Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer Review (2026): Is It Worth the Money?

What Is Indoor Grill with Air Fryer Technology?

An indoor grill with air fryer technology combines two popular cooking methods in one appliance. The grilling function uses direct heat to cook food from below, creating those coveted grill marks and flavors without the need for outdoor space or dealing with charcoal and propane. The air fryer function circulates super-heated air around food to create crispy results with minimal oil.

These hybrid appliances typically feature a non-stick grill grate, a powerful heating element, and a fan system that circulates hot air for air frying and helps manage smoke for indoor use. Many models, including the Ninja Foodi series, incorporate additional cooking functions like roasting, baking, and dehydrating to maximize versatility.

Why Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer Is an Ideal Choice

The Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer stands out in the crowded kitchen appliance market by solving several common cooking challenges. For apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space, it provides authentic grilling capabilities without smoke or fire hazards. For health-conscious cooks, it offers air frying that requires up to 75% less oil than traditional frying methods.

Unlike typical contact grills (like George Foreman models) that primarily cook through direct contact, the Ninja Foodi uses a combination of direct heat and cyclonic air technology. This approach more closely mimics the experience and results of outdoor grilling while adding versatility through multiple cooking functions.

Ninja, a brand under SharkNinja Operating LLC, has built a strong reputation for innovative, high-performance kitchen appliances. Their Foodi line has explicitly garnered praise for combining multiple cooking functions in a single, well-designed unit. This credibility helps explain why the DG551 model has become a popular choice for consumers seeking quality indoor grilling solutions.

Key Features & Specifications

• 6-in-1 Functionality: Grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and broil in one appliance
• Cyclonic Air Technology: Circulates hot air for even cooking and crispy results
• Smoke Control System: Built-in smoke screen helps reduce smoke during high-temperature cooking
• Smart Temperature Probe: Monitors internal food temperature for perfect doneness
• High-Heat Capability: Reaches up to 500°F for authentic grilling results
• Large Capacity: 4-quart cooking space fits up to 4 steaks, 24 hot dogs, or 2 pounds of fries
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Removable cooking pot, grill grate, and crisper basket

Technical Specifications

What’s Included

• Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer unit
• 4-quart cooking pot
• Grill grate
• Crisper basket
• Smart temperature probe
• Cleaning brush
• Recipe book with 20 recipes

Real-World Performance: Hands-On Experience

After testing the Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer for several weeks, I can confidently say it delivers on its core promises. The grilling function produces authentic char marks and flavor that genuinely surprised me. I cooked everything from steaks and chicken to vegetables and even fruit, and the results consistently impressed both in appearance and taste.

Grilling Performance

The standout feature is definitely the smoke-free grilling. Even when cooking high-fat meats like burgers and marinated chicken thighs at high temperatures, the smoke control system effectively managed the smoke. This is a game-changer for apartment dwellers who previously couldn’t grill indoors without setting off smoke alarms.

The temperature probe is another highlight, taking the guesswork out of cooking meats to the perfect doneness. I found the “medium” setting for steaks to be spot-on, producing a perfect pink center every time.

Air Frying Capabilities

The air frying function works exceptionally well, producing crispy results with minimal oil. French fries, chicken wings, and even vegetables came out with a satisfying crunch. The 4-quart capacity is sufficient for 2-4 people, though you might need to cook in batches for larger groups.

Other Cooking Functions

The roasting, baking, and dehydrating functions perform admirably, though not quite as impressively as the grilling and air frying. I successfully baked cornbread and roasted a small chicken, both with good results. The dehydrating function works well for making dried fruits and beef jerky, though it does take several hours, as expected with any dehydrator.

Limitations

The biggest drawback is the size. At nearly 16 inches wide and 11 inches tall, it demands significant counter space. The unit also gets quite hot during operation, so it requires adequate clearance on all sides.

There’s also a learning curve to master the different functions and temperature settings. The included recipe book helps, but expect some trial-and-error during your first few uses.

Pros and Cons

Who This Product Is Best For (And Not For)

Comparison With Alternatives

Key Differences

The Ninja IG651 Smart XL Pro offers a larger capacity and an additional griddle function, making it better suited to larger families, though at a higher price point. The Gourmia Smokeless model offers basic functionality at a more budget-friendly price, but it lacks the versatility and temperature precision of the Ninja models. The MAGiC COM 7-in-1 is a newer competitor with similar features to the Ninja DG551 but with less established brand reliability.

Things to Know Before Buying

When choosing an indoor grill with air fryer, consider your primary cooking needs. If you’ll mainly use it for grilling and occasionally air frying, the Ninja DG551 offers excellent value. If you need a larger capacity and don’t mind paying more, the Ninja IG651 might be worth the upgrade. Budget-conscious shoppers who don’t need all the extra functions might be satisfied with the Gourmia model.

Pricing, Value & Warranty

The Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer typically falls in the mid-range price category for kitchen appliances. While not the cheapest option available, its versatility effectively replaces multiple appliances (grill, air fryer, roaster, etc.), making it a good value proposition for those who would use all its functions.

Ninja backs this product with a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This is standard for the category, though some premium competitors offer more extended warranty periods. Amazon’s standard return policy also applies when purchasing through their platform.

When considering long-term value, factor in the durability of the non-stick coating on the grill grate and cooking pot. With proper care (avoiding metal utensils and abrasive cleaners), these should last for several years. Replacement parts are available directly from Ninja if needed.

Additional accessories, such as extra grill grates or specialized cooking pots, are available separately, though the included accessories are sufficient for most cooking needs.

Final Verdict

The Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer delivers on its promises, offering authentic grilling results indoors with minimal smoke and versatile cooking functions that can replace multiple kitchen appliances. Its standout features—the effective smoke control system, precise temperature management, and multi-functionality—make it a worthwhile investment for those who value cooking versatility and convenience.

While it does require significant counter space and comes with a learning curve, the benefits outweigh these drawbacks for most users. The ability to grill year-round regardless of weather or living situation is a game-changer for many home cooks.

I highly recommend the Ninja DG551 Foodi Indoor Grill with Air Fryer for apartment dwellers, health-conscious cooks, and anyone looking to simplify their kitchen setup while expanding their cooking capabilities. It’s particularly valuable for those who love grilled foods but lack outdoor grilling space or prefer to avoid the hassle of traditional grilling.