Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.5/10
Best for: Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating, cooking two foods at once
Not for: Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity
Bottom line: A practical air fryer (10.4L, dual zone, 7 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer AF500UKCP is a dual-zone air fryer featuring two drawers, each designed to cook different foods at the same time, with a 10.4L capacity across the drawers for larger batches. This air fryer review uk summary highlights its parallel cooking approach, as each side can be used independently without waiting for a single basket cycle. The removable divider supports flexible batch sizes depending on what is being cooked. For day-to-day practicality, the non-stick parts are dishwasher safe, helping to reduce cleaning time, although the dual-drawer and divider layout may be less suited to single-item meals.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Zones | 2 drawers |
| Capacity | 10.4L total (split across two drawers) |
| Functions | 7-in-1 |
| Parts | Dishwasher safe |
| Divider | Removable |
Pros
- 10.4L capacity
- Dual zone - cook two foods at once
- 7 cooking functions
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
- Faster and cheaper to run than a full-size oven
Cons
- Takes up worktop space (dual-zone models are bulky)
- Cooks smaller batches than a full-size oven
- Some foods still need a light spray of oil to crisp up
Capacity and Size
With a total capacity of 10.4L across two drawers, the Ninja is set up for cooking multiple portions at once, which suits batch cooking and family meals. Each drawer is designed to hold different items, and the removable divider adds flexibility when more space is needed on one side. The dual-zone layout allows two smaller batches to be cooked separately without combining everything. For larger meals, using the full 10.4L is practical, although the exact fit depends on the shape of the food. Dishwasher-safe parts support easier cleaning, but storage space will be affected by the unit's overall size.
Cooking Performance and Functions
Cooking performance on the air fryer is built around its dual-zone, two-drawer layout and a 7-in-1 function set designed for everyday meal prep. It includes Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Crisp, with the two drawers able to operate at the same time, which helps when cooking different items such as protein and sides. A removable divider supports larger or more varied loads. Non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup straightforward after repeated use. Overall results are practical, assuming normal batch sizes.
Single or Dual Zone
The Ninja uses a dual-zone design with two separate drawers that can cook different dishes at the same time. Each drawer operates independently, making it easier to handle meals that need different cooking. A removable divider supports flexible loading for larger items, effectively changing the usable space. Dual zones can be less suitable for single large portions, because space planning depends on the size and thickness of the food.
Ease of Use and Controls
Ease of Use and Controls are based on the fact that the air fryer has two separate drawers, and each drawer can be operated independently. This lets one drawer run a food programme while the other is set up for a different task, which helps with coordinating cook times. The controls are straightforward, with seven cooking functions, including Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Crisp, plus others within the 7-in-1 set. Users select a function, choose the heat and time, then slide each 10.4L drawer into place. The dual-drawer layout makes day-to-day operation simple, but getting the timing right can take a few trial runs for new users.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance are relatively simple for the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer AF500UKCP as it has dishwasher-safe parts, but basic care after each use helps keep it in good condition. After cooking, it should be unplugged and left to cool fully before the two drawers and removable divider are removed. Grease and crumbs should be wiped from surfaces first, as stuck residue can reduce hygiene. The non-stick drawer components are dishwasher safe, and air-drying helps prevent water marks. The outer casing should be cleaned with a damp cloth only, and abrasive pads should not be used.
Noise and Energy Use
Noise and energy use depend mainly on the length of time the Ninja runs and how full the drawers are. The dual-drawer design means it can cook two portions at once. In day-to-day use, it is generally louder during active cooking cycles than when idle, because airflow and heating are in operation. For efficient results, it helps to plan batch cooking, since shorter cycles for smaller loads can lead to extra run time if the food needs more time to cook through. Using both drawers can reduce overall cooking time, but splitting smaller portions may still require multiple starts. Overall, noise levels and energy consumption vary with food volume.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
The air fryer suits cooks who want a dual-zone air fryer setup for preparing two portions or components at the same time, as it offers a 10.4L total drawer capacity split across two removable drawers. It fits households that often cook mixed meals, such as proteins and sides, where timing can be tight. The removable divider and dual-drawer design also support cooking different foods separately rather than together. It includes 7-in-1 functions, covering air fry, roast, bake and crisp, for everyday cooking tasks. Dishwasher-safe parts are suitable for easier cleaning, although specific maintenance details are not provided.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the Ninja in the UK is usually easiest through major retailers that stock The air fryer (SharkNinja) air fryers, since it is sold as a specific dual-zone model with a 10.4L drawer and a removable divider. Buyers should check the model number AF500UKCP in product listings, because similar FlexDrawer units may differ in capacity and features. Availability can also be verified on this air fryer website or with authorised shops, then compared against what is included, especially the divider and dishwasher-safe parts. If stock is limited, online marketplaces can help, but delivery times vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja worth it?
For faster, lower-oil cooking of chips, chicken, veg and reheats, the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer AF500UKCP earns its place with 10.4L capacity and two drawers so you can cook two things at once. It is also cheaper to run than heating a full-size oven - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Is the air fryer big enough for a family?
This air fryer has 10.4L capacity, split across two drawers, so the usable space per drawer is smaller than the total suggests. As a rough guide, 4-5L suits 1-2 people, 6-8L suits 3-4, and larger or dual-drawer models suit families of 4 or more.
What are the downsides of the Ninja?
Air fryers take up worktop space (dual-zone models are bulky), cook smaller batches than a full oven, and some foods still need a light oil spray. They are best for crisping and reheating rather than replacing every oven job, which is why they suit some kitchens better than others.
Is the air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
For small and medium portions, usually yes - the Ninja heats a much smaller space than a full-size oven and cooks faster, so it uses less energy. For large meals that fill a big oven anyway, the saving is smaller. Exact cost depends on its wattage and your tariff.
Can the air fryer cook two things at once?
Yes - the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer AF500UKCP has two separate drawers, so you can cook two foods at different temperatures and times, and finish them together. It is ideal for a main and a side, though it takes up more worktop space than a single-drawer model.
What can you cook in this air fryer?
The Ninja has 7 cooking functions covering jobs like air-fry, roast, bake, grill and reheat. Beyond chips it handles chicken, fish, veg, bacon and reheating leftovers crisply; baking and dehydrating are possible on models that offer those modes.
Is the air fryer easy to clean?
The Ninja has dishwasher-safe parts, so the drawer and crisper plate can go in the dishwasher; a quick wipe of the inside after use keeps it fresh.
Do you need oil in the air fryer?
Little or none - this air fryer circulates hot air to crisp food, so most things need only a light spray of oil or none at all. Naturally fatty foods like sausages need no added oil, while a fine mist helps fresh chips and breaded items crisp up.