SP351 Series Ninja® Foodi® Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven FAQs

This article contains the FAQs for the SP351 Series Ninja® Foodi® Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven. This supports the following product SKUs SP351, SP351Q, SP351QBK, SP351QCM, SP351QCP, SP351QNV, SP351QRD and SP351QWH.

What do the different functions do?
  • AIR FRY: Make foods that would traditionally be fried—such as chicken wings, French fries, and chicken nuggets—with little to no added oil.
  • AIR ROAST: Achieve a crispy outside and perfectly cooked inside for full-sized sheet pan meals, thicker proteins, and roasted veggies.
  • BROIL: Broil meat and fish and evenly brown the tops of casseroles.
  • BAKE: Bake everything from your favorite cookies to homemade pizzas.
  • BAGEL: Designed to perfectly toast up to 6 bagel halves when they’re placed cut-side up on the wire rack.
  • TOAST: Evenly toast up to 9 slices of bread to the perfect level of darkness.
  • DEHYDRATE: Dehydrate meats, fruits, and vegetables for healthy snacks (not included on all models).
  • REHEAT: Heat leftovers without overcooking (not included on all models).
  • SEAR CRISP: Sear larger cut proteins, vegetables.
  • RAPID BAKE: Jumpstart doughs for an extra rise and make quick breads.
  • GRIDDLE: Griddle breakfast foods, quesadillas, sandwiches, etc.
  • FRESH PIZZA: Make fresh homemade pizza from thin to thick crusts.
  • FROZEN PIZZA: Quickly cook frozen pizza from thin to thick crusts.
What is the internal capacity of the oven?

0.62 cubic feet; 13"L x 13"D x 4.05"H

Does the unit pause when I open the door during cooking?

No. To pause the unit, simply press the dial, which serves as the START/STOP button.

Is the air fry basket nonstick?

No. To minimize sticking, spray the air fry basket with cooking spray.

When should I use the air fry basket?

Use the air fry basket in the top rails with the Air Fry and Dehydrate functions to maximize airflow. When cooking foods that may drip, slide the SearPlate into the bottom rails to catch any drippings from hitting the bottom heating elements.

What is the capacity of the air fry basket?

The air fry basket holds up to 4 pounds of food.

Do I have to rotate the air fry basket while cooking?

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

Do I need to add oil when air frying?
Is the SearPlate nonstick?

Yes. The SearPlate has a nonstick ceramic coating.

When do I use the SearPlate?

The SearPlate can be used in the bottom rails with any cooking function. The SearPlate is multifunctional and can be used as a cookie sheet, baking tray or sheet pan. Note that, for Dual Heat Functions (Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Griddle, Fresh Pizza, and Frozen Pizza), it is required to preheat the SearPlate. The SearPlate can also be used in the bottom rails to catch drippings when cooking in the air fry basket or wire rack.

Can I use parchment paper?

Yes. Parchment paper can be used in the oven the same way that you would use it in your conventional oven. Make sure the parchment paper is not touching the interior side walls or top heating elements.

Can I use aluminum foil?

Yes. Use aluminum foil on the SearPlate or wire rack for easy cleaning after cooking. Make sure the aluminum is not touching the top heating elements. Do not wrap the crumb tray in aluminum foil.

What is the temperature range for each function?

The temperature range varies depending on the function:

  • AIR FRY: 250°F–450°F
  • AIR ROAST: 250°F–450°F
  • BROIL: 400°F (Lo) or 450°F (Hi)
  • BAKE: 250°F–450°F
  • TOAST: 450°F
  • BAGEL: 450°F
  • DEHYDRATE: 100°F–200°F (not included on all models)
  • REHEAT: 100°F–450°F (not included on all models)
What are the timer increments?

The timer increments vary depending on the function:

  • AIR FRY: 1-minute increments up to 1 hour
  • AIR ROAST: 1-minute increments up to 2 hours
  • BROIL: 30-second increments up to 30 minutes
  • BAKE: 1-minute increments up to 2 hours
  • TOAST: Total time ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes in increments adjusted by the shade level/slice settings
  • BAGEL: Total time ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes in increments adjusted by the shade level/slice settings
  • DEHYDRATE: 15-minute increments up to 12 hours (not included on all models)
  • REHEAT: 1-minute increments up to 2 hours (not included on all models)
Is it safe to put the air fry basket and sheet pan on my countertop?

Place the air fry basket and sheet pan on heat-safe surfaces only, and use caution when handling, as they will get hot during cooking. You can place accessories on top of the oven. Use a hot pad or trivet to prevent sliding.

Which accessories are dishwasher safe?

Dishwasher-Safe Accessories but Hand-Wash Recommended:

  • Air Fry Basket
  • Wire Rack

Non-Dishwasher-Safe Accessories:

  • Crumb Tray
  • Sheet Pan
Can I use the sheet pan instead of the air fry basket with the Air Fry function?

Yes, but crispiness results may vary.

Do I need to adjust the cook times and temperatures of traditional oven recipes?

You can follow traditional recipes and package instructions with the Bake function. When preparing traditional oven recipes using the Air Roast function, lower cook time by 30% and temperature by 25°F.

Should I add my ingredients before or after preheating?

For Air Roast, Air Fry, and Bake, preheating the sheet pan or accessories is not required but adding ingredients before preheat completes may impact cooking performance. Toast, Bagel, Broil, Reheat and Dehydrate do not have preheat.

Why is my unit generating smoke?

Smoking can be cause by few factors:

  • There may be grease on the heating elements. Ensure you are placing the sheet pan in the bottom rails when using the air fry basket or wire rack, which will stop food from dropping onto the bottom heating elements.
  • Also ensure that no food is directly contacting the top heating elements or the top of the cooking cavity.
  • If problem persists, run a Toast cycle on shade 7 with accessories removed; this will burn off any additional grease on the heating elements causing smoke.
  • The wrong cooking oil may have been used. Ensure that you are using one of the recommended oils: Canola, Refined Coconut, Avocado, Grapeseed, and Vegetable. Not recommended: Olive Oil, Butter, Margarine.
  • The marinade may have been heated for too long. If you are using a marinade, ensure that you are applying it halfway through the cooking cycle; applying it earlier will result in smoking/burning of the marinade.
  • The temperature may be set too high for the food getting cooked. Cook any fatty foods at 400°F or lower.
Should I follow the package instructions when cooking packaged food, such as frozen pizza and others?

When cooking frozen pizza we recommend to follow box temperature instructions, preheat the sheet pan in bottom rails for even results. Do not use wire rack. Reduce cook time by 30-50% from box instructions. Keep an eye on your food while it’s cooking.
Food cooks faster with Air Roast functions, so for traditional oven recipes, lower the cook time and temperature. We recommend reducing cook time on recommended package instructions by 30% and the temperature by 25°F.

Where is the power button located?

The power button is located on the bottom right side of the control panel.

Does the unit pause when I open the door during cooking?

No. To pause the unit, simply press the dial, which serves as the START/STOP button.

How do I know if the unit is on?

When the unit is powered on, the digital display will light up along with all the function buttons.

What is the exterior of the unit made of?

The outside of the oven is stainless steel.

Will the outside of the unit get hot?

The outside of the oven and glass window will heat up during cooking, but the control panel and door handle will remain cool to touch.

How do I set the timer?

Press the TIME/SLICE button and use the START/STOP dial to set the time. You can change the time at any point during cooking by using the START/STOP dial.

What is the warranty?

1-year limited warranty.

How long is the power cord?

The power cord is approximately 34 inches long.

How do I clean the unit?

Everyday Cleaning:

  1. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and allow it to cool down before cleaning.
  2. Empty the crumb tray by sliding it out of the oven when the oven is in the flipped-down position.
  3. To clean the exterior of the main unit and the control panel, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
  4. The unit interior and crumb tray should be cleaned after every use or grease build up will be harder to clean overtime.

Deep Cleaning:

  1. Allow the unit to cool down then unplug the unit from the outlet before cleaning.
  2. Remove all accessories from the unit, including the crumb tray, and wash separately. Use a non-abrasive cleaning brush to wash the air fry basket more thoroughly. Soak accessories overnight in hot, soapy water. The air fry basket and wire rack can be put in the dishwasher but may wear more quickly over time.
  3. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to wash the oven’s interior. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, scrubbing brushes, or chemical cleaners, as they will damage the oven.
  4. To prolong use of accessories, hand-wash with warm, soapy water.
  5. Thoroughly dry all parts before placing them back in the oven.
How do I use the Smart Thermometer using the PRESET option? (SP35X series only)

Ensure thermometer jack is free of any residue and the cord is free of knots before plugging it into the jack.

  1. Remove the thermometer from storage, then unwind the cord wrap to remove the thermometer on the right side of the unit.
  2. Plug the thermometer into the jack. Push firmly on the plug until it cannot go into the jack any further and you hear the plug click into place.
  3. The thermometer icon on the display will illuminate once the thermometer is plugged in. The thermometer mode is enabled by pressing the PRESET button.
  4. Select the desired cook function (ex. Sear Crisp) and change cook temperature accordingly.
  5. Press PRESET and rotate dial to select desired food type and the DONENESS button to set the internal doneness of your food.
  6. Place the accessory required for your selected cook function in the unit and close the door. Press START/STOP dial to begin preheating.
  7. While the unit is preheating, insert the thermometer horizontally into the center of the thickest part of the protein.
  8. Once the unit beeps to signify it is preheated, place the food onto the SearPlate on bottom rails.
  9.  Press TEMP button to view time elapsed and set oven temperature.

NOTE: Is not required to set a cook time as the unit will automatically turn off the heating element and alert you once the food has finished cooking.

How do I use the Smart Thermometer using the MANUAL option? (SP35X series only)

Ensure thermometer jack is free of any residue and the cord is free of knots before plugging it into the jack.

  1. Remove the thermometer from storage, then unwind the cord wrap to remove the thermometer on the right side of the unit.
  2. Plug the thermometer into the jack. Push firmly on the plug until it cannot go into the jack any further and you hear the plug click into place.
  3. The thermometer icon on the display will illuminate once the thermometer is plugged in. The thermometer mode is enabled by pressing the MANUAL button.
  4. Select the desired cook function (ex. Sear Crisp) and change cook temperature accordingly.
  5. Press MANUAL and rotate the dial to select internal temperature for doneness of your food (in degree F). Refer to the instruction booklet for recommended internal cook temperatures.
  6. Place the accessory required for your selected cook function in the unit and close the door. Press START/STOP dial to begin preheating.
  7. While the unit is preheating, insert the thermometer horizontally into the center of the thickest part of the protein.
  8. Once the unit beeps to signify it is preheated, place the food onto the Sear Plate on bottom rails.
  9. Press TEMP button to view the time elapsed and set oven temperature.

NOTE: Is not required to set a cook time as the unit will automatically turn off the heating element and alert you once the food has finished cooking.

Why is my toast burnt or underdone?
  1. Ensure you have set the correct slice number and shade level. The oven has preset times that correlate with each setting. If the slice number does not match the number of slices of bread in the oven, results may vary from the desired shade level.
  2. As the oven becomes greasier/dirtier, the Toast/Bagel functions may become less effective, making them take longer than normal for desired results. Make sure to clean unit and accessories from grease after each use.
  3. If bread is frozen or stale, this may affect toast time.
  4. Ensure you placing the slices on a wire rack in the middle rack position.
  5. For drier or stale bread, adjust shade lower than your standard setting.
  6. For freshly baked, whole wheat, and frozen breads, adjust the shade higher than your standard setting.
  7. For thick-cut pieces, adjust the shade higher than your standard setting. Be sure to slice bread evenly for consistent toasting.
  8. Very thin slices may burn. Use the lowest shade selection and monitor while toasting.
Why are my bagels burnt or underdone?
  1. Ensure you have set the correct slice number and shade level. The oven has preset times that correlate with each setting. If the slice number does not match the number of slices of bagel in the oven, results may vary from the desired shade level.
  2. As the unit becomes greasier/dirtier, the Toast/Bagel functions may become less effective, making them take longer than normal for desired results. Make sure to clean unit and accessories from grease after each use.
  3. If bagel is frozen or stale, this may affect toast time.
  4. Ensure you placing the slices on a wire rack in the middle rack position.
  5. For drier or stale bagels, adjust shade lower than your standard setting.
  6. For freshly baked, whole wheat, or frozen bagels, adjust the shade higher than your standard setting.
  7. For thick-cut pieces, adjust the shade higher than your standard setting. Be sure to slice bagels evenly for consistent toasting.
  8. Very thin slices may burn. Use the lowest shade selection and monitor while toasting.