This article contains the FAQs for the FD100 Series Ninja® Foodi® Pressure Cooker. This supports the following SKUs: FD100, FD102Q, FD102QB, FD102QCN, FD102QCO, FD102QN, FD102QP, FD102QW and FD105CO.
What are the different modes and cooking functions?
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.
The different functions are Pressure, Slow Cook, Steam, Sear/Sauté, Air Crisp, Bake/Roast, Broil, Yogurt, Sous Vide (Not Included on All Models), Dehydrate
What do the different cooking functions do?
- 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.
How do I start a cooking function?
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.
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.
Press the START/STOP button in the bottom right hand corner to begin cooking.
The unit is displaying "PrE" while pressurizing.
"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.
How do I know my unit is heating up during pressure cooking?
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 signal 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.
How do I know the unit is building steam for the Pressure function?
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.
Can I use a different silicone ring with the unit?
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, click here.
Can I use a different cook pot with the unit?
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 incompatible with the Ninja® Foodi®
Do I have to let the unit preheat before I use the Air Fry function?
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.
How do I install the condensation collector?
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.
Is it normal to see excess condensation when I open the lid?
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.
Can I move the unit after pressure cooking has started?
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.
How do I cancel a cooking function?
Press the START/STOP button or Power button at any time during cooking to cancel a cooking function.
Can I open the pressure lid at any time during cooking?
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.
Is the cooking pot nonstick?
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.
How do I know what accessories are safe to use in my Foodi®?
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.
How do I clean the exterior and accessories of the unit?
Follow these steps to clean the unit thoroughly after every use:
- Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning.
- 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.
- The cooking pot, silicone ring, reversible rack, Cook & Crisp Basket, and detachable diffuser can be washed in the dishwasher.
- 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.
- To clean the crisping lid, wipe it down with a wet cloth or paper towel after the heat shield cools.
- 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.
- Thoroughly air-dry all parts after washing.
Will the outside of the unit get hot?
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.
Why does the display show "ADD POT"?
This means the cooking pot is not installed in the cooker base. The cooking pot must be properly installed for all functions.
How many watts is the unit?
1460 watts.
What is Keep Warm mode?
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.
Why is the pressure release valve loose?
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."
How do I use the Deluxe Reversible Rack?
- 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.
How do I use the Reversible Rack?
- Use the Reversible Rack in the lower position when using the Bake/Roast and Steam functions.
- Use the Reversible Rack in the higher position when using the Broil function.
What are some tips for making yogurt?
- First make sure the unit displays YGRT on the 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.
What should I do if I accidentally pour water into the cooker base instead of the cooking pot?
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.
Why is the time counting down so slowly?
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.
Why can't I open the lid?
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.
Why is the multicooker hissing and not reaching pressure?
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.
Why is the multicooker counting up rather than down?
The cooking cycle is complete and the unit is in Keep Warm mode.
How long does the unit take to depressurize?
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.
Why does the display show errors "SHUT LID", "ADD WATER", "SLIDE" "LOCK LID", or "NO PRESSURE" ?
"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.
Why is there a lot of steam releasing from the unit during pressure cooking?
It’s normal for steam to release during the pressure cooking cycle through the top of the unit and the pressure release valve.
How do I open the lid after pressure cooking cycle is complete?
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.