I recommend the Ninja Foodi Grill for searing; air fryers win for everyday speed.
I live in Austin, Texas. I cook quick dinners after work. The big question I had was simple: ninja foodi grill vs air fryer, which one makes weeknights easier? I tested both to see which cooks faster, tastes better, and fits a small counter. If you also wonder about ninja foodi grill vs air fryer for steaks, wings, and veggies, this review will help you choose the right one today. I’ll share what worked for me and where each device shines in daily use.
Is Ninja AG301 Good?
Yes. It’s great if you want real grill marks, char, and juicy meat indoors. It cooks like a compact indoor grill and also air fries. It suits steak lovers, burger nights, and smoky flavor without setting off alarms.
I used it to grill sirloin on a rainy Austin day. The sear was legit, and the inside stayed pink. I also tossed in asparagus at the end. Fast and tasty.
On a game night, I air-fried wings in the same unit. The skin crisped well, but the grill mode is why I keep it.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 5-in-1 functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate
- Smoke control system for indoor grilling comfort
- Fits up to a 3 lb roast; solid for family meals
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
- High-heat grill grate for true sear and char
What I Like
- Authentic grill marks and caramelization on steaks and burgers
- Reliable crisp on fries and wings with less oil
- Simple controls and preheats fast for weeknights
- Smoke control helped keep my kitchen air clear
- Sturdy build and easy-to-wash basket and grate
What Could Be Better
- Heavier and taller than many air fryers for small counters
- Preheat needed for best grill sear adds a few minutes
- Cooking space suits 2–4 servings, not big batch grilling
My Recommendation
If you crave indoor searing, choose this. It wins for steak night and smoky flavor. It’s widely available and often discounted. Great value if ninja foodi grill vs air fryer makes you want real grill results with air fry flexibility.
Is Cosori TurboBlaze Good?
Yes. It’s excellent for fast, even air frying with precise temps. It suits families and anyone who wants speed, versatility, and easy cleanup. It is more of a pure air fryer with oven-like range.
I used it for weekday salmon at 390°F. The middle stayed tender, and the skin crisped nicely. Timer and temperature were spot-on.
I also proofed pizza dough, then baked garlic knots. Going from proof to bake in one unit saved me time.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 9-in-1 functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm
- Temperature range 90°–450°F for wide recipe coverage
- Premium ceramic-coated basket for easier cleanup
- TurboBlaze DC motor for efficient, even airflow
- 6-quart capacity; handy for family portions
What I Like
- Very fast preheat and cook times for busy nights
- Even browning on fries, nuggets, and veggies
- Ceramic coating wipes clean with less scrubbing
- Low-temp options like proof and dehydrate add value
- Precise temp control from 90° to 450°F
What Could Be Better
- No grill grate or true sear like a dedicated grill
- Basket shape may limit long cuts like full corn cobs flat
- Counter footprint is wide for tiny kitchens
My Recommendation
If you want a fast, versatile air fryer for daily use, pick this. It’s a top choice in the ninja foodi grill vs air fryer question when speed and precision matter most.
Ninja foodi grill vs air fryer: Side-by-Side Test
I compared both in my kitchen over several weeks. I focused on real meals. I looked at speed, sear, crisp, capacity, cleanup, and noise. Here’s how ninja foodi grill vs air fryer played out head-to-head.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate | Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm |
| Indoor grill capability | Low-temp proof and keep warm |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 9/10
Summary: Cosori wins for sheer number of modes; Ninja wins on grilling.
Searing and Grill Marks
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| High-heat grill grate for char and marks | No grill grate; oven-style browning |
| Better Maillard on steaks | Good browning, not grill-like |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 9/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 6/10
Summary: Ninja leads for true sear in ninja foodi grill vs air fryer.
Crisp Performance (Fries, Wings, Veggies)
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Good crisp with air fry basket | Very even, fast crisping |
| May need shake halfway | Strong airflow coverage |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 9/10
Summary: Cosori edges out for even, quick crisp.
Temperature Range and Precision
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| High heat for grill mode | 90°–450°F precise range |
| Simple presets | Fine control for delicate items |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 9/10
Summary: Cosori wins for precision and range in ninja foodi grill vs air fryer.
Capacity and Batch Cooking
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Fits up to 3 lb roast | 6-quart basket fits family portions |
| Great for 2–4 servings | Better for larger batches |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 7/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 8/10
Summary: Cosori has the edge for batch size.
Cleanup and Coatings
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Ceramic-coated basket wipes clean |
| Grill grate needs scrubbing after steaks | Less sticking on most foods |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 9/10
Summary: Cosori cleans up faster in daily use.
Speed and Preheat Time
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Needs preheat for best grill sear | Very fast to temp with DC motor |
| Quick overall but grill adds minutes | Great for quick dinners |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 9/10
Summary: Cosori is faster for most recipes.
Noise and Kitchen Comfort
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Smoke control helps indoors | Smooth airflow, moderate noise |
| Fan noise average | Quieter than older air fryers |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 8.5/10
Summary: Slight edge to Cosori for smooth, efficient airflow.
Counter Space and Design
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Taller with grill lid; sturdy | Wider 6-qt footprint |
| Looks like a compact grill | Modern air fryer look |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 7.5/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 8/10
Summary: Cosori fits more under cabinets; Ninja is taller.
Value for Money
| Ninja AG301 | Cosori TurboBlaze |
|---|---|
| Great if you want grill + air fry | Great if you want versatility + speed |
| Often discounted | Strong feature-per-dollar |
Rating: Ninja AG301 – 8.5/10 | Cosori TurboBlaze – 9/10
Summary: Cosori offers more modes and speed per dollar.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want real sear and indoor grilling, pick the Ninja AG301. It wins the steak, burger, and char test in the ninja foodi grill vs air fryer debate.
If you want fast weeknight cooking, precise temps, and easy cleanup, pick the Cosori TurboBlaze. It’s the better everyday air fryer in ninja foodi grill vs air fryer.
Both are excellent. Choose based on sear versus speed.
FAQs Of ninja foodi grill vs air fryer
Q. Which cooks faster in ninja foodi grill vs air fryer?
Cosori TurboBlaze cooks faster for most foods. Ninja is quick, but grill preheat adds time.
Q. Which tastes more like outdoor grilling?
Ninja AG301. It delivers grill marks and char that an air fryer can’t match.
Q. Which is better for families in ninja foodi grill vs air fryer?
Cosori TurboBlaze. The 6-quart basket and even airflow suit bigger batches.
Q. Can the Ninja replace an air fryer?
Yes for many recipes. It air fries well, but the Cosori is more precise and versatile for air fry tasks.
Q. Which one is easier to clean?
Cosori TurboBlaze. The ceramic-coated basket wipes clean faster, while Ninja’s grill grate needs more scrubbing after searing.
This guide uses current specs and hands-on testing to reflect 2025 usage and performance in the ninja foodi grill vs air fryer decision.