You learn something new every day, and for many Ninja air fryer owners, they've found out about a 'secret' feature on the beloved appliance.
I confess, I too am an air fryer devotee and I didn't know many had this option either, so you're not alone if this is a new fact for you too.
It turns out that one Ninja double-drawer air fryer had a secret 'probe' tucked away on the side.
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What does an air fryer meat probe do?
The accessory in question is a cooking probe and it all came to light after a TikTok video went viral, showing one air fryer user unclipping it from the side, putting it in the cooking drawer with the meat.
This is where it differs from usual meat thermometers, which you do not leave inside the drawer while cooking.
The Ninja probe then syncs with a Ninja app and uses the Smart Cook mode to update you with the internal temperature as it cooks.
One happy customer raved: "So far, I have roasted a chicken using the probe and I couldn't believe how quick it cooked.”
Another added, “What a game changer in the kitchen, easy to use with a very simple set of dials. The probe is a must get as it totally changes the cooking method with confidence that the food is cooked to perfection.”
Ninja ProChef Wireless Meat Thermometer
£89.99
£69
Does my air fryer have a meat probe?
The model in question is the Ninja Foodi MAX (AF451UK).
If, like me, you've just run to check if your model has it and you're one of the unlucky ones without it, never fear as you can buy one separately.
Ninja ProChef Wireless Thermometer features
- Variety of options - It can be used indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for BBQs and pizza ovens as well as air fryers and traditional ovens
- Heat safe - It can remain in the air fryer drawer while cooking, as it is heat resistant up to a whopping 370c
- Flare-up resistant - Got a temperamental BBQ, or like it hot? This gadget is resistant to flames flaring up too
- Long-range bluetooth - You don't have to miss out on the fun while cooking, as the thermometer links to your phone app via bluetooth up to 50 meters away! No more standing over the food watching like a hawk, you can socialise, host and entertain while checking the app for updates
- Accurate cooking - Never overcook a steak again, with this thermometer you can achieve the perfect finish for you, whether you like it rare, medium-rare or well-done.
Happy customers
People have been raving about the Ninja ProChef Wireless Thermometer after their purchase, using it for everything from air frying, to BBQing and smoking meat.
"Fantastic bit of kit, 100% recommended cooks everything to perfection," wrote one.
"I cook a lot and anything that makes my life easier is welcome here...When you're ready to cook your instructed in where to place the ProChef by the app. I had to choose the type of meat and cut then decide how well i wanted it cooked, once that was done i popped it in the oven and started the program on the app," explained one happy home cook.
They added: "The pork was cooked to perfection and not too dry like I usually cook it!"
"I'm a self confessed NinjaHolic, however - this piece of kit is a game changer for me!" raved one, saying it has changed their air fryer game: "I cook LOTS of meat as we follow a keto/carnivore eating plan. This thermometer is so easy to use. Simply open the Ninja app, insert the thermometer into the meat - select the meat type and desired temperature on the app and it does the rest!"
"I think this Thermometer is outstanding," shared one. "I've found that it does a super job of connecting, notifying, measuring and estimating times. The thermometer is waterproof and washable and it feels like a super premium product and feels like it will stay that way. I am highly impressed and totally recommend. Pro tip: If you have other Ninja products like the Ninja woodfire/airfryers then the app is pretty good at advising how to use them best depending how/what you are cooking."
If you don't want one that goes inside the drawer, you can buy a standard meat thermometer instead and pause the air fryer while cooking to check.
ThermoPro TP03H Meat Thermometer
£9.99
£8.99
Topics: Cooking
Jen Thomas