OP300 / OP400 Series Ninja® Foodi® Tendercrisp™ Pressure Cooker FAQs

As pressure builds in the unit, one of three things will appear on the display: the word “PRE”; a dashed line circling the perimeter of the display; or progress bars. All three of these signals indicate that the unit is working properly. The time will begin counting down once the unit reaches pressure. It’s normal for some steam to release through the pressure release valve during cooking.

As pressure builds in the unit, the icon with the pressure lid will illuminate and one of three animations will show up on the display: either the word "PRE", a dashed line circling the perimeter of the display, or progress bars will appear on the control panel. All three of these UI display versions show that the unit is working properly. The time will begin counting down once the unit reaches pressure. It’s normal for some steam to release through the pressure release valve during cooking.

The Ninja® Foodi® requires the silicone ring included with the unit. Do not use other silicone rings from other units, models, or manufacturers. If you need to order a replacement, please visit ninjaaccessories.com. 

Do not move the appliance while in use. Once the unit has completed pressure cooking, allow the unit to cool completely before handling or storing. 

No, once the float valve has popped up, you will not be able to remove the lid as a safety measure. You will not be able to remove the lid until all pressure is released. 

The pressure release valve’s loose fit is intentional; it enables a quick and easy transition between SEAL and VENT and helps regulate pressure by releasing small amounts of steam during cooking to ensure great results. Make sure it is turned as far as possible toward the SEAL position when pressure cooking and as far as possible toward the VENT position when quick releasing steam. 

If the pressure release valve is not attached to the pressure lid, simply place the valve on the silver post in the middle of the circular indent on the lid and press down firmly. Note that while the valve will be loose-fitting, it will be securely attached to the unit.

Make sure the pressure release valve is turned to the SEAL position. If you’ve done this and still hear a loud hissing noise, it may indicate the silicone seal is not fully in place. Press START/STOP to stop cooking, VENT as necessary, and remove the pressure lid. Press down on the silicone ring, ensuring it is fully inserted and seated on the metal ring. Once fully installed, you should be able to freely rotate it around the metal ring. 

Depending on the food load, quick pressure release can take 2 or more minutes. Natural pressure release can take up to 20 minutes or more, depending on the type of food and/or the amount of liquid and food in the pot. 

It’s normal for steam to release during the pressure-cooking cycle through the top of the unit and the pressure release valve.

? When the unit is done releasing steam through the pressure release valve, the float valve will drop, and you will be able to remove the pressure lid. Your lid may stick to the cook pot. If this happens, tilt to lid slightly to release from the cook pot. 

When using the Pressure function, ALWAYS refer to the pressure cooking charts in your Inspiration Guide to find the correct water ratios. With any recipe that calls for the Pressure function, use 1 Cup of water/liquid at a minimum. 

Tip: When cooking starchy or heavy foods with recipes not included in the Inspiration Guide, add up to 1 cup of additional liquid. If 'No Pressure' or 'Add Water' displays when pressure cooking, add up to 1 cup of additional liquid.

As a safety feature, the pressure lid will not unlock until the unit is completely depressurized. Turn the pressure release valve to the VENT position to quick release the pressurized steam. A quick burst of steam will spurt out of the pressure release valve. When the steam is completely released, the float valve will drop, and unit will be ready to open. You then will be able to remove the pressure lid. 

Place the pressure lid on top of the unit with the arrow on the lid and the arrow on the base lined up evenly. Turn the lid clockwise until it locks in place. To unlock the lid, turn it counterclockwise, then lift it up and away from you, as some steam will remain in the unit and escape when the lid is opened.

"PrE" on the screen indicates that the unit is heating up and pressurizing. This message will remain on the screen until the unit is fully preheated or pressurized, at which point the timer will begin counting down. 

When batch cooking on any function, allow the unit to cool down before restarting. We recommend waiting 2 minutes with the unit off and lid open before beginning the next cook cycle. This ensures that each batch cooks consistently.

This means the cooking pot is not installed in the cooker base. The cooking pot must be properly installed for all functions.

• "SHUT LID" - The lid is open and needs to be closed for the selected function to start.
• “ADD WATER” - Error message appears on display screen when using the Steam or Pressure function. The water level is too low. Add more water to the unit for the function to continue. The unit needs a minimum of 1 cup of liquid for the unit to pressurize.
• "POT" - The cookpot is not installed in the unit. Please insert the cook pot to proceed.
• "TURN LID" - The pressure lid is not fully installed. Turn the pressure lid clockwise to finish installation and allow the unit to begin a cook cycle.
• "OTHR LID" - the air fry lid is closed, and the selected function requires the pressure-cooking lid be installed. Please install the pressure lid to continue.
• "OPEN VENT" - functions such as slow cooking, sear/sauté, and sous vide require the unit so be able to release steam. Ensure the unit's PRV is in the vent position to continue.

This means the unit is not functioning properly. Please contact Customer Service.

The two lids allow you to seamlessly transition between all your favorite cooking methods. Use the pressure lid to tenderize, then use the crisping lid to add a crispy finish.

• OP100: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Yogurt

• OP300: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Roast, Broil, dehydrate (not all SKUs)

• OP400: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Roast, Broil, dehydrate (not all SKUs)

• FD100: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil, Yogurt, Sous Vide (Not Included on All Models), Dehydrate

• FD300: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil, Yogurt, Sous Vide (Not Included on All Models), Dehydrate

• FD400: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil, Yogurt, Sous Vide (Not Included on All Models), Dehydrate

• OS100: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil

• OS300: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil, Yogurt, Dehydrate

• OS400: 

Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil, Yogurt, Dehydrate

Preheating is recommended for best results. To preheat, simply add 5 minutes to the cook time and allow the unit to come up to temperature before adding ingredients.

To install the condensation collector, slide it into the slot on the cooker base on the back right-hand side of the unit. Then slide it out and hand-wash after each use. When using the Slow Cook or Sous Vide function for recipes that take 4+ hours to cook, you may need to empty the condensation collector during cooking. 

Yes, this is normal due to the condensation building within the lid. Condensation will flow from the lid into the moat and then into the condensation collector. Empty the collector often for best results.

Follow these steps to clean the unit thoroughly after every use:

1. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning.
2. To clean the cooker base and control panel, wipe them with a damp cloth. NEVER put the cooker base in the dishwasher or immerse it in water or any other liquid.
3. The cooking pot, silicone ring, reversible rack, Cook & Crisp Basket, and detachable diffuser can be washed in the dishwasher.
4. The pressure lid, including the pressure release valve and anti-clog cap, can be hand-washed with warm water and dish soap. DO NOT wash the pressure lid or any of its components in the dishwasher, and DO NOT take apart the pressure release valve or float valve assembly.
5. To clean the crisping lid, wipe it down with a wet cloth or paper towel after the heat shield cools.
6. If food residue is stuck on the cooking pot, reversible rack, or Cook & Crisp Basket, fill the pot with water and allow to soak before cleaning. DO NOT use scouring pads. If scrubbing is necessary, use a non-abrasive cleanser or liquid dish soap with a nylon pad or brush.
7. Thoroughly air-dry all parts after washing.

• 100 and 300 Series: 1460 watts 
• 400 Series: 1760 watts

Unplug the unit, then use a large towel to absorb as much water as possible. Once the cooking base is completely dry, you may use it to cook again. If you experience difficulties, contact Customer Service. So we may better assist you, please register your product online and have the product on hand when you call.

You may have set hours rather than minutes. When setting time, the display will show HH:MM and the time will increase/decrease in minute increments.

The cooking cycle is complete, and the unit is in Keep Warm mode.

To remove the silicone ring gently pull it outward, section by section, from the metal ring rack. The ring can be installed with either side facing up.

To reinstall, gently work the silicone ring into the rack section by section, ensuring the metal ring rack is visible. Reinstall the silicone ring such that it is correctly seated around the silicone ring rack. Ensure there are no folded edges or sections that are not fully seated around the silicone ring rack. We recommend to try pressure cooking. If the silicone ring is not installed properly, the unit will not pressurize. After use, remove any food debris from the silicone ring and anti-clog cap.

NOTE: The silicone ring is designed specifically for the Ninja® Foodi®, and the unit will only be able to build pressure safely when the original silicone ring is installed correctly. Please use the Ninja® Foodi® silicone ring designed for this unit. Ensure the silicone ring is clean and free of damage and then carefully reinstall the silicone ring into the unit's lid using the instructions listed in the owner's manual. Once your silicone ring is properly installed, try pressure cooking again. If you need a new Ninja® Foodi® silicone ring, you can purchase a new silicone ring here ninjaaccessories.com.

The crisping lid is attached to the unit and can be opened at any time to check on your food during the cooking process. When the lid is opened, the timer will pause, and the heating element will turn off. When the lid is closed, cooking will resume, and the timer will resume counting down.

The two lids allow you to seamlessly transition between all your favorite cooking methods. Use the pressure lid to tenderize, then use the crisping lid to add a crispy finish.

No, the crisping lid does not detach from the unit.

The cooking pot is made of aluminum with a nonstick ceramic coating that is FDA approved and food safe. This coating is also PTFE free.

The outside of the unit and any stainless-steel surface on the lid will get hot during cooking, but the control panel, exterior handles, and handles on the lid will remain safe to touch at any time during cooking.

• Pressure: Cook food quickly while maintaining tenderness.
• Steam: Gently cook delicate foods at a high temperature.
• Slow Cook: Cook food at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
• Yogurt: Produce creamy homemade yogurt.
• Sear/Sauté: Use the unit as a stovetop for browning meats, sautéing veggies, simmering sauces, and more.
• Air Crisp: Give foods crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
• Bake/Roast: Use the unit like an oven for tender meats, baked treats, and more.
• Broil: Caramelize and brown your food.
• Dehydrate: Dehydrate meats, fruits, and vegetables for healthy snacks.
• Sous Vide: Slow cook food sealed in plastic bags in an accurately regulated water bath

1. To select a cooking function, you must have the correct lid installed. Then, depending on your model, use the dial or cook function buttons to select the desired cook function. 
2. Press the up or down arrows on the right of the display to adjust the cook temperature and/or pressure level. Press the up or down arrow on the left of the display to adjust the cook time. 
3. Press the START/STOP button in the bottom right-hand corner to begin cooking.

Press the START/STOP button or Power button at any time during cooking to cancel a cooking function.

• After pressure cooking, steaming, or slow cooking, the unit will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode and start counting up. Keep Warm will stay on for 12 hours, or you may press KEEP WARM to turn it off.
• Keep Warm mode is not intended to warm food from a cold state but to keep it warm at a food-safe temperature (120°F) after cooking is complete. 
• Keep Warm can be turned off during a pressure cooking cycle.

• First make sure the unit displays YGRT on the screen before beginning.
• Be sure your starter contains live cultures and use full-fat milk for best results. Do not use flavored yogurt or yogurt with additional additives as your starting culture.
• Incubate for longer periods for a thicker yogurt consistency. Greek yogurt typically takes about 12 hours to ferment.
• After making yogurt, add desired flavor and refrigerate to cool.

The pressure valve can be red or silver. 

For best performance, use the cooking pot included with the unit, or a Ninja® replacement cooking pot. Cooking pots from other brands are not guaranteed to be compatible with the Ninja® Foodi®.

The cooking pot is made of aluminum with a nonstick ceramic coating that is FDA approved and food safe. This coating is also PTFE free.

Accessories designed especially for use in the Foodi® are available for purchase at ninjaaccessories.com. Any accessory that you currently use in your oven is also safe to use in your Foodi. 

• Use the Deluxe Reversible Rack in the lower position when using the Bake/Roast and Steam functions.
• Use the Deluxe Reversible Rack in the higher position when using the Broil function.
• Use the Deluxe Layer with the Deluxe Reversible Rack to increase cooking capacity or for dehydrating.

TIP: When air crisping 2 layers, allow 5–15 minutes for the lower layer to crisp before adding the Deluxe Layer.

• Use the Reversible Rack in the lower position when using the Bake/Roast and Steam function.
• Use the Reversible Rack in the higher position when using the Broil function.

No, please be sure to use accessories compatible with your unit. Two lid multicooker accessories are not compatible across the Foodi multicookers. Accessories are available for purchase at ninjaaccesories.com.

This feature is not included on all models.