Ninja air fryers typically come with four to seven different settings to make cooking more enjoyable and easier.
You can choose any one setting at a single time, such as bake, roast, air fry, dehydrate and reheat, etc. However, you only get the Bake option in their Ninja max xl model, as the xl model doesn’t offer it.
The Bake setting on the Ninja air fryer allows you to create rich baked delicacies, cakes, cupcakes, desserts, etc. To use this function, you can install a crisper tray or baking dish. Its default temperature is adjustable for baking something with the use of the given buttons.
Let’s dive deeper into the guide on how to bake a Ninja air fryer.
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What Does the Bake Feature Do On The Ninja Air Fryer?
Not all Ninja air fryers have a bake option on the panel, but if your unit has it, you probably need to know what it is and when to use the bake setting on your Ninja air fryer.
Bake in a special function on the Ninja Air Fryer that we usually see in ovens. This setting cooks food using hot air that circulates the cooking basket. But what exactly does the bake feature do on the Ninja Air Fryer?
Practically, The bake feature on the Ninja Air Fryer is specifically designed to cook food items that require a more traditional baking method, such as cakes, cookies, bread, and other desserts.
When the user selects the bake feature, the air fryer will use hot air to circulate the food. You can also adjust the temperature and time to run the bake setting on your unit.
Undoubtedly this feature has many advantages. One of the advantages of using the bake feature on the Ninja Air Fryer is that it allows you to cook food items that you would typically cook in a conventional oven, but in a much shorter time.
It is also ideal for those who want to avoid using a conventional oven due to space constraints or to save on energy costs.
However, it is also important to know how to use the bake setting on a Ninja air fryer, if you have one. Let’s understand this!
How to Use the Bake Setting on a Ninja Air Fryer?
This is an easy-to-use bake setting on any Ninja air fryer. If you’ve never used this function before this section will make you an expert on using the bake option. Before selecting this function, you will need to understand whether your recipe requires this setting or another. Keep the dish material closer and prepare what you cook.
Here’s how to bake in a Ninja air fryer:
- If you’re using the crisper plate, install it in the basket. If you’re using a baking dish, you won’t need the crisper plate.
- Press the BAKE button to activate the bake feature. The default temperature will be displayed. Use the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
- Use the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the cooking time.
- Add your ingredients to the basket, and insert the basket into the unit.
- Press the START/STOP button to begin cooking.
- When the cooking is complete, the unit will beep, and “End” will appear on the control panel display.
- Use oven mitts or silicone-tipped tongs/utensils to remove the basket and then dump out the ingredients.
NOTE: It’s highly recommended that you allow the unit to preheat for at least 3 minutes before adding your ingredients. This will ensure that your unit reaches the desired temperature, and your food will cook evenly and thoroughly.
Bake Vs Air Frying on Ninja Air Fryer:
Bake and Air Fry are two highly used settings when it comes to cooking food in the Ninja Air Fryer. Technically, Both settings use hot air circulation to cook food, but they are suited for different types of dishes.
Let’s compare Bake vs. Air Frying on Ninja Air Fryer to help you understand which setting to use for your particular dish.
Baking in the Ninja Air Fryer is ideal for dishes that require a slower, more traditional method of cooking. It is perfect for dishes like cakes, bread, desserts, pizzas, etc. This setting cooks food by circulating hot air around it and is best used for food items that require a more gentle and even heat distribution.
Pros: The temperature and cooking time for baking can be adjusted, allowing you to customize the cooking process according to your preference.
Air frying, on the other hand, is a more modern method of cooking that uses hot air to fry food. If you want to make crispy food items like French fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks, then this method is perfect for you. Moreover, Air frying is quicker than baking and requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Pros: With the Air Fry setting, you can achieve a crispy and golden exterior without the excess oil, resulting in a healthier and more delicious meal.
| Setting | Ideal for | Cooking Method | Temperature Range | Cooking Time |
| Bake | Cakes, bread, pizzas | Gentle, even heat distribution | Adjustable (150°F to 400°F) | Longer than Air Fry |
| Air Fry | French fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, vegetables | Hot air circulation for a crispy exterior | Fixed high temperature (350°F to 400°F) | Shorter than Bake |
Additional Tips for when using the Bake setting: Allow the unit to preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients for best results. Use a baking dish or parchment paper to prevent food from sticking.
Additional Tips for when using Air Fry setting: Lightly coat food with oil for crispiness. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
Final Thoughts!
You can use the bake setting when you want to make desserts and other baking recipes in your Ninja air fryer. First, you need a bake recipe before selecting the bake function. Consider preheating the unit for at least three minutes before adding the ingredients of the recipe to the bakest.