This the Ultimate Small Appliance — And It’s on Sale Ahead of Prime Day

Every time another countertop appliance enters my home, I have to seriously ask it: “What are you even doing here?” An appliance has to work some kind of magic in order to justify its existence in my space-limited kitchen. Last year I said goodbye to my Instant Pot because I wasn’t using the pressure cooker. So when I tell you I’ve made space for the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer, it must mean it’s got something special going on.

The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer is a multicooker that lets you cook two different things using two different methods at the same time. A few examples include the following:

• Steam and crisp
• Steam and bake
• Sear and sauté

• Air-fry
• Bake
• Broil

• 14.1 x 13.8 x 12.4 inches
• 16 pounds

Cooking two different foods using two different methods at the same time is a pretty nifty trick. The heating element is up top, under the lid. Inside there’s a removable pot with a steaming/crisping tray you can set near the top or bottom. I’ve cooked sausages on the top rack and steamed greens below. The cooker comes with a little cookbook to guide you through the timing of other combinations.

It’s energy efficient. I love the concept of cooking two different foods in one device at the same time. And I like that I’m taking a break from my gas stove and oven. It’s good to have options.

It’s easy to clean. I can take the tray and inner pot out and clean them in the dishwasher. The non-stick surface is living up to its name so far. Occasionally (due to user error) I’ve had to clean the heating element with a wet sponge.

It’s versatile. I don’t fry often enough to justify a single-function cooker. But I have been air-fryer curious for a while. I tried an air fryer pork belly recipe in the Ninja and the result was a dream. Will I ever get around to making air fryer donuts or air fryer tortilla chips? Maybe. But at least the Ninja won’t be collecting dust — I’ve been using the slow cooker function to make homemade chicken stock and this perfect ginger chicken congee.

It’s a better warmer for leftovers. You know what happens when you warm certain foods in the microwave: Crusts go cardboardy (I’m looking at you, pizza and samosas).

Two words: crispy potstickers. This is my favorite use. I spritz the tray and Trader Joe’s frozen potstickers with a little avocado oil. Then I set the tray on top and air-fry (with a little bit of water in the pot below for steaming) for about seven minutes. Ta-da.

Buy: Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer, $184.99 (normally $199.99)