Ninja AF500UK Air Fryer - Review

The Ninja AF500UK is an innovative air fryer model from the popular Ninja kitchen appliance brand. It features a unique 2-in-1 design with a 5.7L air fryer basket and a 1.7L multi-layer rack for dehydrating and crisping. With its stylish black and gray finish, digital touchscreen interface, and generous capacity, the Ninja AF500UK aims to be a versatile countertop cooking appliance.

This air fryer uses rapid air circulation technology to create that crispy, golden finish typically associated with deep frying, but with significantly less oil. The AF500UK allows you to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate a wide range of foods to your desired doneness with little to no oil needed. Its Smart Finish technology even enables it to predict the end time of cooking cycles for extra convenience.

With its family-sized capacity yet compact footprint, the Ninja AF500UK could be a great everyday cooking appliance for households that want oil-free, quick and easy meals with an air fried texture. This review will dive into its key features and capabilities to determine if it delivers on that promise for the price.

Design & Appearance

The Ninja AF500UK air fryer has a sleek modern design that looks great in any kitchen. It has a width of 38cm, depth of 31cm and height of 33cm, so it doesn't take up too much counter space. The air fryer comes in either black or gray color options, both featuring a smooth matte finish.

The main body is made of plastic with a stainless steel front panel that houses the control panel. There is a large transparent window on the front door that allows you to view food during cooking. The plastic components seem durable enough for regular use.

Inside there is a 4.7L square cooking pot with a non-stick ceramic coating. The basket has a flat bottom and is removable for easy cleaning. Overall, the Ninja air fryer has an attractive contemporary design fitting for any stylish kitchen.

While the Ninja air fryer has a nice design, there are other models worth considering too. The Tefal EY901840 is a similar mid-range air fryer with a compact footprint. It has a sleek black and silver exterior that would look great in most kitchens.

The Tefal model is 34cm wide, 30cm deep and 31cm tall. So it takes up marginally less space than the Ninja. It also has a modern style with a combination of matte and gloss finishes. The door is transparent to view food during cooking.

Inside, the Tefal has a 4.2L square non-stick coated pan and dishwasher safe parts. The fryer basket can be removed for easy cleaning like with the Ninja model. Overall, the Tefal EY901840 has an attractive and functional design comparable to the Ninja AF500UK.

When deciding between these two air fryer models, design preference will come down to whether you want a mostly black or black/silver color scheme. Both have similar capacities and dimensions. The control panels also look clean and intuitive on each unit.

So the Ninja and Tefal models are evenly matched when it comes to aesthetics. Other factors like features, price and performance would need to be considered to choose between the two. But buyers who want a stylish air fryer would be happy with either sleek modern design.

Features & Capabilities

The Ninja AF500UK air fryer has a good range of features and capabilities for its price point.

Cooking Modes: This air fryer has 5 cooking modes - air fry, air roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. The air fry mode allows you to cook fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, etc with minimal oil for a healthier option. Air roast is good for roasting meat and vegetables. Bake mode can be used for cakes, muffins, cookies etc. Reheat mode evenly heats up leftovers. Dehydrate mode is great for making homemade dried fruits, vegetables, jerky etc.

Capacity: The AF500UK has a generous capacity of 5.2 litres which is suitable for cooking for 3-5 people. The square basket design maximizes cooking capacity.

Temperature Range: You can set temperatures between 82°C to 205°C depending on the recipe requirements. There is also a Max Crisp feature that automatically sets the temperature to 205°C for 15 mins to get extra crispy results.

Accessories: The air fryer comes with a multi-layer rack, crisper basket and removable cooking pot. The accessories are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

The Ninja AF500UK seems to have a good range of features for an air fryer at this price point. It has 5 preset cooking modes and a wide temperature range to cook various foods. The 5.2L capacity can handle cooking for 3-5 people. If you're looking for an alternative, the Daewoo SDA1032 is also a great option to consider in a similar price range. It has a 10L capacity with 7 preset modes including air fry, roast, bake, grill, dehydrate, reheat and keep warm. The Daewoo air fryer can accommodate up to 6 portions with its two detachable trays. It has a touchscreen control panel with an LED display. The temperature goes up to 200°C just like the Ninja model. Both models seem to have dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup. When comparing the Ninja AF500UK vs Daewoo SDA1032, the Daewoo model has a larger capacity and more presets but the Ninja is more compact in size.

When shopping for an air fryer, it's important to consider your needs in terms of capacity, features and price. Air fryers have surged in popularity due to their ability to make fried favorites like french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil, reducing calories by up to 80%. They utilize rapid hot air circulation to achieve a crispy, fried finish using just a tablespoon of oil or even no oil at all. Most air fryers have adjustable temps and presets for common dishes. They can cook foods faster than a conventional oven. The nonstick basket design makes food easy to toss during cooking and cleanup a breeze. With so many options on the market, take the time to identify what size capacity and features will suit your cooking needs before deciding on a particular model.

Ease of Use

The Ninja Air Fryer AF500UK is very easy to use thanks to its intuitive control panel and preset programs. The control panel has simple dials and buttons that allow you to adjust the temperature and cooking time. There are also several preset programs for air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating. These take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.

Cleaning the air fryer is also a breeze. The crisper basket, multi-layer rack, and inner pot are all removable and dishwasher safe. The basket has a non-stick coating that prevents food from sticking. Any crumbs or spills can be easily wiped out of the cooking chamber with a damp cloth. The control panel just needs a simple wipe down to keep clean. Overall, the intuitive controls, preset programs, and dishwasher safe parts make the Ninja Air Fryer very simple to use and maintain.

Performance

The Ninja Air Fryer AF500UK delivers excellent performance when it comes to cooking times, crispiness, and evenly cooking food. Its powerful 1500W heating system and high-velocity fans provide fast heat-up times and rapid air circulation for quick, even cooking.

Foods come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in a fraction of the time of a conventional oven. Chicken wings, fries, and veggies get perfectly crispy with little to no oil needed. The air fryer basket design promotes maximum airflow and heat transfer for consistent browning. You'll get crunchy fries and nuggets as if they were deep fried, but with significantly less fat and calories.

The AF500 cooks food fast, crisping up items in minutes. Frozen foods like fries and nuggets take about 15 minutes while fresh veggies and wings can cook in 10-12 minutes. The unit preheats rapidly, so you won't have to wait long for it to reach temperature before cooking.

Overall, the Ninja Air Fryer delivers exceptionally fast, crispy, and even cooking results across a wide variety of foods with its powerful heating system and optimized airflow. You get delicious air fried meals in a hurry without the guilt of deep frying.

Noise Level

The Ninja Air Fryer AF500UK operates at a reasonable noise level, producing a low hum during use that is comparable to a standard convection oven. The fan and heating elements generate a gentle whirring sound that is not overly intrusive.

While not silent, the AF500UK is quieter than most other air fryers on the market. The noise level ranges from around 55-65 decibels depending on the cooking temperature and mode used. This allows you to carry on conversations and watch TV without needing to raise your voice much.

Some user reviews mention the AF500UK being slightly noisy during the preheating stage, but the sound decreases once the set temperature is reached. The noise also reduces if you pull out the crisper basket halfway during operation. Overall, the AF500UK strikes a good balance between power and volume.

Special Modes

The Ninja AF500UK air fryer comes with several special modes that expand its functionality beyond just air frying.

Dehydrate Mode

The dehydrate mode circulates hot air to slowly remove moisture from foods to create homemade dried snacks, fruit leathers, and jerky without added preservatives. It can dehydrate faster and more evenly than a conventional oven.

Reheat Mode

The reheating mode uses a lower temperature and fan speed to gently warm up leftovers without drying them out. It brings food back up to temperature more quickly than microwaving and avoids making the food rubbery.

Sync Mode

Sync mode synchronizes the cooking so multiple foods finish at the same time, even if they require different temperatures or cook times. You can cook a whole meal with all components ready at once.

Flex Mode

Flex mode utilizes the unique drawer design so you can divide the cooking chamber and cook two different foods at two different temperatures simultaneously. The divider allows you to customize airflow for perfect results.

Value for Money

The Air Fryer Ninja AF500UK costs £180, which may seem expensive compared to some other air fryers on the market. However, Ninja offers a lot of value considering the features and performance this model provides.

When looking at price, it's important to consider the warranty. Ninja provides a 1 year warranty on the AF500UK, which gives peace of mind on the initial investment. Some cheaper models only offer 90 days or less.

The AF500UK has a number of capabilities that help justify the price. The dual-zone technology allows you to cook two different foods at once using different settings. The removable crisper plates maximize cooking capacity. And the 4-quart ceramic-coated basket is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

For the performance, the AF500UK consistently provides quick, crispy and delicious results. The multiple cooking functions like air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and reheat all work very well. And the wide temperature range of 105°F to 400°F gives lots of flexibility.

Considering the premium features, dual-zone technology, and proven performance, the Ninja AF500UK offers excellent value for the price. While the upfront cost is higher than some models, you get great capabilities and reliability that make it worthwhile.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Generous 6L capacity with 4 cooking modes (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate)
• Unique FlexDrawer design allows you to pull out food mid-cook without losing heat
• Digital display and easy to use controls
• Air frying technology cooks food fast with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying
• Comes with a crisper basket, roasting rack, and multi-layer rack
• Dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup
• Auto-shut off function for safety

Cons

• Expensive compared to other air fryers
• Large footprint takes up significant counter space
• Basket does not have non-stick coating
• No presets or ability to save custom programs
• Noise level can be disruptive during cooking

The Ninja Air Fryer AF500UK offers a unique FlexDrawer design that allows you to pull food out mid-cook without losing heat. This is a handy feature not found on most air fryers. The generous 6L capacity and multiple accessories make it suitable for cooking meals for the whole family. However, the high price tag and large footprint may deter some buyers, especially those with limited kitchen space. Lack of presets and a noisy operation during cooking are other downsides. But overall, the innovative FlexDrawer and effective air frying performance make this a compelling option.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Overall, the Ninja AF500UK FlexDrawer Air Fryer is an excellent addition for most kitchens. It performs very well at air frying, dehydrating, reheating and roasting with its wide temperature range, multiple cooking functions, and fast preheat time.

The rectangular cooking chamber can fit a good amount of food, and the non-stick basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The digital control panel is intuitive with preset programs, and the auto-off safety feature provides peace of mind.

While the price is on the higher side, the Ninja delivers very good performance and versatility. The slide-out drawer design allows for easy access, monitoring and removal of food. Noise level is reasonable and won't disturb most households.

The Ninja AF500UK FlexDrawer Air Fryer would be recommended for anyone looking for a high-quality air fryer with extra cooking functions. It's a great choice for families, those short on counter space, and those wanting an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean air fryer. The slide-out drawer and viewing window make it convenient to check on and remove food.

Overall, it's a worthwhile investment for any home cook wanting excellent performance and versatility from their air fryer.