Quick Office Lunches: Our Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO Review

When you spend most of your day at a desk, lunch can easily become an afterthought - a sad sandwich eaten while staring at code, or an overpriced delivery that arrives cold. We decided to test whether having an air fryer in the office could transform our midday meals without turning the workspace into a kitchen.

What We Tested

The Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO with its 6.2L capacity in the Black & Copper finish. This is the single drawer model designed for family-sized portions, which translates well to office batch cooking.

Key Features

• 6.2L Large Square Drawer - Fits more food flat, avoiding stacking and ensuring even cooking
• Oil-Free Cooking - Uses rapid air circulation for crispy results without added fat
• Multiple Functions - Air fry, roast, and bake all in one unit
• Non-Stick Basket & Crisper Plate - Easy food release and cleaning
• Dishwasher Safe Parts - The basket and crisper plate can go straight in the dishwasher
• Included Silicone Tongs - Handy for flipping food without scratching the coating

Our Experience

The Good

Speed that respects lunch breaks: Most meals cook in 15-20 minutes. We've made crispy chicken, roasted vegetables, and even reheated leftovers to near-restaurant quality - all within a standard lunch hour.

Genuinely healthier meals: Without needing oil, we've cut significant calories from lunches. Chips come out crispy, chicken stays juicy, and vegetables get that roasted char we love - all with minimal fat.

The square basket is a game-changer: Unlike round air fryers, the square design means we can lay food flat. No more stacking items and hoping the middle pieces cook properly.

Clean-up is office-friendly: The dishwasher-safe basket means no scrubbing at the office sink. We just let it cool, take it home, and pop it in the dishwasher.

Quieter than expected: The fan noise is present but not disruptive. It's comparable to a coffee machine - noticeable but not conversation-stopping.

Considerations

Size requires planning: At 6.2L, this isn't a compact appliance. You'll need dedicated counter or storage space. We keep ours on a side table near the kitchen area.

The cooking smell: While not as intense as traditional frying, there is some aroma when cooking. Good ventilation or proximity to a window helps.

Learning curve exists: Different foods need different times and temperatures. The first few attempts might not be perfect as you learn what works.

Office-Friendly Meals We've Made

• Crispy chicken tenders (from frozen) - 18 minutes
• Roasted vegetable medley - 15 minutes
• Salmon fillets - 12 minutes
• Sweet potato fries - 20 minutes
• Reheated pizza (better than microwave) - 5 minutes
• Halloumi with vegetables - 10 minutes

Who Should Consider This?

• Teams who want healthier lunch options without leaving the office
• Anyone tired of sad desk sandwiches or expensive deliveries
• Offices with a small kitchen area or break room
• Those looking to meal prep for the week and reheat to crispy perfection
• Remote workers wanting quick, healthy meals without full kitchen clean-up

The Verdict

The Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO has genuinely changed how our team approaches lunch. What started as an experiment has become an office staple, with team members taking turns bringing in ingredients for group cooking sessions.

Is it essential office equipment in the traditional sense? Perhaps not. But in terms of improving daily work life, reducing lunch costs, and encouraging healthier eating habits during long coding sessions - it's been one of our better investments.

The 6.2L capacity is perfect for cooking multiple portions, the dishwasher-safe parts make clean-up reasonable for an office environment, and the results genuinely rival takeaway food. If your workplace has the space and a culture that would embrace communal cooking, the Ninja MAX PRO is worth serious consideration.