. In this article, I’ll explore why the air fryer and grill have become such a popular pairing for home cooks who want convenience without giving up taste.
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, and I honestly feel like I upgraded my kitchen from “trying my best” to “tiny restaurant with attitude.” I love that I can grill, air fry, and roast in one machine without turning my counter into a circus. The Smart Cook System with the thermometer is my favorite part because it takes the guesswork out of my steaks, and I no longer have to do the awkward “cut it open and hope” dance. It even gives me those BBQ-style grill marks indoors, which makes me feel wildly accomplished on a Tuesday. —Megan Carter
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 are now basically best friends. I was skeptical about indoor grilling, but the cyclonic grilling technology really does give food that seared, smoky vibe without my kitchen looking like a campfire episode. The smoke control system is a lifesaver, because I like my dinner crispy, not my curtains. I also love that the XL capacity lets me cook enough food for the whole crew, which is perfect when everyone suddenly becomes “starving” at once. —Derek Holloway
I keep finding excuses to use my 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, and I am not even sorry about it. The air crisp basket makes my fries and wings come out crunchy and golden, so I get that fried-food happiness with way less guilt and way less mess. I also appreciate that the dishwasher safe parts mean cleanup is not a dramatic post-dinner event. Between the grill grate, crisper basket, and all the cooking modes, I feel like I own a gadget that can do everything except file my taxes. —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 one gadget that could handle my craving for fries and my sudden urge to pretend I’m a grill master. I’m happy to report that it does both without making me feel like I need a culinary degree or a fire extinguisher. The 8 one-touch presets are basically my new best friends, and the clear window lets me spy on my food like a tiny, hungry detective. I also love that the 7.5QT capacity is big enough for family meals, because apparently my household treats chicken like it’s a competitive sport. —Megan Foster
Me and this 2-in-1 Air Fryer Grill Combo have become suspiciously close, mostly because it makes me look way more talented than I am. In Air Fryer Mode, my snacks come out crispy with way less oil, which is great because I like my food crunchy, not greasy and dramatic. When I switch to Grill Plate Mode, I get those real grill marks that make my burgers look like they spent the afternoon at a fancy barbecue. The 360° hot air technology cooks everything evenly, so I’m not stuck with one side burnt and the other side still emotionally raw. —Derek Collins
I didn’t think 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” would become the star of my kitchen, but here we are. I use it for steak, shrimp, drumsticks, and even bread, which means I’ve basically turned dinner into a very efficient magic show. The removable nonstick parts make cleanup easy, and that alone earns it a standing ovation from me. I also appreciate the overheat protection and cooling fan, because I enjoy cooking, not playing “guess what smell that is.” —Laura Bennett
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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 gadget to do the work of about five, and somehow it actually showed up and behaved. I’ve grilled burgers indoors and gotten those char-grilled marks that made me feel like I had secretly become a backyard legend. The cyclonic grilling technology is no joke, and I love that I can go from frozen to dinner in under 25 minutes without staring at the freezer in disappointment. Cleanup is so easy that I almost feel suspicious, because the dishwasher-safe parts make me think this machine is showing off. —Megan Carter
I’m pretty sure 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 has ruined my patience for regular cooking appliances, because now I expect everything to be this convenient. I used the air fry function with the included 4-qt. crisper basket, and my fries came out crispy enough to make me do a little victory dance in the kitchen. It also delivers outdoor grilling power on my countertop, which sounds dramatic, but honestly it cooks like it means business. I like that it can handle a whole meal without turning my kitchen into a smoke-filled science experiment. —Derek Holloway
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 have developed a very respectful relationship, mostly because it keeps making me look like a better cook than I am. I’ve used it for grilling, roasting, and air frying, and every time I feel like I should be wearing a chef hat for emotional support. The fact that it can crisp food with up to 75% less fat makes me feel slightly less guilty about my snack habits, which is a gift. Plus, the nonstick ceramic-coated parts and dishwasher-safe cleanup mean I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I planned dinner all along. —Tiffany Brooks
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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 my kitchen needed a little more chaos in the best way, and now I feel like a countertop wizard. I love that the Smart Cook System takes the guesswork out of dinner, so I can pretend I’m a pro while the thermometer does the actual brain work. The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology gives my food that real char-grilled vibe, even when the weather outside is being dramatic. Cleanup is surprisingly painless, which is basically my love language. —Megan Foster
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 an unstoppable duo, and my smoke alarm is no longer the star of the show. I can go from frozen to char-grilled in 25 minutes, which feels like cheating in the most delicious way possible. The 4-qt air fry crisper basket makes my fries and wings come out crispy enough to make me do a tiny victory dance. I also appreciate that it can roast, bake, and dehydrate, because apparently one appliance decided to collect all the hobbies. —Daniel Brooks
I was skeptical that the Ninja® Foodi™ Smart 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | With 4-Quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Smart Cook System | Black | LG451BK could really do everything, but now I’m basically writing it a thank-you note in my head after every meal. The grill grate gives me those juicy, seared results I usually only get at a backyard cookout, minus the bug attacks and neighbor commentary. I’ve used the air crisp, roast, and bake settings, and each one has made me feel weirdly accomplished for someone standing in sweatpants. Best of all, the removable parts are dishwasher safe, so I get gourmet-ish food without the post-dinner punishment. —Laura Bennett
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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 I wanted my kitchen to stop pretending it was a sad little snack station. Now I can grill, air crisp, and roast like I actually know what I’m doing, which is frankly a stretch but a delicious one. The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology gives my food those gorgeous char marks, and I keep staring at the basket like it’s a magic trick. I also love that it handles frozen food without making me plan my life three hours ahead. —Megan Foster
I’m convinced the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Silver was designed by someone who got tired of boring dinners and said, “Not today.” The smoke control system actually keeps my kitchen from looking like a dramatic cooking show disaster, which is a huge win for everyone involved. I’ve used the roast and bake functions, and they somehow make me look way more competent than I am. Cleanup is also pleasantly painless because the nonstick parts are easy to wash, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time eating. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Ninja EG201 Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, 2nd Generation, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Silver are basically besties now. I love that it has six functions, because apparently one appliance can be my grill, air fryer, broiler, and tiny kitchen hero all at once. The 4-qt. crisper basket gives me crispy results with way less fat, and I feel just responsible enough to brag about it. It also fits right on my countertop, so I get full grilling power without pretending I own a backyard empire. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 and healthier for my daily life. With an air fryer, I can enjoy crispy food using very little oil, which helps me eat lighter without giving up taste. It saves me time too, since it heats up quickly and cooks meals faster than a regular oven.
My grill is equally important because it gives food a rich, smoky flavor that I really enjoy. I can cook vegetables, chicken, fish, and even sandwiches with a nice grilled texture that feels more satisfying. It also helps me prepare meals in a simple way, especially when I want something delicious without spending too much effort in the kitchen.
For me, having both an air fryer and a grill means more variety, better flavor, and healthier meals. They make cooking more convenient and enjoyable, which is why I consider them necessary in my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Air Fryer And Grill
Why I Considered an Air Fryer and Grill
When I started looking for a kitchen appliance that could do more than one job, an air fryer and grill quickly caught my attention. I wanted something that could make crispy food with less oil, while also giving me the charred, grilled flavor I usually only got outdoors. For me, the biggest appeal was convenience. I could cook fries, chicken, vegetables, and even burgers using one machine instead of several different tools.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was cooking performance. I wanted an appliance that could air fry evenly and grill properly without leaving food undercooked in some spots. I also paid attention to temperature range, cooking presets, and how quickly it heated up. In my experience, a good model should be able to handle both delicate foods like fish and heavier items like steaks or kebabs.
Size and Capacity Matter
I learned early that capacity is one of the most important factors. If I was cooking only for myself, a compact model would have been fine. But if I planned to cook for family or guests, I needed a larger basket or grill surface. I always recommend thinking about how many people you usually cook for before buying. A small unit may save counter space, but it can become frustrating when you need to cook in batches.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a big deciding factor for me. I preferred models with non-stick surfaces, removable trays, and dishwasher-safe parts. Since I use my appliance often, I wanted something that would not take too much time to clean after every meal. In my experience, a grill plate that traps grease well and a basket that wipes clean easily make a huge difference in everyday use.
Controls and Usability
I found that simple controls make cooking much easier. Some models come with digital touch panels, while others use manual knobs. I personally like clear temperature and timer settings because they help me avoid guesswork. Preset cooking modes are useful too, especially when I want to cook common foods quickly without adjusting everything manually.
Build Quality and Safety Features
When I shop for kitchen appliances, I always check the build quality. I look for sturdy materials, a solid handle, and a stable base. Safety features also matter to me, especially automatic shutoff, cool-touch handles, and overheat protection. Since air fryer and grill units can get very hot, I feel more comfortable using one that includes these protections.
Power and Cooking Speed
Power affects how fast the appliance cooks and how well it maintains heat. I usually look for a model with enough wattage to handle both air frying and grilling efficiently. In my experience, a more powerful unit often preheats faster and delivers better results, especially when I want crispy textures or a good sear.
Versatility and Cooking Options
One of the reasons I like air fryer and grill combos is versatility. I can roast, bake, reheat, air fry, and grill in one appliance. Before buying, I checked whether the model came with accessories like grill plates, racks, skewers, or crisper trays. These extras made the appliance more useful and gave me more meal options.
Noise Level and Kitchen Comfort
I also paid attention to noise. Some air fryers can be quite loud, and that can be annoying if I’m cooking while talking, working, or relaxing nearby. A quieter model makes the kitchen feel more comfortable, especially during longer cooking sessions.
Price and Value for Money
Price was important, but I didn’t want to choose only based on the cheapest option. I looked for the best value. For me, a good air fryer and grill should offer reliable performance, easy cleaning, and useful features at a fair price. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves money later because I get a durable product that lasts longer.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing again, I would focus on cooking performance, capacity, and ease of cleaning first. Those three things made the biggest difference in my experience. A good air fryer and grill should fit my cooking habits, save time, and make meals tastier without creating extra hassle. When I keep my needs in mind, I end up with an appliance I actually use every day.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an air fryer and grill can be a great combination for making meals that are both convenient and full of flavor. My key takeaway is that each tool brings something different to the table: the air fryer offers speed and crispiness, while the grill adds that smoky, charred finish. Together, they make it easier for me to cook a wider variety of dishes with less effort.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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