FD400 Series Ninja® Foodi® Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker FAQs

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.

When pressure cooking is complete, pressure will naturally release from the unit as it cools down. This can take up to 20 minutes or more, depending on the amount of liquid and food in the pot. During this time, the unit will switch to Keep Warm mode. Press the KEEP WARM button if you would like to turn Keep Warm mode off. When natural pressure release is complete, the float valve will drop down.

Use ONLY if your recipe calls for it. When pressure cooking is complete and the KEEP WARM light comes on, turn the pressure release valve to the VENT position to release the steam from the pressure release valve. Steam release will be accompanied by an audible hiss. Some steam will remain in the unit after pressure release and will escape when the lid is opened. Lift and tilt the pressure lid away from you, making sure no condensation drips into the cooker base.

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.

No, as the unit builds pressure, the float valve will raise, and the lid will lock as a safety measure. It will not unlock until pressure is released and the float valve drops down, signaling that it is safe to open the lid.

The time to build pressure can take up to 20 minutes, varying based on the amount and temperature of ingredients and liquid in the pot.

If you want to shorten the time it takes to build pressure, use hot liquid in the pot. Also, if any portion of your meal requires searing or sautéing, begin with that function and then switch to pressure cook.

Add 5 minutes to the cook time and allow the unit to come up to temperature before adding ingredients. 

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.

• Pressure: Cook food quickly while maintaining tenderness.
• Steam: Gently cook delicate foods at a high temperature.
• Slow Cook/Yogurt: Cook your food at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, or 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.

The outside of the unit will get hot, but the control panel, exterior handles, and handles on the pressure and crisping lids remain safe to touch at any time during cooking.

The crisping lid will heat up during cooking, but the handle on the lid will be safe to touch at any time.

To install the condensation collector, slide it into the slot on the cooker base. Then slide it out and hand-wash after each use.

No, once pressure cooking has started, we do not recommend moving the unit.

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

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 food-safe temperature after cooking is complete.

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 the the valve will be loose, although it will be securely attached to the unit.

Any accessory that you currently use in your oven is also safe to use in your Foodi. There are also accessories designed especially for use in the Foodi and available for purchase by calling Customer Service.

If it seems the unit is taking longer than normal to come to pressure, remember the following:

The unit may take up to 20 minutes to come to pressure. Time to pressure varies based on the selected temperature, current temperature of the cooking pot, and temperature and quantity of ingredients and liquid. (Note that it may take longer to build pressure if you live in a high-altitude area.

And also check the following:

Be sure the silicone ring is fully seated and flush against the pressure lid. If installed correctly, you should be able to tug lightly on the ring to rotate it.

Ensure the pressure lid is fully locked in place and the pressure release valve is in the SEAL position.

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.

When the pressure lid is installed, you can use any of the following functions:

• Pressure
• Steam
• Slow Cook/Yogurt
• Sear/Sauté

When the hinged crisping lid is installed, you can use any of the following functions:

• Air Crisp
• Bake/Roast
• Broil
• Dehydrate

**Note that dehydrate isn't included with all units.

To set the cook time, press the TIME button, then use the START/STOP dial to adjust the cook time.

Press the TEMP button, then use the START/STOP dial to adjust the cook temperature and/or pressure level.

As pressure builds in the unit, the control panel will display moving lights and the word PRE. Time to pressure varies based on the amount and temperature of ingredients and liquid in the pot. For safety, the lid will lock as the unit pressurizes, and it will not unlock until pressure is released. Once the unit has reached full pressure, the cooking cycle will begin and the timer will start counting down.

Cooking charts can be found in the Inspiration Guide that came with your unit.

1760 W

To select a cooking function, press the FUNCTION button, then use the START/STOP dial to choose a cooking function.

Use the dial to choose a cooking function, cook temperature, and cook time. Press the START/STOP button to start cooking. Pressing the START/STOP button while the unit is cooking will stop the current cooking function.

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

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.

As a safety feature, the pressure lid will not unlock until the unit is completely depressurized. You will know when the unit has pressurized when the red float valve is up. 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 red float valve will come down, and the unit will be ready to open. Turn the pressure lid counterclockwise, then lift it up and away from you.

Simply press and hold the up or down arrow when setting a temperature or time and the control panel will move faster through the available options.

The Foodi's high thermal efficiency minimizes heat loss when you sneak a peek and ensures the cooking pot returns to temperature far faster than a standard oven would.

First make sure your unit displays YGRT on the left side of 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.

Quick pressure release takes about 2 minutes or less. 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.

Use ONLY if your recipe calls for it.

• When pressure cooking is complete and the KEEP WARM light comes on, turn the pressure release valve to the VENT position to release the steam from the pressure release valve.
• Be careful and do not place your hand over the vent as it releases steam.
• Steam release will be accompanied by an audible hiss. Some steam will remain in the unit after pressure release and will escape when the lid is opened.
• Lift and tilt the pressure lid away from you, making sure no condensation drips into the cooker base.

When pressure cooking is complete, pressure will naturally release from the unit as it cools down. This can take up to 20 minutes or more, depending on the amount of liquid and food in the pot. During this time, the unit will switch to Keep Warm mode. Press the KEEP WARM button if you would like to turn Keep Warm mode off. When natural pressure release is complete, the float valve will drop down.

To install the condensation collector, slide it into the slot on the cooker base. Then slide it out and handwash after each use.

Use the Deluxe Reversible Rack in the low position when using the Bake/ Roast and Steam functions. Use the Deluxe Reversible Rack in the high 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

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

The cooking pot may stick to the lid if you pull your lid straight up when removing it. Always remove your lid at an angle facing away from yourself.

1. To select a cooking function, press the FUNCTION button, then turn the START/STOP dial to choose a cooking function.
2. Press the TEMP button, then turn the START/STOP dial to adjust the cook temperature and/or pressure level.
3. Press the TIME button, then turn the START/STOP dial to adjust the cook time.
4. Press the START/STOP button to begin cooking.

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 after cooking is complete.