Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid Multi-Cooker: Operating Guide

Getting Started

Cooking Pot

Always install the cooking pot before adding accessories or ingredients.

Using the 2-Tier Reversible Rack

The reversible rack offers versatility:

• Higher Position: Ideal for grilling chicken, steak, fish, and more.
• Lower Position: Suitable for steaming vegetables or elevating baking tins for even airflow.

2-Tier Assembly

Increase capacity for complete COMBI-STEAM meals or to cook up to 8 chicken breasts or fish fillets at once.

Assembling the 2-Tier Reversible Rack:

1. Place the Reversible Rack in the pot in the lower position. (Note: For easier cleaning, coat the rack with cooking spray before placing ingredients on it.)
2. Drop the top layer through the reversible rack handles. (Note: Place ingredients on the lower layer before adding the top layer. Make sure the top layer's handles are facing up when you slide it over the bottom layer.)
3. The top layer will fit securely into handle slots.

For more accessories, visit ninjakitchen.co.uk.

Helpful Hints & Tips

Helpful Hints

• When following a recipe, ALWAYS use the exact amount of liquid, even when scaling down proteins or vegetables. Refer to the Recipe Guide for exact liquid measurements for beans, grains, starches, and more.
• When using Combi-Steam mode functions, always add liquid to the pot.
• Any liquid can be used for pressure cooking. Use broths or sauces instead of water to infuse additional flavour. Always use a minimum of 250ml of liquid; depending on your recipe, you may need up to 750ml.
• To convert oven recipes, use the Bake function and reduce the cook temperature by 10°C.
• When switching from pressure cooking to crisping after pressure cooking, empty the pot of any remaining liquid for best crisping results.

Pressure Cooking Tips

• If the unit is not coming to pressure, check that the silicone ring is fully installed by pressing it into place all around the metal ring rack. Make sure the ring is completely clean and undamaged.
• The time to build pressure will vary based on selected pressure, temperature of the pot, and temperature and quantity of the ingredients (up to 20 minutes or more). Frozen and/or large amounts of ingredients will increase the time to pressure significantly (45 minutes or more).

Pressure Release Methods

• Natural Release: The unit will naturally depressurise when the cook time ends. The heat will turn off, but the food inside will continue to cook with the residual steam. This is used for large or delicate foods and any starchy ingredients.
• Quick Release: Used for smaller foods or ingredients sensitive to overcooking. DO NOT quick release pressure when cooking starchy or foamy foods. To quick release, use the dial to select this option.

Operating the Multi-Cooker

Lifting the Lid and Using the SmartLid Slider™

Move the slider from left to right to unlock 3 modes and 14 cooking functions.

Opening & Closing the Lid

Always use the lift tab to open the lid, pointing it away from you. To close the lid, do so carefully to keep your hand away from hot steam and convection heat.

[Lift Tab] is not a handle. Opening the lid from the side may result in serious burns.

SmartLid Slider™ Positions

The SmartLid Slider™ has 3 positions, each controlling a different set of functions:

• Position 1: PRESSURE - Lid remains locked during cooking.
• Position 2: COMBI-STEAM MODE - Keep lid closed to allow steam and convection heat to work together. Open lid only if recipe calls for it, as cooking will pause when the lid is open, which could impact results. Note: Steam exits from the top of the Pressure Release Valve. DO NOT reach over the valve.
• Position 3: AIR FRY & HOB MODE - Lid can be opened at any time to check on food. Note: Cooking will automatically pause when the lid is open.

Using the Control Panel

The control panel features:

• A. SMARTLID SLIDER™: Controls the cooking modes.
• B. Left Arrows: Adjust cook temperature or outcome when using the digital cooking probe.
• C. Right Arrows: Adjust cook time or food type when using the probe.
• D. START/STOP Button: Starts or stops cooking.
• E. KEEP WARM: Automatically switches on after certain cooking modes and stays on for 12 hours. Can be turned off by pressing this button or START/STOP.
• F. Dial: Select available functions once the SmartLid Slider™ is in position.
• G. Power Button: Turns the unit on/off and stops all cooking functions.

Using the Multi-Cooker Functions

1. Pressure Mode

Pressure to lock in juices. Best for tenderising large meats and cooking soups and stews.

Operation:

1. Place ingredients on the required accessory or in the pot. Add liquid according to recipe.
2. Close lid. Move slider to the PRESSURE position to lock lid. Slider moves only when lid is closed.
3. Turn pressure release valve to SEAL.
4. Set temperature (HI or LO) and time. Press START/STOP.
5. "PrE ---" and progress bars indicate pressure is building. When the unit comes to pressure, the cook time will start counting down.
6. When cooking is complete, the unit will beep. It will then switch to Keep Warm and count up. Turn valve to VENT for quick release.
7. You may open the lid as soon as "OPN Lid" appears on the display.

Note: Lid remains locked during cooking.

2. Combi-Steam Mode

Simultaneous steam and convection cooking for faster, juicier, crispy results. Best for roasts, fresh & frozen proteins, root vegetables, and complete meals.

Operation:

1. Add the required water or stock specified by the recipe.
2. Place ingredients on the required accessory.
3. Close lid and move slider to the COMBI-STEAM mode position. Turn dial to select a function.
4. Turn pressure release valve on lid to SEAL or VENT (position does not matter in this mode).
5. Set temperature and time for convection cooking. Steam temperature and time are auto-detected and don't need to be set. Press START/STOP.
6. "PrE ---" and progress bars indicate the unit is coming to steam temperature. When the unit switches to convection cooking, the timer will start counting down.

Available Functions: STEAM MEALS, STEAM AIR FRY, STEAM BAKE, STEAM BREAD

3. Air Fry & Hob Mode

Convection and hob cooking. Great for everything else; refer to the recipe guide for more info.

Operation:

1. Place ingredients on the required accessory or in the pot.
2. Close the lid and move slider to the right (AIR FRY/HOB). Turn dial to select a function.
3. Turn pressure release valve on lid to SEAL or VENT (position does not matter in this mode).
4. Set temperature and time. Press START/STOP.
5. Open lid to pause Air Fry, Bake, Grill, or Prove. Close lid to resume.

Available Functions:

• Air Fry: Give foods crispiness and crunch with little to no oil. Use Cook & Crisp™ Plate. Shake pot or toss with silicone-tipped tongs for even browning.
• Grill: Cook at high heat to caramelise and brown foods. Use Reversible Rack in higher position.
• Bake: Prepare oven-tender meats, baked treats, and more. Use Reversible Rack in lower position or Cook & Crisp™ Plate.
• Dehydrate: Dehydrate meats, fruits, and vegetables. Use Reversible Rack with top layer installed.
• Sear/Sauté: Brown meats, sauté vegetables, and simmer sauces.
• Steam: Gently cook delicate foods at a high temperature.
• Slow Cook: Cook at a lower temperature for longer periods of time.
• Yogurt: Make homemade yogurt.
• Prove: Create an environment for dough to rest and rise.