Big Orbits

The Ninja Foodi OS301/FD305CO is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines pressure cooking and air frying into one powerful unit. With 10 cooking functions, it promises to replace multiple appliances while delivering restaurant-quality results at home. But does it live up to the hype?

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore:

• Key features and performance
• How it compares to competitors (Instant Pot, Ninja’s own SmartLid models, and others)
• Pros and cons based on real user feedback
• Who should (and shouldn’t) buy it

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1. Overview: What Makes the Ninja Foodi OS301 Stand Out?

10-in-1 Multi-Functionality

This model isn’t just a pressure cooker or air fryer—it’s a multi-cooker powerhouse with the following functions:

• Pressure Cook (fast, tender meals)
• Air Fry (crispy fries, wings, etc.)
• Slow Cook (set-and-forget meals)
• Steam (healthier veggie cooking)
• Yogurt Maker (homemade yogurt)
• Sear/Sauté (browning meats)
• Bake/Roast (casseroles, desserts)
• Broil (quick charring)
• Dehydrate (jerky, fruit chips)
• Keep Warm (food stays hot)

The TenderCrisp™ Technology is the standout feature, allowing you to pressure cook first for tenderness, then air fry for crispiness—all in the same pot.

Design & Capacity

• 6.5-quart pot (fits a 5-lb chicken or 6-lb roast)
• Nonstick Cook & Crisp Plate (dishwasher-safe)
• Stainless steel broil rack (for multi-layer cooking)
• Two lids:
  • Pressure lid (for sealing in moisture)
  • Air Crisp lid (attached via hinge for easy storage)

At 27 lbs, it’s heavy but sturdy, with a touch control panel for easy adjustments.

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2. Performance: How Well Does It Cook?

Pressure Cooking

• Fast cooking times: Chicken cooks in 15-20 minutes, ribs in 25 minutes.
• Even heat distribution: Users report juicy, fall-off-the-bone results.
• Safety features: Auto-sealing and pressure release valves prevent accidents.

Air Frying

• Crispier than oven frying: Achieves 75% less fat than deep frying.
• Large capacity: Fits 3 lbs of fries or a full chicken.
• Some limitations: Smaller batches cook more evenly than overfilled ones.

Other Functions

• Slow cooking works well but isn’t as precise as a dedicated slow cooker.
• Dehydrating is slower than a specialized dehydrator but functional.
• Yogurt making requires patience but yields good results.

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3. Comparison to Competing Models

Feature	Ninja OS301	Instant Pot Duo Crisp
Cooking Functions	10	11
Air Fryer Included?	Yes	Yes (separate lid)
Capacity	6.5 qt	8 qt
Smart Features	No	No
Amazon	$159.99	$149.95

Key Takeaways:

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp is better for larger families (8 qt) but lacks the broil rack.
• The OS301 strikes a balance—great for mid-size households wanting affordable versatility.

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4. Pros & Cons (Based on Real User Feedback)

Pros:

✅ Saves counter space (replaces multiple appliances)
✅ Easy to clean (nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts)
✅ Fast, flavorful meals (pressure + air fry combo works well)
✅ Good for meal preppers (batch cooking, reheating)

Cons:

❌ Bulky (takes up significant counter space)
❌ Learning curve (switching lids, adjusting cook times)
❌ No smart connectivity (unlike Ninja’s higher-end models)

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5. Who Should Buy This?

Best For:

✔ Small to mid-size families (6.5 qt is ideal for 2-4 people)
✔ Home cooks who want versatility (pressure cooking + air frying in one)
✔ Those avoiding single-use appliances (replaces slow cooker, air fryer, etc.)

Not Ideal For:

✖ Large households (8+ qt models like the Ninja Max 15-in-1 are better)
✖ Tech enthusiasts (lacks smart features like the Ninja SmartLid)
✖ Minimalist kitchens (it’s a big appliance)

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Final Verdict: Is the Ninja Foodi OS301 Worth It?

Yes—if you want a do-it-all cooker without breaking the bank.

It’s not the most advanced (lacking smart controls), but it excels in versatility and ease of use. The TenderCrisp™ function alone makes it a standout, letting you go from pressure-cooked tenderness to air-fried crispiness seamlessly.

For most home cooks, the Ninja OS301/FD305CO delivers exceptional value—making it a top choice in the multi-cooker category.