Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, crispy, and healthy meals that don’t heat up your kitchen. The Ninja Air Fryer XL is a versatile appliance that can help you whip up delicious summer treats with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
Listen free for 30 days with Audible
Thousands of audiobooks and originals — cancel anytime.
Start your free trialAs an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Whether you’re preparing snacks for a backyard gathering or quick weeknight dinners, mastering a few tips and hacks can elevate your air frying game and make your summer cooking effortless and fun.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja Air Fryer XL
- ✔ Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 14 inches
- ✔ Weight: 14 pounds
- ✔ Power: 1550W
Master the MaxCrisp for Perfect Summer Snacks
The MaxCrisp technology in your Ninja Air Fryer XL is designed to deliver fast, crispy results with little oil. For summer snacks like crispy zucchini chips or chicken wings, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then arrange your food in a single layer for even crispiness. Use the crisper plate for extra crunch and monitor the cooking time to prevent over-browning. Remember, a light spray of oil can enhance texture without excess calories.
Optimize Cooking with the Right Temperature and Time
Summer recipes often involve fresh produce or delicate proteins. To preserve flavors and textures, set the air fryer to 375°F for most vegetables or seafood, and up to 450°F for extra crispy items like fries or fried chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking duration—start with recommended times from your recipe book and adjust based on your preferred crispiness. Using the ‘Reheat’ function can be handy for leftovers, keeping them crispy without overcooking.
Utilize the Dehydrate Function for Healthy Summer Snacks
Dehydrating fruits like strawberries or mango slices is a fun summer hack to make your own healthy snacks. Slice fruits evenly, place them on the crisper plate or a parchment-lined tray, and select the dehydrate function at 135°F. This method preserves natural sweetness and provides a guilt-free treat perfect for picnics or road trips.
Keep Your Air Fryer Clean for Summer Parties
After preparing multiple summer dishes, cleaning your air fryer is crucial. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy. Wipe down the exterior and interior with a damp cloth, especially after cooking greasy items, to keep your appliance in top shape for the season’s busy cooking schedule.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Air Fryer XL

The Ninja Air Fryer XL combines versatility, speed, and healthier cooking, making it ideal for summer meals and snacks. Its MaxCrisp technology ensures crispy results with less oil, perfect for busy family gatherings or quick solo meals.
Pros:
- Fast, crispy results with minimal oil
- Six versatile cooking functions
- Large capacity for family-sized meals
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Bulky for small kitchens
- Limited to 450°F max temperature
- Controls may seem complex for some users
Best for: Families and home cooks wanting quick, healthy summer dishes
Not ideal for: Those with limited kitchen space or seeking higher temperature options
Bottom line: A versatile, easy-to-use air fryer that makes summer meals crispy and healthy.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
Flea & tick season Picks
flea and tick prevention
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.