Please make sure to read the enclosed Ninja® Owner’s Guide prior to using your unit.
AIR FRYER MAX XL
QUICK
START
GUIDE
+ COOKING CHARTS
+ 20 IRRESISTIBLE RECIPES
Page 2
AIR FRY 101
FUNCTION
ACCESSORY
REQUIRED
TEMP
TIME
3
MIN
PREHEAT
For best cooking and
crisping results, always
preheat your Ninja®
Air Fryer for 3 minutes.
CRISPER PLATE
The crisper plate promotes
overall browning. We
recommend using it
every time you air fry.
USING YOUR AIR FRYER’S FUNCTIONS
Pull crispy meals out of thin air.
The Ninja® Air Fryer Max XL circulates super-hot air around your food to remove
moisture from its surface to give it that golden-brown, crispy finish.
PREHEAT RECOMMENDATION: Preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.
Select desired function and temperature, set time to 3 minutes, and press Start/Stop.
FUNCTION
MAX CRISP
Best for frozen
foods such as
French fries and
chicken nuggets.
ACCESSORY
REQUIRED
Crisper Plate
TEMP
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
There is no temp a djustment
available or necessary when
using th e Max Cri sp func tion
SHAKE OR TOSS
For best results, frequently
shake your food or toss
it with silicone-tipped
tongs to get it as crispy
as you’d like.
TIME
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Set time, in minutes, an d
press S TART/STOP to begin
AIR ROAST
Best for
roasted vegetables
and meats.
AIR BROIL
Best for fish
and steaks.
BAKE
Best for cakes
and desserts.
REHEAT
Best for
reviving leftovers.
Broil Rack and
Crisper Plate
Crisper Plate
Crisper Plate
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Adjust temp as needed
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Adjust temp as needed
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Adjust temp as needed
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Adjust temp as neededSet time, in minutes, an d press
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Set time, in minutes, an d press
START/STOP to beg in
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Set time, in minutes, an d press
START/STOP to beg in
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Set time, in minutes, an d press
START/STOP to beg in
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
START/STOP to beg in
AIR FRY
Best for fresh
foods such
as hand-cut
fries and
chicken wings.
Note: When setting time, the digital display shows HH:MM.
NINJA® AI R FRYER MAX XL2
Crisper Plate
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Adjust temp as neededSet time, in minutes, an d press
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
START/STOP to beg in
DEHYDRATE
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Best for making
veggies/fruit
chips or jerky.
Crisper Plate
Adjust temp as needed
For inspiring recipes and cooking charts, visit ninjakitchen.com.
MAX CRISP AIR FRY
Set time, in 15-minute increm ents,
and pre ss START/STOP to be gin
ninjakitchen.com3
Page 3
AIR FRY TIPS & TRICKS
DEHYDRATE TIPS & TRICKS
SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE
Check food and shake basket
frequently for even browning.
–25°
CONVERT OVEN RECIPES
Convert oven recipes by using
the Roast or Bake function and
reducing the temperature by
25°F. Check food frequently
to avoid overcooking.
AIR FRYING FRESH INGREDIENTS
For best results with fresh
vegetables, using at least
1 tablespoon of oil is a good
rule of thumb, but you can use
more or less to achieve your
desired level of crispiness.
AUTO-STOP AND START
The unit will automatically pause
cooking when the basket is
removed and will resume cooking
when the basket is replaced.
FREESTYLING RECIPES
If you are cooking less food than
the recipe calls for, remember
to reduce the cook time. If you’re
cooking a bit more, increase the
cook time. Check food frequently.
DON’T OVERCROWD
Evenly arrange and space
ingredients out to ensure
consistent browning.
SLICING
Use a mandoline slicer to get
consistent, thin fruit and vegetable
slices. Fruits and veggies should
be sliced as thinly as possible
without falling apart.
DRY BEFORE YOU DEHYDRATE
Pat fruits and vegetables as
dry as possible before placing
them in the basket.
TRIM THE FAT
Before dehydrating beef or poultry,
make sure to trim off all fat,
as it does not dry out and
could turn rancid.
PREVENT OXIDATION
Fruits like apples and pears
brown quickly when cut.
To delay oxidation, soak them
in water with a squeeze of
lemon juice for 5 minutes.
DON’T OVERLAP
Lay ingredients flat and close
together to optimize space.
Individual pieces should not
overlap or be stacked.
PASTEURIZING JERKY
Finish off dehydrated meats
and fish by using the Roast
function at 330°F for 1 minute
to fully pasteurize them.
SECURE YOUR FOOD
To keep lightweight foods from
being blown around by the fan,
secure them with toothpicks.
MORE EVEN BROWNING
Use an oil spritzer or cooking spray
to evenly coat ingredients for
more consistent browning.
5–8
HRS
HOW LONG TO DEHYDRATE?
Most fruits and veggies take
6–8 hours, while jerky takes
5–7 hours. The longer you
dehydrate ingredients, the
crispier they will become.
STORAGE
To maximize shelf life, store
dehydrated foods at room
temperature in an airtight
container up to 2 weeks.
Page 4
Air Fry Cooking Chart
INGREDIENTAMOUNT
VEGETABLES
Asparagus2 bunchesWhole, trim stems2 tsp390°F11–13 mins
Beets6 small or 4 large (about 2 lbs)WholeNone390°F45–60 mins
Bell peppers (for roasting)4 peppersWholeNone400°F26–30 mins
Broccoli1 headCut in 1-inch florets1 Tbsp390°F13–16 mins
Brussels sprouts2 lbsCut in half, remove stems1 Tbsp390°F18–22 m ins
Butternut squash2 lbsCut in 1–2-inch pieces1 Tbsp390°F23–26 mins
Carrots2 lbsPeel, cut in
Cauliflower2 heads (about 2 lbs)Cut in 1-inch florets2 Tbsp390°F20–24 mins
Corn on the cob4 earsWhole, remove husks1 Tbsp390°F12–15 mins
Green beans2 bags (12 oz each)Tri m1 Tbsp390°F12–14 mins
Kale (for chips)
Mushrooms2 packages (10 oz each)Rinse, cut in quarters1 Tbsp390°F10–12 mins
Potatoes, russet
Potatoes, sweet
Zucchini2 lbs
PO U LTRY
Chicken breasts
Chicken thighs
Chicken wings3 lbsDrumettes & flats1 Tbsp390°F22–26 mins
FISH & SEAFOOD
Crab cakes2 cakes (6–8 oz each)NoneBrush with oil350°F12–15 mins
Lobster tails4 tails (3–4 oz each)WholeNone375°F5–8 mins
Salmon fillets2 fillets (4 oz each)NoneBrush with oil390°F10–13 mins
Shrimp16 large Whole, peeled, tails on1 Tbsp390°F9–11 mins
BEEF
Burgers4 patties (/ lb each), 80% lean1 inch thickNone375°F8–10 mins
Steaks2 steaks (8 oz each)WholeNone390°F10–20 mins
* After cutting p otatoes, allow raw fries to soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove unn ecess ary starch. Pat fries dry. The d rier the fries , the b ette r the r esults.
1
/2 bag (8 oz)Tear in pieces, remove stemsNone300°F8–10 mins
2 lbsCut in 1-inch wedges 1 Tbsp390°F20–25 mins
1 lbHand-cut fries*, thin
2 lbsHand-cut fries*, thick
4 whole (6–8 oz)Pierce with fork 3 timesNone390°F30–35 mins
2 lbsCut in 1-inch chunks1 Tbsp390°F20–24 mins
4 whole (6–8 oz)Pierce with fork 3 timesNone390°F30–35 mins
2 breasts (
2 breasts (
4 thighs (6–10 oz each)Bone in Brush with oil390°F22–28 mins
4 thighs (4–8 oz each)BonelessBrush with oil390°F18–22 m ins
3
/4–1 1/2 lbs each)Bone inBrush with oil375°F25–35 mins
1
/2–3/4 lb each)BonelessBrush with oil375°F18–2 2 mins
PREPARATION
1
/2-inch pieces1 Tbsp400°F20–24 mins
Cut in quarters lengthwise,
then cut in 1-inch pieces
TOSS IN OILTEMPCOOK TIM E
1
/2–3 Tbsp, canola390°F20–24 mins
1
/2–3 Tbsp, canola390°F23–26 mins
1 Tbsp390°F18– 20 mins
Preheat.
Let the unit preheat for 3 minutes
before adding ingredients.
For best results,
shake or toss often.
We recommend frequently
checking your food
and shaking or tossing it
to ensure desired results.
Use these cook times
as a guide, adjusting
to your preference.
Shake your food
OR
Toss with
silicone-tipped tongs
ninjakitchen.com7NINJA® AI R FRYER MAX XL6
Page 5
Air Fry Cooking Chart, continued
INGREDIENTAMOUNT
PORK & L AMB
Bacon4 strips, cut in halfNoneNone350°F8–10 mins
Pork chops
Pork tenderloins2 tenderloins (1–1
Sausages6 sausagesWholeNone390°F8–10 mins
FROZEN FOODS
Chicken cutlets5 cutletsNoneNone390°F18–2 1 mi ns
Chicken nuggets, precooked2 lbsNoneNone390°F15–18 mins
Chicken nuggets, uncooked3 boxes (12 oz each)NoneNone390°F20–22 mins
Fish fillets1 box (6 fillets)NoneNone390°F14–16 mins
Fish sticks1 box (25 oz)NoneNone390°F12–14 mins
French fries1 lbNoneNone350°F20–25 mins
French fries2 lbsNoneNone360°F28–32 mins
Mozzarella sticks2 boxes (12 oz each)NoneNone375°F9 –10 mins
Pot stickers2 lbsNoneNone390°F14–17 mins
Pizza rolls2 lbsNoneNone390°F14–16 mins
Popcorn shrimp2 boxes (14–16 oz each)NoneNone390°F14–15 mins
Sweet potato fries1 lbNoneNone375°F20–22 mins
Tat er tot s2 lbsNoneNone360°F20 mins
2 thick-cut, bone-in chops (10 –12 oz each)Bone inBrush with oil375°F14 mins
4 boneless chops (8 oz each)BonelessBrush with oil375°F14–17 mins
1
/2 lbs each)WholeBrush with oil375°F25 –30 mins
PREPARATION
TOSS IN OILTEMPCOOK TIM E
Preheat.
Let the unit preheat for 3 minutes
before adding ingredients.
For best results,
shake or toss often.
We recommend frequently
checking your food
and shaking or tossing it
to ensure desired results.
Use these cook times
as a guide, adjusting
to your preference.
Shake your food
NOTEThere is no temperature adjustment available
Max Crisp Cooking Chart
INGREDIENTAMOUNT
FROZEN FOOD
Chicken nuggets1 box (12 oz)NoneNone7–9 mins
Chicken wings2 lbs (32 oz)None1 Tbsp25 mins
French fries1 lb (1 6 oz)NoneNone15 mins
French fries2 lbs (32 oz)NoneNone25 mins
Mini corn dogs14 oz (20 –24 ct)NoneNone6 mins
Mini corn dogs24 oz (40–46 ct)NoneNone8–10 mins
Mozzarella sticks24 ozNoneNone6–8 mins
Pizza rolls1 bag (20 oz, 40 ct)NoneNone6–8 mins
Pot stickers24 oz (20 –24 ct)NoneNone8–10 mins
PREPARATION
or necessary when using the Max Crisp function.
TOSS IN OILCOOK TIME
OR
Toss with
silicone-tipped tongs
ninjakitchen.com9NINJA® AIR FRYER MAX XL8
Page 6
Dehydrate Chart
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
TEMPDEHYDRATE TIME
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
ApplesCut in
1
/8-inch slices, remove core, rinse in lemon water, pat dry135°F7– 8 hrs
AsparagusCut in 1-inch pieces, blanch135°F6–8 hrs
BananasPeel, cut in
BeetsPeel, cut in
EggplantPeel, cut in
3
/8-inch slices135°F8 –10 hrs
1
/8-inch slices135°F6–8 hrs
1
/4-inch slices, blanch135°F6–8 hrs
Fresh herbsRinse, pat dry, remove stems135°F4 hrs
Ginger rootCut in
MangoesPeel, cut in
3
/8-inch slices135°F6 hrs
3
/8-inch slices, remove pits135°F6–8 hrs
MushroomsClean with soft brush (do not wash)135°F6–8 hrs
PineapplePeel, core, cut in
StrawberriesCut in half or in
Tom ato esCut in
3
/8-inch slices or grate; steam if planning to rehydrate135°F6–8 hrs
Inser t crisper plate in basket
and insert basket in unit. Preheat
the unit by selecting AIR FRY,
setting temperature to 360 °F,
and setting time to 3 minutes.
Selec t START/STOP to begin .
TIP For faster and crispier results, select MAX CRISP and cook for
25 minutes, shaking twice throughout.
Once unit is preheated, add fries
to basket; reinsert basket. Select
AIR FRY, set time to 360°F, and
set time to 30 minutes. Select
START/STOP to begin.
After 10 minutes, remove basket
from unit and shake fries or
toss them with silicone-tipped
tongs. Reinsert basket to resume
cooking for 10 more minutes.
Check for desired crispiness,
cooking for up to an additional
10 minutes if needed. When
cooking is complete, serve with
your favorite dipping sauce.
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds uncooked
frozen chicken wings
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1 Insert crisper plate in basket and basket in
unit. Preheat unit by selecting MAX CRISP and
setting time to 3 minutes. Select START/STOP
to begin.
2 In a bowl, toss wings with oil, salt, and pepper.
Once unit is preheated, place wings on crisper
plate; reinsert basket.
3 Select MAX CRISP and set time to 24 minutes.
Select START/STOP to begin.
4 After 12 minutes, toss wings with silicone-tipped
tongs. Reinsert basket to resume cooking.
5 When cooking is complete, toss wings with
desired flavorings and serve.
FLAVORINGS
Dijon Honey Mustard: Whisk together / cup Dijon
mustard, / cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons
honey. Serve with wings after cooking.
Lemon Pepper: Before cooking the wings, toss with
2 tablespoons dried lemon and pepper seasoning
along with the oil, salt, and pepper. Cook the wings
as directed.
Bualo: Whisk together / cup hot sauce with
2 tablespoons melted butter. Toss wings in sauce
after cooking and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Soy & Sesame Ginger: Whisk together 1/4 cup soy
sauce, / cup rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown
sugar, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 1 tablespoon
toasted sesame seeds, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Toss wings in sauce after cooking.
Honey, Siracha & Lime: Whisk together
2 tablespoons siracha, 2 tablespoons fresh lime
juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice
wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon
in sauce af ter cooking.
unit by selecting BAKE, setting temperature
to 390°F, and setting time to 3 minutes.
Select START/STOP to begin.
2 In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk,
salt and pepper.
3 Remove basket and spray it with cooking spray.
Pour the egg mixture into the basket.
4 Reinsert basket and cook for 5 minutes. After
5 minutes, remove basket and place sliced
sausage evenly on top of eggs, then sprinkle
cheese on top. Place frozen tater tots in an even
layer on top; reinsert basket.
5 Select BAKE, set temperature to 390°F, and
set time to 20 minutes. Select START/STOP
to begin.
1 loaf (approximately 14 ounces)
sliced bread (preferably challah,
French, or sourdough), cut in
1-inch-thick strips
Cooking spray
Fresh fruit, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1 In a shallow baking dish, whisk together
1 tablespoon syrup, eggs, milk, brown sugar,
cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place the bread
sticks into the mixture and allow them
to absorb batter for at least 5 minutes.
2 Insert crisper plate in basket and basket in
unit. Preheat unit by selecting AIR FRY, setting
temperature to 390°F, and setting time to
3 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
3 Once unit is preheated, spray the crisper plate
with cooking spray. Working in batches, fill the
basket with the sticks in a single layer, making
sure not to crowd the basket.
4 Select AIR FRY, set temperature to 390°F,
and set time to 8 minutes. Select START/STOP
to begin.
5 After 3 minutes, remove basket and flip the
sticks. Reinsert basket to resume cooking for
3 more minutes. If desired, cook for up to
2 additional minutes.
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the remaining sticks.
7 When cooking is complete, serve immediately
with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
TIP Substitute any other cooked sausage for
the andouille.
NINJA® AI R FRYER MAX XLninjakitchen.com1514
TIP Leave the bread out for a few hours before cooking so
it can dry out a bit—it will soak up more egg that way.
1 In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken with oil. Add
ranch seasoning and toss to coat. Cover bowl
with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2 In a separate bowl, combine the kosher salt and
crushed corn flakes. Working in batches, coat
the marinated chicken in the corn flake mixture.
Make sure to press the flakes onto the chicken
to fully coat.
3 Insert crisper plate in basket and basket in
unit. Preheat unit by selecting AIR FRY, setting
temperature to 390°F, and setting time to
3 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
4 Once unit is preheated, place half the chicken
in the basket in a single layer.
5 Select AIR FRY, set temperature to 390°F, and
set time to 12 minutes. Select START/STOP
to begin.
6 After 6 minutes, remove basket and flip chicken.
Reinsert basket to resume cooking for the
remaining 4 minutes.
unit. Preheat unit by selecting BAKE, setting
temperature to 325°F, and setting time to
3 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
2 Unpackage the biscuit dough and separate
the biscuits.
3 Once unit is preheated, place 4 biscuits
in the basket; reinsert basket.
4 Select BAKE, set temperature to 325°F, and set
time to 10 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
5 After 8 minutes, check biscuits for doneness. If
necessary, cook up to 2 more minutes.
6 Repeat steps 3 and 4 with remaining biscuits.
7 When cooking is complete, allow biscuits
to cool slightly. When they are cool enough
to handle, start by pressing down on the
biscuits with the flats of your palm. Spread
1 / teaspoons Dijon mustard on each biscuit,
then add 1 tablespoon chopped pickles on top.
Fold 2 pieces of ham and place on top. Finish by
placing 1 slice of cheese on top of each biscuit.
8 Place 4 assembled biscuits in the basket;
reinsert basket. Select AIR FRY, set
temperature to 390°F, and set time to
3 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
Repeat with remaining biscuits.
facing up, on a clean work surface. Place 2
slices of prosciutto on each breast. Place a
small bundle of asparagus (about 5 standard
asparagus or 3 jumbo asparagus) on top
of the prosciutto, toward one side of each
breast. Divide sun-dried tomatoes and / cup
mozzarella between the breasts. Season with
salt and pepper.
2 Working one at a time, hold the asparagus in
place with your fingers, then roll the chicken
over the asparagus and other fillings. Repeat
with remaining chicken breasts. Use toothpicks
to secure the stued breasts.
3 Insert crisper plate in basket and basket in
unit. Preheat unit by selecting AIR FRY, setting
temperature to 390°F, and setting time to
3 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
4 Once unit is preheated, place stued chicken
in the basket. Spray each with cooking spray.
Insert basket in unit.
5 Select AIR FRY, set temperature to 390°F,
and set time to 26 minutes. Select START/STOP
to begin.
6 After 12 minutes, remove basket and rotate
chicken. Reinsert basket to resume cooking.
7 In the last 2 minutes, remove basket and top
chicken with remaining mozzarella. Reinsert
basket to resume cooking.
1 pound uncooked boneless
skinless chicken breasts,
cut in / inch thin strips
/ cup sriracha
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
DIRECTIONS
1 Whisk together all the ingredients, except
chicken. Place mixture into a large resealable
plastic bag.
2 Add chicken to bag and rub to coat. Marinate
in refrigerator for 4–6 hours or overnight.
3 Strain meat; discard excess marinade.
4 Remove the crisper plate from the basket. Lay
half the sliced meat flat on the bottom of the
basket in 1 layer. Place the crisper plate on top
of the meat. Place remaining meat on the
crisper plate.
5 Insert basket in unit. Select DEHYDRATE, set
temperature to 150°F, and set time to 6 hours.
Select START/STOP to begin. Check after 4 hours,
cooking until desired texture is reached.
plate; stirring to combine. Add eggs to another
bowl. Place bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese
into a third bowl; stirring to combine.
2 Working in small batches, coat asparagus with
cooking spray. Toss in flour. Tap o excess flour,
then coat asparagus in egg. Transfer asparagus to
bread crumb mixture, tossing well to evenly coat.
Place the coated asparagus on a tray or plate.
3 Insert crisper plate in basket and basket in
unit. Preheat unit by selecting AIR FRY, setting
temperature to 390°F, and setting time to
3 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
4 Once unit is preheated, place asparagus on
the crisper plate in a single layer (if all spears
won't fit, set additional ones aside). Spray with
cooking spray; reinsert basket.
5 Select AIR FRY, set temperature to 390°F,
and set time to 8 minutes. Select START/STOP
to begin.
6 After 4 minutes, remove basket and shake
asparagus or toss with silicone-tipped tongs.
Reinsert basket to resume cooking.
7 While asparagus is cooking, stir together
all dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl. If there
are additional spears, repeat steps 4-6.