Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer MegaZone Air Fryer 10.4L AF500ME

Created by Hatch Villaverde, Modified on Wed, 30 Apr at 11:53 AM by Hatch Villaverde

Question	Answer
What are the different functions?	Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Bake & Prove
What do the different cooking functions do?	Max Crisp: Best for cooking smaller quantities of frozen food such as chicken nuggets and battered onion rings.
	Air Fry: Use this function to give your food crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
	Roast: Best for roasting joints of meat and vegetables.
	Reheat: Revive leftovers by gently warming them, leaving you with crispy results.
	Dehydrate: Dehydrate meats, fruits and vegetables for healthy snacks.
	Bake: Create decadent baked treats and desserts.
	Prove: Create an environment for dough to rest and rise.
What are the temperature ranges for each function?	Max Crisp: 240°C, no temperature adjustment available
	Air Fry: 150°C to 240°C, default temp 200°C
	Roast: 120°C to 210°C, default temp 190°C
	Reheat: 130°C to 210°C, default temp 170°C
	Dehydrate: 40°C to 90°C, default temp 60°C
	Bake: 120°C to 210°C, default temp 160°C
How many watts is the unit?	2470W
What are the dimensions of A500UK?	H: 32.7 x W: 41.5 x D: 27 cm
How much does the unit weigh?	9.4kg
How large is the drawer?	The Megazone is 10.4L and each zone is 5.2L. The megazone fits a 2kg chicken or up to 1.4kg of fries.
What materials are the drawer and crisper plates made with?	The drawers are made out of steel with a PTFE coating and the crisper plates are non-stick aluminium with a nano ceramic coating. The unit's exterior is BPA free.
Where is the power button located?	The power button is located on the front of the unit on the left-hand side of the UI.
How do I know if the unit is on?	When the unit is powered on, the digital display shows 00:00.
How do I start a cook function?	To select a cooking function, press the power button to turn the unit on, and then select the desired cooking function using the dial. Use the left and right arrows to adjust temperature and time. Press the START/STOP button to begin cooking.
Do I have to let the unit preheat before I use a function?	Preheating is not required.
How should I open/close/insert/remove the drawer?	Always use the handles on the side of the drawer when opening and closing the drawer.
When should I use the divider?	Insert the divider to separate the zones within the drawer
How do I use MEGAZONE?	To use the MEGAZONE, turn the unit on and select MEGAZONE (the unit will default to Zone 1). Select the desired cook function. Adjust the time and temperature accordingly using the left and right arrows (Note: This will adjust both zones). Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
When and how do I use Match?	Match sets both zones to the same time and temperature so both finish at the same time. To use Match, turn the unit on, insert the divider into the drawer and select MATCH. Select the desired cook function. Adjust the time and temperature accordingly using the left and right arrows (Note: This will adjust both zones). Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
When and how do I use Sync?	Sync is recommended when cooking 2 foods using 2 different functions, temperatures or cook times. To set up, insert the divider into the drawer and program each zone. Select SYNC to have both zones finish at the same time
When should I use the crisper plate?	For best cooking results, use the crisper plate when you want food to come out crispy and evenly cooked. The plate elevates the food in the drawer so that air can flow under and around it to cook ingredients evenly.
How do I change functions on the unit?	To change functions for a specific zone, press the corresponding number of the desired zone (either 1 or 2), and then select the desired function using the dial. Set your temperature and time using the arrows and press START/STOP to start cooking.
Do I need to use oil when air frying?	Although oil is not required, we recommend starting with one tablespoon and adjusting for personal preference, or
Do I need to use oil when air frying?	referencing the recipe for recommended oil amounts.
How do I cancel a cooking function?	Press the START/STOP button at any time during cooking to pause a cooking function. Press the power button to end cooking and turn off the unit.
Can I change the cooking function during cooking?	When using a single zone, there are two options:
	1. Turn the unit off and back on.
	2. Adjust the time down to zero, wait a few seconds and the unit will stop cooking.
	When using both zones, select the zone number you want to change, press the START/STOP button and you can select a new cooking function.
How do I adjust the temperature or time while cooking?	You can adjust the cook time at any point during cooking. To do so, select the zone number you want to change, and then press the UP/DOWN arrows on the left and right to adjust TEMP or TIME.
Why can't I change the temperature for Max Crisp?	There is no temperature adjustment available or necessary when using the Max Crisp function. The temperature is preset to 240°C.
Does the unit pause when I remove a drawer?	Cooking will automatically pause when a drawer is removed. Re-insert drawer to resume cooking.
How do I pause or stop one zone when using both zones?	If you would like to pause during this time, press the zone number you wish to stop then press the START/STOP button. If using the MEGAZONE, simply press the START/STOP button.
How do I pause or stop one zone when using both zones?	If you decide the food in one of the Zones is done cooking before the cook time is up, you can STOP A ZONE. Select that Zone, then press START/STOP button to pause the zone or set the time to zero.
Can I remove the drawer at any time during cooking?	Yes. We recommend that you remove the drawer a few times during cooking to stir your ingredients with silicone tipped utensils to ensure even browning. Press the START/STOP button to properly pause the unit before removing the drawers. Reinsert drawers then press START/STOP again to resume cooking.
Do I have to stir, rotate or flip the food in the drawer while cooking?	Yes. It is important to stir or rotate your food for consistent browning and crispiness. For best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to find out how often you should stir or rotate ingredients while cooking.
Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil in the drawers?	Yes. It is safe to use parchment paper and aluminum foil in the drawers. The use of aluminum foil is suggested in some recipes.
Is the drawer safe to put on my worktop?	The drawer will heat up during cooking. Use both hands and the handles on the side when handling the drawer and place them it on heat-safe surfaces only. DO NOT place the drawer on top of the unit.
Why is the unit taking so long to cook?	When both zones are in use, the air fryer distributes power to both zones during cooking. When only a single zone is in use, the unit allocates all the power to that single zone. So, if you are using both zones to cook, it may take longer than using a single zone.
Why won’t the temperature go any higher?	The air fryer has reached the max temperature for that setting.
Do I need to defrost frozen foods before air frying them?	It depends on the food. Follow package instructions. For food without instructions, refer to our cooking charts for more information.
Do I need to defrost frozen foods before air frying them?	NOTE: you must thaw proteins before using the probe.
Why do some ingredients blow around when air frying?	Occasionally, the fan from the air fryer will blow lightweight foods around. Use cocktail sticks to secure loose lightweight
Why do some ingredients blow around when air frying?	food, like the top slice of bread on a sandwich.
Can I air fry wet, battered ingredients?	Yes, but use the proper breading technique. It is important to coat foods first with flour, then with egg and then with bread crumbs. Press breading firmly onto the battered ingredients, so crumbs won't be blown off by the fan.
Why is my food undercooked?	Make sure the drawer is fully inserted during cooking. For consistent browning, make sure ingredients are arranged in an even layer on the bottom of the crisper plate with no overlapping.
	Stir or Toss ingredients or even crispiness periodically throughout the cook cycle. Cook temperature and time can be adjusted at any time during cooking.
	Simply use the right and left arrows to adjust the temperature or temperature.
Why is my food overcooked?	For best results, check progress throughout cooking and remove food when desired level of outcome has been achieved. Remove food immediately after the cook time is complete to avoid overcooking.
My food is not crispy/brown enough.	To achieve an even amount of crisping/browning, it is important to toss or flip your food throughout cooking. For best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to find out how often you should toss or flip ingredients while cooking. You may also increase the cook time or add additional oil in 1-tablespoon increments. Continue to toss or flip food to ensure even browning/crisping.
Will the outside of the unit get hot?	Yes, the outside of the unit heats up during cooking, but the control panel and drawer handle remain safe to touch. Note that your unit must be placed at least 15cm away from all walls/appliances/obstructions to ensure proper air flow and cooling of the unit.
How often should the unit, drawer and crisper plates be cleaned?	The unit, drawer and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use or when residue is noticed.
How do I clean the unit, drawer & crisper plates?	The unit, drawer and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Before cleaning, unplug the unit and allow cool. To clean the main unit and control panel, wipe them with a damp cloth

	For a quick clean of the drawer & crisper plates: Remove crisper plates and divider, and wash these in sink. Drain or wipe out any fat from drawer. Fill drawer with boiling water and a squirt of washing up liquid. Using a washing up brush, carefully remove any food residue. Drain water into sink and rinse with fresh water. Drain and dry.

	For a deep clean of the drawer & crisper plates: Remove crisper plates and divider. Carefully wash drawer* and accessories in sink OR place drawer and accessories in a dishwasher.
	*To extend the life of the drawer, we recommend hand-washing them.

	Thoroughly air-dry or towel-dry all parts after cleaning.
Why does the display show an "ERR" code?	The unit is not functioning properly. Please contact Customer Services.
Why is the unit beeping?	The cook time is complete or cooking has started in another zone.
Can I use this around birds?	This unit contains PTFE which can be toxic to birds at high temperatures.
Can I put this unit on my hob to store?	No, do not place this unit on any potentially hot surface.
Can I put the drawer in the oven?	No, the drawer cannot be used in any oven. Do no place on hot surfaces.
Can I use this unit to boil water?	Due to the strong convection fan, we do not recommend boiling water in the drawer.
Can I use oven cleaner on my unit?	No, harsh cleaners such as conventional oven or grill cleaners can ruin the non-stick coating.
How do I convert conventional oven temperature to the air fryer?	To convert recipes from your conventional oven, reduce the temperature by 10°C. Check food frequently to avoid overcooking.
Where is the exhaust located on the unit?	The exhaust vent is located on the back side of the unit. This area will heat up during cooking. Be sure to keep the unit at least 15cm away from any other surfaces.
Why is there steam coming from the unit during cooking?	It’s normal for some steam to release through either the vents or the basket, especially when cooking foods with high water content such as vegtables.
Can I cook different foods in each zone and not worry about cross contamination?	Yes, both zones are self-contained with separate heating elements and fans.
The crisper plate won't come out of the basket.	When removing the crisper plate, wait for the unit to cool, then remove the entire basket from the unit. To speed up the cooling process, remove the basket from the unit and run under cold water. Then reach into the basket and grab the small handle located in the center of the crisper plate. Pull up firmly to remove the crisper plate from the basket.
My food didn’t cook.	Make sure the basket is fully inserted during cooking. For consistent browning, ensure food is arranged evenly across the basket. When stacking ingredients, make sure to flip or shake food regularly for best cooking results. You can adjust the cook time at any point during cooking. To do so, select the zone number you would like to change, then press the UP/DOWN arrows to adjust TEMP or TIME. If using MATCH COOK, do not select a zone—just press the UP/DOWN arrows to adjust TEMP or TIME.