Whether we like it or not, we’re all familiar with the air fryer. It could be your friends and colleagues incessantly extolling their magical energy-and-money saving credentials during the cost of living crisis, or the countless videos filling your Instagram and TikTok feeds on the daily, either way, it seems hard to get away from seeing or hearing about the plus points of the cooker.
Heralded as healthier, faster and more efficient than using a traditional oven, I couldn’t help but be skeptical after all the seemingly hyperbolic praise everyone had for this kitchen companion. Then the market leader’s brand new launch, the Ninja Speedi, entered my life, and I finally understood.
Functionality
Boasting the ability to cook four portions in one pot in a fraction of the time, as well as a massive 10 functions at the flick of a switch, I was instantly impressed by the breadth of features available.
You can steam, steam air fry, steam bake, grill, air fry, bake, dehydrate, sear or sauté, slow cook and even make ‘speedi meals’ which combines steam and convection heat for rapid cooking in one pot. There’s an adjustable tray included, too, which means you can layer different ingredients on top of one another for multi-level cooking.
For any pressure cooker enthusiasts, though, you’ll perhaps be disappointed to find out this machine drops this function in order to save on space and weight. Which takes us nicely into...
Design
Small and compact, it’s surprising it offers the capacity to cook enough for four. Unlike the traditional Ninja which is a robust round design, this sleek, squared off style fits easily on a kitchen worktop beneath a cupboard - and the grey colourway is much chicer than its black counterparts.
Living in a household that cooks a Gousto-for-four on the daily, it was the perfect place to put it to the test.
Test
The first meal we cooked was the food subscription service’s breaded chicken and roasted vegetable one pot using the air fryer function. It was an utterly fuss-free and simple experience that was at once quicker and more convenient than cooking in an oven. Reducing the cooking time by 20 per cent, and the temperature needed by 20 degrees, it saved on every element of the process.
Since, we’ve used the brand new Speedi function to cook rice, chicken and pasta, all of which are included in the handy recipe booklet that comes with the machine. We’ve been left with succulent meats, al dente pasta and fluffy rice - and each have been notably fast. When you stray away from the dedicated recipes, though, it’s trial and error, so be prepared to make a few mistakes before you know the ins and outs of the process.
It’s also important to take into account that this option requires steam. Although you’ll still be saving time overall, depending on the size of the meal or the cooking time, you have to add up to 10 minutes to the time to allow for the steam to build.
Verdict
Since using the Speedi, I fully consider myself an air fryer convert. It’s a well designed appliance that’s brimming with functionality, making it well worth the £249.99 price tag.
In the long run, you’ll save on time, calories (it requires less or no oil) and energy bills. You and your wallet can thank us later.
Buy now £229.99, Ninja
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Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UK
Buy now £249.99, Ninja
