Viral TikTok reveals secret gadget built into Ninja air fryer

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There could be more to your Ninja air fryer than you first thought

Ninja Air fryer DZ550 with meat probe
(Image credit: Amazon/Ninja)

Ninja makes some of the best air fryers you can buy and there's always a flurry of interest in what the brand is up to. That extends to the some of the best coffee makers or blenders it also makes.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise when a recent TikTok post about a little-known feature available on some Ninja air fryers went viral.

"Secret" accessory

Tucked into the side of some Ninja air fryers is a hidden compartment, which reveals a meat probe when the cover is removed. It’s a super handy device, so you don’t need to use a separate meat thermometer to check that your protein has reached the perfect internal temperature.

What’s more, as it’s attached to the appliance, you won’t be rummaging around your kitchen drawers to find your meat thermometer hidden beneath a mound of kitchen clutter — instead, it’s safely stowed away in your air fryer.

As discussed, this feature is far from universal on Ninja machines and I could only confirm two such models have a meat probe included.

These are:

Ninja DZ550 6-in-1 Air Fryer with Smart Cook, 10-quart
Ninja DZ550 6-in-1 Air Fryer with Smart Cook, 10-quart: was $249 now $209 at Amazon

This 10-quart, 2-basket Ninja air fryer comes with a Smart Cook System. The integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of knowing when your protein is rare, medium or well done. Apart from air fry, it also features bakes, roast, reheat, air broil and dehydrate.

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But, if you discover that your Ninja air fryer doesn’t include a meat probe, you can buy the Ninja Foodi Smart Thermometer ($22 at Ninja Kitchen), which is compatible with the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 2-Basket Air Fryer.

Alternatively, there are plenty of other meat thermometers on the market, including Chef iQ’s Smart Sense Thermometer, which I highly rate, ($74 at Amazon).

Of course, if you do own a Ninja air fryer with a hidden meat probe that isn't on the above list — please let us know in the comments and we can update this article accordingly.

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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