The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill transforms home cooking with exceptional versatility, speed, and accuracy. With six dynamic functions — Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate — it empowers you to craft diverse meals throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Its extra-large capacity easily accommodates family-sized portions, cooking up to six steaks or 24 hot dogs at once, while maintaining that authentic char-grilled flavor minus the smoke and mess of outdoor grilling.
At the core of the DG551 lies the Foodi Smart Thermometer, designed to guarantee flawless doneness with every use. Whether you like your steak rare or well-done, this intelligent thermometer constantly tracks the internal temperature of your food and adjusts cooking times automatically for precise, consistent results. The Cyclonic Grilling Technology uses rapid, superheated air circulation to ensure even cooking and crispy textures — ideal for perfectly browned fries, tender chicken, or caramelized vegetables with little to no oil.
Crafted for ultimate convenience, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill showcases a modern black and silver 2nd-generation design with upgraded controls and quicker preheating. Its detachable, dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze, while the user-friendly digital display ensures effortless operation. Perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to lavish weekend spreads, this versatile appliance delivers professional-quality grilling and air frying right at home — helping you create tasty, healthier meals with ease.
Specification
Here are the key specifications for the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (Model DG551, 2nd Gen):
- Cooking Modes: Grill, Air Fry (Air Crisp), Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate.
- Maximum Temperature: Up to 500 °F (≈ 260 °C) or slightly above (some sources list up to 510 °F) for grilling mode.
- Wattage / Power: 1760 watts.
- Product Dimensions: Approximately 15.7 inches (L) × 11.1 inches (W) × 16.0 inches (H).
- Cooking Surface / Capacity: The grill plate is large enough to accommodate up to six steaks at once and comes with a 4-quart capacity basket for air frying and other cooking functions.
- Smart Features: Includes a built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer that tracks internal food temperature to ensure perfect doneness and works seamlessly with Smart Cook modes.
- Construction & Clean-Up: Features a non-stick grill grate and detachable cooking surfaces that are dishwasher-safe, as recommended in the user guide.
- Colour / Finish: Black and silver (stainless accent) – 2nd Generation design.
Key Features
Here are the key features of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (Model DG551, 2nd Generation):
- Six versatile cooking modes: Grill, Air Fry (or “Air Crisp”), Roast, Bake, Broil and Dehydrate — all in one countertop appliance.
- Smart Cook System with built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer: Just choose your protein type and preferred doneness; the thermometer tracks the internal temperature while the appliance automatically adjusts settings or notifies you when your food is perfectly cooked—eliminating guesswork.
- High-heat grilling capability: The appliance heats up to approximately 500 °F, delivering seared, char-grilled results that capture the authentic flavor of outdoor grilling indoors.
- XL cooking surface / family-sized capacity: The grill plate accommodates up to six steaks (or equivalent portions) at once, allowing you to prepare large meals or cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
- Air Crisp (air-fry) mode for healthier cooking: Achieve crispy results with minimal oil; the included crisper basket is designed to support this cooking function.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe components: The grill grate, crisper basket, and pot are all designed for effortless cleaning.
- Smoke-control and indoor-grill friendly design: Unique design features — including a splatter shield, temperature-controlled grill grate, and cool-air zone — help minimize smoke, making it ideal for indoor cooking.
- Multiple temperature/doneness presets: Features smart protein presets — such as for chicken, fish, and steak — along with adjustable doneness levels from rare to well-done for precise, repeatable results.
How to use the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry option
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil & Dehydrate safely and effectively:
1. Set Up Your Grill
- Set the grill on a stable, heat-resistant surface in a well-ventilated area.
- Insert the cooking pot, grill grate, or crisper basket according to the selected cooking function.
- Plug in the appliance and leave the lid open while it preheats.
2. Choose a Cooking Function
- Press the Function button and rotate or tap to select your mode — Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, or Dehydrate.
- Adjust the temperature and time using the control panel.
- The grill can reach up to 500 °F (260 °C) for high-heat searing.
- The air-fry and bake modes use lower temperatures for crisping and roasting.
3. Use the Foodi Smart Thermometer (for meat & fish)
- Insert the Smart Thermometer probe into the thickest section of the meat or protein.
- Insert the thermometer jack into the port located on the right side of the control panel.
- Choose your protein type (e.g., beef, chicken, fish) and desired doneness (rare → well-done).
- The grill automatically tracks the internal temperature and stops cooking once the selected doneness level is achieved.
4. Preheat & Cook
- Close the lid and click Start to begin preheating — the display will show “PRE.”
- Once preheated, the grill will beep and display “ADD FOOD.”
- Open the lid, arrange your ingredients on the grill grate or in the crisper basket, then close the lid to begin cooking.
- The appliance automatically regulates its temperature according to your settings or the Smart Thermometer’s readings.
5. Check & Flip (if needed)
- For optimal grill marks and uniform cooking, turn the food halfway through the cycle when the “FLIP” alert appears.
- Use silicone or wooden utensils to prevent damage to the nonstick coating.
6. Finish & Clean Up
- When the cooking cycle completes, the grill will beep and display “END.”
- Remove your food carefully (surfaces are hot!).
- Let the grill cool completely before removing the grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot for cleaning.
- All detachable components are dishwasher-safe. Clean the exterior and control panel using a damp cloth.
Tips and recipes suitable for the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry option
Here are some useful tips and easy recipes perfectly suited for the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill:
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Preheat Always – Allow the unit to preheat completely until it beeps and displays “Add Food” for optimal grill marks and uniform cooking.
- Use the Smart Thermometer – For meat and fish, place the probe in the thickest section to ensure accurate doneness, eliminating guesswork or overcooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill – Arrange ingredients with space between them to allow proper airflow for crispier results.
- Use the Right Function –
- Grill: steaks, burgers, chicken, fish.
- Air Crisp: fries, wings, vegetables, breaded foods.
- Roast: whole chicken, pork tenderloin, veggies.
- Bake: muffins, cookies, casseroles.
- Broil: melt cheese, brown the top of dishes.
- Dehydrate: fruits, herbs, or jerky.
- Marinate for Flavor – Marinating for as little as 30 minutes boosts flavor and helps retain meat’s juiciness.
- Flip When Prompted – Adhere to the on-screen “FLIP” prompts to achieve uniform browning.
- Use Minimal Oil – A thin coating of oil helps achieve crispy textures without making food greasy.
- Clean Right After Cooling – Clean off any residue from the grill grate and basket before it hardens. The dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup.
Quick & Delicious Recipes
1. Grilled Garlic Butter Steak
Ingredients: 2 ribeye steaks, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic butter for topping.
Instructions:
- Preheat on Grill High (500 °F).
- Season steaks and insert Smart Thermometer.
- Select Beef → Medium Rare (or preferred doneness).
- Grill until done (about 6–10 min).
- Rest 5 min, top with garlic butter, and serve.
2. Crispy Air-Fried French Fries
Ingredients: 2 large potatoes (cut into fries), 1 tbsp olive oil, salt.
Instructions:
- Soak fries 30 min, pat dry.
- Toss in oil and salt.
- Use Air Crisp at 390 °F for 18–22 min, shaking halfway.
- Optional: Add a light dusting of Parmesan or fresh herbs once cooking is complete.
3. Honey-Glazed Salmon
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder.
Instructions:
- Mix glaze; brush over salmon.
- Insert Smart Thermometer, select Fish → Medium.
- Grill at 450 °F for 8–10 min.
- Brush extra glaze before serving.
4. Roasted Veggie Medley
Ingredients: Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, olive oil, herbs, salt.
Instructions:
- Toss veggies in oil and seasoning.
- Select Roast at 400 °F for 15–20 min, stirring once.
- Serve alongside a main dish or mix into pasta.
5. Dehydrated Apple Chips
Ingredients: 2 apples, cinnamon (optional).
Instructions:
- Slice thinly; arrange on crisper basket.
- Choose Dehydrate at 135 °F for 6–8 hours.
- Keep in a sealed container to maintain freshness for healthy snacking.
Cleaning Guide
Here’s a complete guide on how to clean your Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill properly — to keep it performing like new and smelling fresh every time you cook:
1. Unplug and Cool Down
- Always disconnect the grill from the power source and let it cool fully before cleaning.
- Do not submerge the main unit or control panel in water, as it houses electrical components.
2. Remove and Wash Accessories
Take out all removable parts:
- Cooking Pot
- Grill Grate
- Crisper Basket
- Splatter Shield (under the lid — gently pull forward to remove)
These parts feature a nonstick coating and are dishwasher-safe, though they can also be washed by hand with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge.
Avoid steel wool or abrasive cleaners to protect the nonstick coating.
3. Clean the Interior
- After removing the accessories, clean the interior walls and heating element area with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
- For accumulated grease, apply warm, soapy water or a paste made from baking soda and water.
- Handle the heating element with care and avoid pouring water directly into the unit.
4. Clean the Splatter Shield
- This metal guard collects grease and aids in reducing smoke.
- Clean it regularly using warm, soapy water, or wash it in the dishwasher.
- Ensure it is fully dry before reinstalling it beneath the lid.
5. Clean the Exterior
- Clean the exterior casing, control panel, and handle using a damp cloth.
- Dry promptly with a soft towel to avoid streaks or water spots.
6. Reassemble
Once all components are clean and dry, reinsert them:
- Reinstall the splatter shield by clicking it securely into place.
- Place the cooking pot inside the unit.
- Place the grill grate or crisper basket inside as required.
Bonus Tips:
- Clean the appliance after each use to avoid residue buildup and unpleasant odors.
- For stubborn residue, soak the accessories for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Periodically, operate an empty Air Crisp cycle at 400°F for 3–5 minutes to burn off residual smells and grease.
What to avoid when using the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry option
Here’s a detailed guide on what to avoid when using the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill, so you can cook safely, extend its lifespan, and keep your meals tasting perfect every time:
1. Avoid Using Metal Utensils
- Avoid using metal utensils such as tongs, forks, or knives on the nonstick grill grate or crisper basket, as they may scratch or damage the coating.
- Use utensils made of silicone, nylon, or wood to safeguard the surface and maintain its longevity.
2. Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners or Pads
- Do not use steel wool, abrasive pads, or strong chemicals during cleaning.
- Use only soft sponges or microfiber cloths with mild dish soap to maintain the nonstick surfaces in optimal condition.
3. Never Immerse the Main Unit in Water
- The base houses electrical components. Clean it with a damp cloth only — never immerse or rinse it directly.
- If any liquid enters the unit, immediately disconnect it from power and thoroughly dry before using again.
4. Don’t Overfill the Grill or Basket
- Placing too much food in the cooking chamber obstructs airflow and results in uneven cooking.
- Ensure you leave sufficient space around ingredients to allow proper circulation of hot air.
5. Avoid Using Aerosol Cooking Sprays
- Cooking sprays such as PAM can leave a sticky residue that is difficult to clean and may harm the nonstick coating.
- Alternatively, lightly coat your food or accessories with pure oils such as avocado or olive oil.
6. Don’t Cook Without Preheating
- Preheating promotes uniform cooking and produces ideal grill marks on your food.
- Wait for the display to show “ADD FOOD” before inserting ingredients.
7. Avoid Blocking the Ventilation Areas
- Ensure the grill’s air vents remain unobstructed to avoid overheating or excessive smoke.
- Do not position the unit against walls or beneath low cabinets while operating — allow adequate clearance for ventilation.
8. Never Use It Outdoors or Near Water
- This unit is intended for indoor use only. Operating it outdoors, near water sources, or in damp conditions may create electrical hazards.
9. Don’t Ignore the Smart Thermometer Guidelines
- Properly insert the Foodi Smart Thermometer into the thickest portion of your meat.
- Do not immerse the thermometer probe or cord in water; clean it with a damp cloth instead.
10. Don’t Leave It Unattended While Cooking
- In grill, broil, or bake modes, temperatures may reach 500°F, so always keep an eye on your food for safety.
In conclusion, the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill combines versatility, power, and smart technology to make cooking faster, easier, and healthier. With multiple functions, a built-in thermometer, and easy cleanup, it delivers precise, delicious results every time — all in one sleek, space-saving appliance.