This article contains the FAQs for the OL600 Series Ninja® Foodi® XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid™. This supports the following product SKUs OL600, OL601C, OL601QBK, OL601QCM, OL601QCP, OL601QNV and OL601.
Pressure 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.
Why is the lid locked after the unit has depressurized and been on Keep Warm for extended period of time?
Turn off the unit, open the pressure release valve, and wait a few minutes for the unit to depressurize and cool down. Note: You will not be able to move the SmartLid Slider if the unit has not fully depressurized. Please allow for any and all pressure to be released, at which time the display will show "OPN LID" or "OPN," indicating you can now move the SmartLid Slider to SteamCrisp (position 2) or Air Fry/Stovetop (position 3) to unlock the lid.
How do I Quick Release and Natural Release pressure from the unit?
Quick Pressure Release:
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. Be careful and do not place your hand over the vent as it releases steam. Steam release will be accompanied by an audible hiss. When pressure release is complete, the float valve will drop down and you will be able to open the lid. The lid will remain locked until the float valve has fully dropped. 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.
Natural Pressure Release:
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 and you will be able to open the lid. The lid will remain locked until the float valve has fully dropped.
How do I Quick Release, Delayed Release, and Natural Release pressure from the unit?
The unit will default to NATURAL RELEASE. Use the dial to select NATURAL RELEASE, QUICK RELEASE, or DELAYED RELEASE.
Quick Pressure Release: Use ONLY if your recipe calls for it. When pressure cooking is complete and you've selected QUICK RELEASE, the unit will automatically release steam. Be careful and do not place your hand over the vent as it releases steam. Steam release will be accompanied by an audible hiss. The unit will display "OPN Lid" when all steam has been released. This is an indication that you can move the SmartLid Slider to either SteamCrisp or Air Fry/Stovetop to unlock the lid. Please note that some steam will remain in the unit after pressure release and will escape when the lid is opened.
Delayed Release: Delayed release defaults to 10 minutes. If you are using Delayed Release and want to adjust the time, press the RELEASE PRESSURE button to set the desired time.
Natural Pressure Release: 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 display will show "OPN Lid".
Can I move the unit after pressure cooking has started?
No, once pressure cooking has started, we do not recommend moving the unit. Once the unit has completed pressure cooking, allow the unit to cool completely before handling or storing.
Can I open the pressure lid at any time during cooking?
No, the unit will lock when the SmartLid Slider is in the Pressure as a safety measure. You will not be able to move the SmartLid Slider until all pressure is released, the float valve drops, and the display shows "OPN Lid". You then will be able to move the SmartLid Slider to SteamCrisp or Air Fry/Stovetop to unlock the lid.
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.
The unit is 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 lies flat under the ring rack. Once fully installed, you should be able to freely rotate it within the ring rack.
How do I open the lid after pressure cooking cycle is complete?
When the unit is done releasing steam through the pressure release valve and your display shows "OPN LID", you can move the SmartLid Slider to the SteamCrisp or Air Fry/Stovetop position to unlock the lid.
How long does the unit take to depressurize?
Quick pressure release takes roughly 2 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.
Cleaning
How do I clean the exterior and accessories of the unit?
Follow these steps to clean the unit thoroughly after every use:
1) Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning.
2) 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.
3) The cooking pot, silicone ring, Deluxe Reversible Rack, Cook & Crisp Basket, and detachable diffuser can be washed in the dishwasher. DO NOT place the main unit in the dishwasher or immerse in liquid.
4) If food residue is stuck on the cooking pot, reversible rack, or Cook & Crisp Basket, fill the sink with warm, soapy 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.
5) Thoroughly air-dry all parts after washing.
How do I clean the interior of the lid?
Move the SmartLid Slider to position 3 (far right) and open the lid. Using a damp cloth, carefully clean all reachable areas. You may also run a Steam cycle to help loosen stuck-on food. Allow the unit to cool down before attmepting to clean after running a Steam cycle. Consult the Owner's Guide for more details on recommended cleaning practices.
Functions
How do I start a cooking function?
To select a cooking function, you must move the SmartLid Slider to the desired mode and use the dial or knob to select the desired 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.
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.
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 do the different cooking functions do?
Pressure: Cook food quickly while maintaining tenderness.
-Steam & Crisp: Make 1-touch meals; allows you to steam and crisp at the same time.
-Steam & Bake: Use the unit like an oven in order to bake cakes or bread with a moist interior and crispy exterior.
-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.
-Proof: Creates an environment for dough to rest and rise. *The Proof function is not included on models ending in zero (for example, OL500).
What are the different modes and cooking functions?
One lid allows you to seamlessly transition between all your favorite cooking methods without having to switch lids. With the SmartLid Slider, you can switch between Pressue, SteamCrisp, and Air Fry/Stovetop, allowing you to pressure cook then add a crispy finish, all under one lid.
When on Pressure mode (SmartSlider position 1), the following function is available:
-Pressure
When on SteamCrisp mode (SmartSlider position 2), the following functions are available:
-Steam & Crisp
-Steam & Bake
When on Air Fry/Stovetop mode (SmartSlider position 3), the following functions are available:
-Air Fry
-Bake/Roast
-Broil
-Dehydrate
-Proof*
-Sear/Saute
-Steam
-Slow Cook
-Yogurt
-Sous Vide
*The Proof function is not included on models ending in zero (for example, OL500).
Why is the unit's cook time counting down but the unit is not cooking?
The unit's lid may not be fully closed. To resume the cooking cycle, ensure the lid it fully closed by either gently pressing down or fully opening and reclosing the lid. If the lid is not able to fully close, check that the silicone seal is properly installed and try again. If the issue persists, please contact Ninja Customer Service.
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 (120F) after cooking is complete.
Keep Warm can be turned off during a pressure cooking cycle.
How do I change different modes on the unit?
Close the lid, slide the SmartLid Slider above the display to switch between modes and use the dial to select the desired function.
When the lid is open and the SmartLid Slider is on SteamCrisp (position 2) or Air Fry/Stovetop (position 3), you can select Yogurt, Sear/Saute, Slow Cook, or Sous Vide.
What position should the pressure release valve be in when using SteamCrisp or Air Fry/Stovetop functions?
The pressure release valve can be in any position when using the SteamCrisp or Air Fry/Stovetop functions.
Display Messages
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.
"SLIDE" error message appears on display screen.
Move the SmartLid Slider to the position corresponding with the desired cooking function.
"LOCK LID" error message appears on display screen.
Move the SmartLid Slider to the PRESSURE position to lock the lid.
"NO PRESSURE" error message appears on display screen when using the Pressure function.
-Add more liquid to the cooking pot before restarting the pressure cook cycle.
-Make sure the pressure release valve is in the SEAL position.
-Make sure the silicone seal has been cleaned and installed correctly.
-Use a wet cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the lid.
Why does the display show "SLIDE"?
Move the slider to the position corresponding with the desired cooking function.
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.
The unit is displaying "PrE" while steam crisping.
"PrE" on the screen indicates the unit is preheating.
Other
How do I know the unit is building steam for the Steam & Crisp function?
The unit will display "PrE" and progress bars when it is building steam. The time to build steam will take roughly 20 minutes, depending on the amount of ingredients in the pot and the staring temperature of those ingredients.
Can I use a different silicone ring with the SmartLid?
The Ninja Foodi SmartLid requires the silicone ring included with the unit. Do not use other silicone rings from other units. If you need to order a replacement, please call Customer Service.
Can I use a different cook pot with the SmartLid unit?
The Ninja Foodi SmartLid requires the 6.5-quart cooking pot included with the unit. We recommend not using the pot from any other Ninja unit or any other brand's unit. If you need to order a replacement, please call Customer Service.
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.
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 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 will 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.
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 by calling Customer Service. Any accessory that you currently use in your oven is also safe to use in your Foodi.
Will the outside of the unit get hot?
The outside of the unit and 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.
How many watts is the unit?
OL500 Series: 1460 watts
OL600 and OL700 Series: 1760 watts
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 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 when the words "OPN Lid" display. You then will be able to move the SmartLid Slider to SteamCrisp or Air Fry/Stovetop position to unlock the lid.
The unit is counting up rather than down.
The cooking cycle is complete and the unit is in Keep Warm mode.
There is a lot of steam coming from the unit during cooking 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?
To open the lid, move the SmartLid Slider to either SteamCrisp (position 2) or Air Fry/Stovetop (position 3) and use the front handle above the SmartLid Slider to lift the lid. The lid will locked and not able to be opened when the SmartLid Slider is in the Pressure position (position 1).