This article contains the FAQs for the PC100 Series Ninja® Instant Cooker.
If for some reason the pressure release valve is not attached to your pressure lid, simply place the valve onto the silver post located in the middle of the circular indent and press down firmly. Please note, the pressure release valve will fit loosely, even when it is securely attached to the unit.
No. The Ninja Instant Cooker should not be used for canning.
-The unit should be cleaned thoroughly after every use. Unplug the unit before cleaning. -To clean the cooker base and the control panel, wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth. NEVER immerse the cooker base in water or any other liquid. NEVER clean the cooker base in the dishwasher. -The cooking pot, steam rack, and silicone ring are all dishwasher safe. To clean the lid (Including the pressure release valve and anti-clog cap) hand-wash in warm, soapy water. -Air-dry all parts after each use. If there is food residue stuck on the cooking pot or steam rack, place the pot in the sink, fill it with warm water, and allow it to soak before cleaning.
To avoid odor, we recommend that you clean the silicone ring after every use. Remove the silicone ring by pulling it outward, section by section, from the silicone ring rack. Wash the silicone ring in warm, soapy water or on the top rack of the dishwasher to help remove any odor. It is common for the silicone ring to retain the smell of acidic foods, even after cleaning. The silicone ring can be installed with either side facing up. To reinstall the ring, press it down into the rack section by section. NEVER pull out the silicone ring with excessive force, as this may deform the ring or the rack, affecting the pressure-sealing function. If your silicone ring has cracks, cuts, or any other form of damage, it should be replaced immediately.
No. You cannot make yogurt in this unit.
We do not recommend using a slow cooker liner because it will not fit properly into the cooking pot. However, if you do choose to use one, it will not harm the unit in any way.
Yes. To cook pasta in the Ninja Instant Cooker, please follow one of the Ninja- approved recipes provided in your Inspiration Guide.
The time to build pressure varies based on the amount of food in the pot and the temperature of the food.
Yes. Please be aware that if the cooking pot is below room temperature when you start cooking, it will take longer for the unit to come up to temperature and build pressure.
While pressure cooking, the cooking pot can hold up to 16 cups. For all other functions, the pot can hold up to 18 cups.
The cooking pot is made out of aluminum and has a non-stick ceramic coating that is FDA-approved and food-safe. Please note that this coating is PTFE-free.
We recommend that you use wooden, silicone-tipped, or non-metal-tipped utensils to prevent damaging the cooking pot's nonstick ceramic coating.
To indicate that the unit is building pressure, a rotating light will appear on the digital display. Once the unit reaches pressure, the countdown timer will begin, to indicate that the ingredients are cooking.
The pressure release valve is sealed if it is turned all the way to the right in the SEAL position. Please note that the pressure release valve is loose-fitting and will not lock or click into the VENT or SEAL position.
It takes approximately 10 minutes or more, but varies depending on the amount of food in the pot and the temperature of the unit.
To lock the lid into place, align the arrow on the lid with the arrow on the front of the unit. Turn the lid clockwise until it stops. There will be an audible chime when the lid is locked into place.
The Ninja Instant Cooker comes with a 10-recipe starter kit and cooking charts.
The Ninja Instant Cooker is approximately 12" long, 13" wide, and 13" high. It weighs approximately 12 pounds. The capacity of the cooking pot is 6 quarts, and can easily fit 4 pounds of pork shoulder.
Pressure cooking on HIGH uses more PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure than when pressure cooking on LOW. Pressure cooking on LOW is generally used when cooking delicate vegetables, beans or legumes. To ensure that you are using the right amount of pressure, please refer to your cooking charts in your Quick Start Guide.
Press the START/STOP button during any cooking function. The program will pause for 10 seconds, during which time you may press it again to resume cooking. After 10 seconds, the program will cancel.
Stay Warm will automatically turn on after the Pressure, Steam, or Slow Cook functions end. To keep food warm after using the other functions, press the Stay Warm button. A timer will start counting up and the unit will keep food warm for up to 12 hours. (The Stay Warm function is intended to keep cooked food at a safe temperature, not to reheat cold food.)
Additional parts and accessories can be purchased.
The power cord is 32 inches long.
Yes.
No. The cooking pot should only be used in your Ninja Instant Cooker.
Yes. If you would like to stir your food or check on it, you can remove the lid at any time. Please note that when you remove the lid, this may add time to the cooking process.
The outside of the unit will get hot, but the control panel, exterior handles, and handle on the lid will be safe to touch at any time during the cooking process.
No. We do not recommend putting the cooking pot in the freezer and then directly into the cooker base.
Yes. The cooking pot will not get damaged if it is stored in the fridge.
No. The Ninja Instant Cooker should never be used for deep frying.
To adjust the cooking time use the + and - buttons on the sides of the digital display. Please note that you cannot adjust the cooking time in Sear/Saute.
The temperature range is approximately 150 degrees F to 400 degrees F.
No. The cooking pot should never be used in the microwave and is not microwave safe.
No. All ingredients must be added to the cooking pot before you start using the Pressure Cook function.