AG551UK Ninja® Foodi® MAX Health Grill FAQs

This article contains the FAQs for the AG551UK Ninja® Foodi® MAX Health Grill. This supports the following product SKUs AG550UK, AG551UK, AG551UKDB, AG551UKDBCP and AG551UKCP. Please note this also supports the refurbished models AG551UKDBCPREF, AG551UKDBCPREFB and AG551UKDBREFB.

How do I clean my unit using the dishwasher?

We recommend the following:
The unit should be cleaned thoroughly after every use. Always let the appliance cool before cleaning.
Unplug the unit from the wall socket before cleaning. Keep the lid open after removing your food to allow the unit to cool more quickly.
The cooking pot, grill plate, crisper basket, splatter guard, cleaning brush and any other included accessories are dishwasher safe, except the probe. DO NOT place the probe in the dishwasher. The probe storage compartment holder is handwash only.
If food residue or grease are stuck on the grill plate, splatter guard or any other removable part, soak in warm soapy water before cleaning.
For the best dishwasher cleaning results, we recommend rinsing the grill plate, crisper basket, splatter guard and any other accessories with warm water before placing them in the dishwasher.
DO NOT wash the main unit in the dishwasher.

How do I clean the splatter guard?

We recommend the following:
Clean the splatter guard after every use. Soaking the splatter guard overnight will help soften the baked-on grease. After soaking, use the cleaning brush to remove the grease from the stainless steel frame and front tabs.

Why is my food overcooked or undercooked even though I used the probe?

It is important to insert the probe lengthwise into the thickest part of the ingredient to get the most accurate reading. Make sure to allow food to rest for 3-5 minutes to complete cooking. For more information, refer to the Using the Digital Cooking Probe section.

Why does the unit have a 1-9 scale for the Beef Preset?

Perception of what a specific internal cook level looks like differs from person to person, even restaurant to restaurant. The 1-9 scale provides a wide range of options for each desired cook level so you can customise to your liking.

Can I use the Digital Cooking Probe when cooking frozen meats?

No. The Digital Cooking Probe can only be used when cooking fresh or thawed meats.

Can I skip preheat?

It isn't recommended for grilling, but if you would like to skip the Preheat process, press the PREHEAT button.

What is batch grilling?

Batch grilling is when you grill more than two consecutive batches of food. It is recommended that you empty the fat/oil from the removable cooking pot between batches. It is also HIGHLY recommended to clean the splatter guard in between uses. This will help prevent grease from burning and causing smoke.

What type of oil should I use while grilling?

For less smoke, use oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable, coconut, grapeseed or avocado oil instead of olive oil.
If you choose to cook ingredients at a higher temperature with olive oil, it may result in more smoke.

What types of food should I cook using the different Grill cook temperatures?

LOW 200°C - Bacon, sausages and when using thick BBQ sauce.
MED 230°C - Frozen meats and marinated/sauced meats.
HI 250°C - Steaks, chicken, burgers, hot dogs and meat kebabs.
MAX 260°C - Veggies, fruit, pizza, fresh/frozen seafood and veggie kebabs.

How do I install and remove the splatter guard?

To install, insert the splatter guard so the grooves on the splatter guard ring match those of the fixed heat guard ring notch on the right. Then gently push the splatter guard upward until it clicks into the tab on the left side. Remove the splatter guard for cleaning after every use. Once the splatter guard has cooled completely, remove it by pushing the upper left tab toward the back of the lid. This will release the splatter guard, allowing you to remove it.

When should I use the splatter guard?

ALWAYS ensure the splatter guard is installed when cooking. Failure to use the splatter guard will result in oil buildup on the heating element, which can cause smoking. It's located on the underside of the lid, the splatter guard keeps the heating element clean.

Is it safe to place the crisper basket and pot on my worktop?

Place the crisper basket and pot on heat-safe surfaces only and use caution when handling, as the both will become hot during cooking.

How do I pause the countdown timer?

The countdown timer will pause automatically when you open the lid of the unit. Please note that pressing the START/STOP button during cooking will cancel the current cooking function.

Should I place ingredients in the unit before or after preheating?

For best results, add ingredients after the unit has preheated. The display will read "ADD FOOD" when the unit is preheated.

Do I need to defrost frozen foods before grilling them?

No, you can cook all your favourite ingredients on the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer straight from the freezer.

How do I properly insert the probe?

Insert the probe horizontally into the center of the thickest part of the piece of protein (if cooking more than one piece see below), close to (but not touching) the bone. DO NOT insert the probe vertically or at an angle, as it will not deliver an accurate reading. ALWAYS insert it into the thickest part of the protein.

Using the probe in different cooking scenarios

Cooking 2 or more proteins of the same size to different levels of outcome:
Insert probe in the protein with the higher desired level of outcome. Use the Preset feature to choose the level of outcome, then monitor the progress bar—when the desired lower level of outcome is reached in that protein, remove the protein without the probe from the unit. Continue cooking the remaining protein until the desired level of outcome is reached.

Cooking 2 or more proteins of different sizes:
Insert probe in the smaller protein and use the Preset feature to choose the level of outcome. When that protein is done cooking, remove it from the unit. Then transfer probe to the larger protein and use the Preset feature to choose its level of outcome.

Cooking 2 or more different types of protein:
Insert probe in the protein with the lower desired level of outcome. Use the Manual feature to choose the desired internal temperature. When that protein is done cooking, remove it from the unit. Then transfer probe to the other protein and use the Manual feature to choose the desired internal temperature.

How do I set the timer?

Use the up and down arrows to the right of the display to adjust the cook time in any function. If you want to adjust the time during cooking, press the up and down arrows to the right at any time. The unit will then resume cooking at that setting.

How do I set the temperature?

Use the up and down arrows to the left to adjust the cook temperature in any function. If you want to adjust the temperature at any time during cooking, press the up and down arrows to the left at any time. The unit will then resume cooking at that setting. If you are using the probe and would like the adjust the unit temperature, first press the function button (e.g. GRILL) then use the left up and down arrows to adjust temperature.

How do I use the Digital Cooking Probe using the MANUAL option?

1. Pull the probe storage compartment on the right side of the unit outward. Then unwind the wire from the compartment to remove the probe.
2. Plug the probe into the jack. Push firmly on the plug until it cannot go into the jack any further. Place the storage compartment back onto the side of the unit.
3. Once the probe is plugged into the jack, it will enable and illuminate the PRESET and MANUAL probe buttons. First select the desired cook function (e.g. Grill) and cook temperature.
4. Press MANUAL and use the arrows to the right of the display to select your desired food type and the arrows to the left of the display to set the internal outcome of your food (in degree C).
5. Place the accessory required for your selected cook function in the unit and close the lid. Press START/STOP to begin preheating.
6. While the unit is preheating, insert the probe horizontally into the center of the thickest part of the piece of protein.
7. When the unit has preheated and "ADD FOOD" appears on the screen, open the lid, place food with inserted probe in the unit and close the lid over the probe cord.
8. The progress bar at the top of the display will track the stages of cook. Flashing indications progression to that stage.
9. The unit will automatically stop when your selection is almost reached, as it accounts for carry-over cooking and GET FOOD will display on the screen.
10. Transfer the protein to a plate while REST displays on the screen. The protein will continue to cook which will take about 3-5 minutes. This is an important step, as not resting could lead to results looking “less cooked”. Carry-over cook times can vary based on size of protein, cut of protein and type of protein.

How do I use the Foodi Digital Cooking Probe using the PRESET option?

1. Pull the probe storage compartment on the right side of the unit outward. Then unwind the wire from the compartment to remove the probe.
2. Plug the probe into the jack. Push firmly on the plug until it cannot go into the jack any further. Place the storage compartment back onto the side of the unit.
3. Once the probe is plugged into the jack, it will enable and illuminate the PRESET and MANUAL probe buttons. Select the desired cook function and cook temperature.
4. Press PRESET and use the arrows to the right of the display to select your desired food type and the arrows to the left of the display to set the internal outcome of your food (Rare through Well).
5. Place the accessory required for your selected cook function in the unit and close the lid. Press START/STOP to begin preheating.
6. While the unit is preheating, insert the probe horizontally into the centre of the thickest part of the piece of protein.
7. When the unit has preheated and “ADD FOOD” appears on the screen, open the lid, place food with inserted probe in the unit and close the lid over the probe cord.
8. The progress bar at the top of the display will track the stages of cook. Flashing indications progression to that stage.
9. The unit will automatically stop when your selection is almost reached, as it accounts for carry-over cooking and GET FOOD will display on the screen.
10. Transfer the protein to a plate while REST displays on the screen. The protein will continue to cook which will take about 3-5 minutes. This is an important step, as not resting could lead to results looking “less cooked”. Carry-over cook times can vary based on size of protein, cut of protein and type of protein.

Can I remove the basket from the unit to check on food while the unit is running?

Yes, we recommend checking on food regularly during cooking. When you open the lid, the unit will pause. Use silicone-tipped tongs to toss ingredients or oven mitts to shake the basket. When done, replace the basket and close the lid. Cooking will automatically resume after lid is closed.

Do I need to add oil to air crisp?

Although oil is not required, we recommend starting with 1 tablespoon and adjusting for personal preference or referencing the recipe for proper oil amounts.

Do I have to shake the crisper basket while cooking?

Yes. It is important to shake or rotate food for consistent browning and crispiness. For best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to see how often you should shake or rotate ingredients while cooking.

Will the outside of the unit get hot?

Although the outside of the unit will heat up during cooking, the control panel and lid handle will remain cool to touch.

Do I need to preheat the unit? Can I cancel or skip preheating?

The unit will automatically begin preheating after the desired set cook level or time/temperature is selected. It will take approximately 10 minutes for the unit to preheat when using the Grill function and approximately 3 minutes when using all other functions. "ADD FOOD" will display when preaheating is complete. You can open the lid and add your food. Although preheating is recommended, you can skip preheat by pressing the preheat button. "ADD FOOD" will display, then you can open the lid and add your food.

How do I know if the unit is on?

When the unit is powered on, the digital display will show 0:00 and all the function lights will be illuminated.

Can I use aluminum foil in the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminim foil in the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer just as you would in an outdoor grill.

Can I use parchment paper in the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use parchment paper in the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer.

Are the coated accessories non-stick?

Yes, the cooking pot, grill plate and crisper basket are all non-stick and have a ceramic coating that is dishwasher safe.

What is the capacity of the grill plate?

The grill plate is approximately 740cm2 and can hold 6 burgers or 6 chicken breasts.

What is the capacity of the crisper basket?

3.8L.

What is the capacity of the cooking pot?

5.7L.

What is the temperature range for each function?

Grill: LO, MED, HI, MAX
Air Fry: 150°C - 240°C
Bake: 120°C - 210°C
Roast: 120°C - 220°C
Dehydrate: 40°C - 90°C
Reheat: 130°C - 210°C