Ninja Foodi SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid™ (OL701) - Quick Start Guide

Understanding Your Foodi

This guide provides an overview of the Ninja Foodi SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid™ (Model OL701), designed for versatile cooking.

Key Cooking Modes:

• Pressure: Locks in juices, ideal for tenderizing large proteins, soups, and stews.
• Steam & Crisp: Combines steam and convection for faster, juicier, crispy results. Excellent for whole roasts, proteins, root vegetables, and multi-tiered meals.
• Air Fry / Stovetop: Utilizes convection and stovetop cooking methods.

Cooking Results & Examples:

• Pressure: Juicy results (e.g., Pulled Chicken, Whole Chicken, Mashed Potatoes).
• Steam & Crisp: Juicy & crispy results (e.g., Chicken Tenders, Potato Wedges).
• Air Fry: Crispy results (e.g., French Fries, Chicken Nuggets).
• Bake/Roast: Fluffy & moist (e.g., cakes) or Rich & gooey (e.g., cookies, brownies).

Helpful Hints & Tips

• Liquid Usage: Always use the exact amount of liquid specified in recipes. For pressure cooking, use a minimum of 1 cup of liquid; broths or sauces can enhance flavor.
• SteamCrisp™: Always add liquid to the pot when using SteamCrisp™ functions.
• Oven Recipe Conversion: Use the Bake/Roast function and reduce the temperature by 25°F.
• Crisping After Pressure Cooking: Empty any remaining liquid from the pot before switching to crisping functions for optimal results.

Pressure Cooking Details

Pressure Release Options:

• Natural Release: Unit depressurizes slowly after cooking ends, continuing to cook food with residual steam. Best for recipes designed for this method.
• Quick Release: Manually release steam by moving the pressure release valve to VENT or pressing the RELEASE PRESSURE button. Best for smaller, less dense foods sensitive to overcooking. Avoid for starchy or foamy foods.
• Delayed Release: Set a specific time (default 10 minutes) for pressure to release after cooking. Ideal for recipes requiring extended pressure time, like rice or grains.

Safety Note: Steam exits from the top of the Pressure Release Valve. Do not reach over the valve.

Pressure Build Time: Varies based on settings and ingredients, potentially taking 20 minutes or more. Frozen or large quantities can increase this to 45 minutes or more.

SmartLid™ Operation

The SmartLid™ features a slider with three positions:

• Position 1 (Pressure): The locked position for pressure cooking.
• Position 2 (SteamCrisp™): Enables steam and convection cooking.
• Position 3 (Air Fry / Stovetop): For air frying, baking, roasting, sautéing, and other stovetop functions.

Open and close the lid using the designated Lift Tab located above the slider. Never attempt to open the lid from the sides, as this can cause burns.

Included Accessories

• Complete Meal Pot: The primary cooking vessel; must be installed before use.
• Cook & Crisp™ Basket: Used for air frying, baking, and roasting, often placed on a diffuser.
• Dual-Stack Racks: Allow for multi-level cooking, increasing capacity. The bottom rack is for steaming, and the top rack is for broiling or additional cooking space.

Control Panel Overview

Familiarize yourself with the control panel:

• A SMARTSLIDER™: Selects the cooking mode (Pressure, SteamCrisp™, Air Fry/Stovetop).
• B RELEASE PRESSURE button: Manually or programmatically controls pressure release.
• C Left Arrows: Adjust temperature or doneness when using the Smart Thermometer.
• D Right Arrows: Adjust cook time or food type when using the Smart Thermometer.
• E PRESET button: Selects protein type when using the Smart Thermometer.
• F MANUAL button: Manually set internal doneness with the Smart Thermometer.
• G START/STOP button: Initiates or halts cooking.
• H KEEP WARM: Automatically activates after certain cooking cycles for 12 hours. Can be turned off manually.
• I Dial: Selects available cooking functions within the chosen SmartSlider™ mode.
• J Power button: Turns the unit on/off and stops all functions.

Using Your Foodi's Functions

1. Pressure Mode

To Use: Place ingredients in the pot with required liquid. Close lid, move slider to PRESSURE, turn valve to SEAL. Set temperature (HI/LO) and time, then press START/STOP. The unit will display "PrE ---" as it builds pressure.

Lid Lock: The lid remains locked during pressure cooking.

Completion: Unit beeps when done. Pressure releases automatically (Quick/Delayed) or defaults to Natural Release. The lid can be opened when "OPN Lid" appears.

2. SteamCrisp™ Mode

To Use: Add required liquid. Place ingredients on an accessory. Close lid, move slider to STEAMCRISP. Turn valve to SEAL or VENT (position is irrelevant in this mode). Set temperature and time for convection cooking; steam settings are automatic. Press START/STOP.

Operation: Keep the lid closed for optimal steam and convection interaction. Cooking pauses if the lid is opened.

3. Air Fry / Stovetop Mode

To Use: Place ingredients in the pot or on an accessory. Close lid, move slider to AIR FRY/STOVETOP. Turn valve to SEAL or VENT. Set desired temperature and time, then press START/STOP.

Lid Operation: The lid can be opened at any time to check food; cooking pauses automatically when the lid is open.

Available Functions:

• Sear/Sauté: Brown meats, sauté vegetables, simmer sauces.
• Steam: Gently cook delicate foods at high temperatures.
• Slow Cook: Cook at lower temperatures for extended periods.
• Yogurt: Prepare homemade yogurt.
• Sous Vide: Cook food in a low-temperature water bath.
• Air Fry: Achieve crispiness and crunch with minimal oil.
• Bake/Roast: Prepare meats and baked goods using dry heat.
• Broil: Caramelize and brown foods at high heat.
• Dehydrate: Dry meats, fruits, and vegetables.
• Proof: Create an ideal environment for dough to rise.