The Smart Cooker Hub

My Week in Smart Cooking

November 1st, 2024
I’m far from an expert chef, but this week I feel like I’ve had some success in my smart cooking adventures.
1. For dessert, I’ve tried this recipe for chocolate chip oatmeal cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction. I followed the recipe and cooking time and temp using the bake setting in the Ninja Woodfire Grill. Baking them in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper worked perfectly as I made six at a time! I love keeping the dough in the fridge and freezer, so I can whip up a batch whenever we crave a delicious sweet treat. They turned out amazing! This is definitely going to be my go-to cookie recipe for quite some time. Plus, we recently joined Costco, and my boyfriend was super enthusiastic about buying a huge bag of oats, even though I intended for him to get those instant packets from Quaker. So, get ready for lots of oat recipes coming your way soon!
1. Chicken Nuggets – my very own top-secret recipe. Grab some Costco chicken thighs and chop them into chunks because apparently, we love playing “guess the chicken piece.” Toss those beauties in flour and your favorite seasonings like a chef who just lost their recipe book. Give them a spritz of avocado oil (because why not treat them like royalty?) and air fry them in the Ninja Woodfire for a glorious 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Pro tip: for chicken nuggets that truly rock your taste buds, let them soak in pickle juice for a few hours first. Nothing says gourmet like pickled chicken!
2. Speaking of Costco…we now have a year’s worth of Basmati rice. Yes, that’s right—if there’s a rice shortage, it’s definitely our fault! I found this instant pot Basmati recipe from My Heart Beets that I followed to the letter, despite it feeling more complicated than my love life. I wash the rice like I’m preparing it for a spa day, soak it, and toast it with ghee and seasonings—because plain rice is so last season. Sure, it’s more effort than I’m usually willing to invest in rice, but when I’ve got enough for leftovers, I become a culinary genius! Honestly, this dish comes shockingly close to what I’d get at an Indian restaurant. I can totally see this as an excellent base for pilafs. If only I had a matching chef hat!
4. Ninja Creami Nice Cream – my personal recipe! Just mash up a couple of bananas, toss in a handful of strawberries, and mix in some almond butter with a splash or two of almond milk. Pop it into a Ninja Creami container and let it freeze overnight. When you’re ready to dig in, take it out of the freezer about 15 minutes before you spin it. Add a splash of almond milk creamer and spin it on the light ice cream setting. Scoop it into a bowl and don’t forget the sprinkles!

So that’s what my week in Smart Cooking looks like! I don’t even touch the stove or oven at home (my boyfriend’s not having it….) It’s all about cooking out on the patio with cool gadgets like the Instant Pot and Ninja cookers. At least the Creami has a spot on the kitchen counter. Stay tuned for more updates on keeping the indoor air fresh and whipping up meals with electric smart cookers!
Cluck Yeah! Dive into the Best: Smartcooker.blog’s Top 3 Ninja Woodfire Chicken Recipes

January 25th, 2024

Welcome to the world of culinary delight! Cooking chicken on your Ninja Woodfire Grill is a game-changer for several reasons. Not only does chicken effortlessly please the entire family, but it also stands as a healthy option, fitting seamlessly into most diets. The Ninja Woodfire Grill takes it up a notch, offering a unique flavor profile that goes beyond what the oven can achieve. Get ready to transform your chicken dinners into flavorful feasts that cater to both taste and well-being! 🍗🔥

1. Grilled Chicken Breasts

Elevate your mealtime with the simplicity and wholesome goodness of grilled chicken breasts. This recipe by CookingWithCJ is a winner. As a healthy and family-friendly option, these succulent delights are a go-to choice that effortlessly pleases all palates. Found in virtually every grocery store, the accessibility of grilled chicken makes it a convenient staple for a quick, nutritious fix. Whether crowning a vibrant salad or taking center stage as the main dish, these grilled chicken breasts are your ticket to a delicious and versatile dining experience. 🔥🍗 #GrilledChickenPerfection #FamilyFriendlyFeast #SimpleAndSatisfying

2. Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these crispy smoked chicken wings that take your taste buds on a journey to barbecue bliss. These wings are not just good; they’re rivaling your favorite smokehouse joint. Perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside, they’re a surefire hit for pleasing the whole crew. Plus, the fun factor is off the charts – these wings are so finger-lickin’ good, you’ll forget utensils exist. Add in some zesty dipping sauces, and you’ve just elevated your at-home wing game to a whole new level of smoky deliciousness! Thank you, Twan for this delicious recipe. His whole YouTube Chanel is nothing but hits, so check it out if you’re looking for more recipes! 🍗🔥 #SmokedChickenWings #FlavorExplosion #WingPerfection

3. Ninja Woodfire Grill Charcoal Smoked Air Fryer Leg Quarters

Dive into the irresistible world of charcoal-smoked leg quarters, where the taste of authentic BBQ comes alive right in your home kitchen. The dark meat’s versatility makes it a culinary canvas that’s practically foolproof, guaranteeing a mouthwatering experience every time. Beyond its culinary merits, the affordability of leg quarters makes this BBQ delight accessible to all. So fire up the grill, savor the aroma of charcoal-kissed perfection, and enjoy an affordable yet gourmet BBQ experience that’s hard to resist! 🔥🍖 Thank you to chef Doug for the recipe! #CharcoalSmokedBBQ #LegQuarterFeast #HomeGrilling

Try it? 🔮

I hope you’ve enjoyed this flavorful journey through our top chicken recipes for the Ninja Woodfire Grill. I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures. Your feedback is the secret ingredient that makes our recipes truly special. Feel free to leave your thoughts and experiences below. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious moments! 🍽️✨ #CookingAdventures #FeedbackWelcome #HappyCooking
Savor the Flavor: Smartcooker.blog’s Top 3 Must-Try Ninja Woodfire Grill Beef Recipes

January 19th, 2024

Welcome to the sizzling world of culinary excellence! Today, I’m excited to take you on a flavor-packed journey as we explore the top three Ninja Woodfire Grill recipes that Smartcooker.blog has handpicked, all centering around the mouthwatering realm of beef BBQ.

In our home, beef is a rarity, mainly because of health and the expense to buy a humanely raised cut. Our daily meals revolve around the Mediterranean Diet, where red meat makes an appearance only 3-4 times a month. So, when we do decide to include beef in our menu, it’s a thoughtful choice. Choosing the right recipe becomes essential for these infrequent indulgences—a chance to appreciate the flavors and make the most of our Ninja Woodfire Grill in creating a humble, yet delicious, beef experience.

Prepare to elevate your grilling game and savor the art of BBQ mastery with these delectable creations. Join me as we uncover the secrets behind these YouTube gems, igniting your passion for exceptional grilling experiences. Let the adventure begin! 🌶🥩🔥

1. Reverse Seared Picanha Steaks by Maddie and Kiki

Picanha steak, originating from South America, is a prized cut of beef known for its exceptional flavor and tenderness. This triangular-shaped sirloin cap, often seasoned with simple yet bold spices, grills to perfection, yielding a juicy and succulent dining experience.

In this video, YouTubers Maddie and Kiki describe how this relatively affordable cut of meat can be sliced, smoked, and then reversed seared on the Ninja Woodfire Grill.

This picanha steak recipe is one of my go-tos because it’s like a flavor-packed time machine that zips me back to that awesome date night with my husband at a Brazilian steakhouse. It’s nostalgia in food form!

2. Smoked Prime Rib by Cooking with CJ

This show-stopping Smoked Prime Rib recipe is tailor-made for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Not only does this culinary masterpiece impress a crowd with its succulent flavors, but the joy continues with ample leftovers, ensuring that the festivities linger on even after the main event.

CJ is a Ninja Woodfire Pitmaster extraordinaire! With a ton of grill and smoker know-how, he’s like the guru of cooking on these bad boys. Trust me, if you’re rolling with a CJ recipe, you’re in for a tasty ride – no fancy chef skills required!

3. Poor Man’s Burt Ends (Chuck Roast)

Another CJ recipe!

This recipe is my jam because it nails that mouthwatering burnt ends flavor (you know, the holy grail of brisket) minus the fuss of smoking a massive, wallet-draining piece of meat. Just grab a Chuck Roast – it’s budget-friendly and everywhere – and get your BBQ game on! Cheers to some seriously happy grilling! 🍖🔥

Try it? Leave a Comment Below!

What do you think of my top 3 beef recipes? Feel free to argue below! I’m always open to dissent. Thanks for reading!
Sizzling Success: Why the Ninja Woodfire Grill Is My Smart Cooker MVP

January 19th, 2024
Introducing my culinary companion and (outdoor) kitchen game-changer – the Ninja Woodfire Grill! 🍽️ As a passionate home cook, this versatile smart cooker has become my most used kitchen essential, elevating my cooking experience to new heights. I am thrilled with the incredible functionality it brings to the table, seamlessly transitioning between air frying, grilling, and smoking with impressive ease. 🥩🍗🥐🌶️

Functionality
- This beast performs seven cooking functions: Grill, Smoker, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Air Crisp, and Broil). As an outdoor grill, electric smoker, and air fryer, it works perfectly. Roasting and Baking work wonderfully as well, though adjusting temperatures for bakes may be needed due to the cooker’s compact size and robust heating element
- The standout feature? Undoubtedly, it’s the smoke function. This smart cooker excels in infusing dishes with an authentic woodfire smoke flavor, making it worth every penny. I’ve smoked my own brisket, tri tip, prime rib, chicken, ribs, and more. The device lets you add a blast of real woodfire smoke flavor to anything you have cooking. Using the woodfire blast feature, I’ve add a smoky layer to grilled steaks, fish, and even a pizza! 🍕It’s taking my home cooking to amazing heights.
Ease of Use
- The Woodfire Grill is easy to use. The buttons and dials are obvious and the display is easy to read. It is idiot proof. Even I figured it out.
- For the grilling and air fry functions, there is no learning curve. I was grilling and air frying masterpieces right out of the box.
- If you’ve never smoked meats before - the included recipe book gives It might take some practice to BBQ like the pros of Franklins, but as a smoking novice, I loved my first results with brisket and tri tip.
- Cooking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted for bakes and roasts. I have burned some lasagnas and taken an hour to cook a frittata, but in the end, I figured it out and was more than satisfied with the results.
- The Woodfire Grill is a bit larger than its indoor predecessor, the Ninja Foodi Grill. The Woodfire Grill measures 23.62 x 18.58 x 13.31 inches. It can easily handle air frying 3/4 a bag of fries and at least 2 NY Strips on the grill before I’m worried about over-crowding.
Versitility
- This thing is versatile AF! I mean, seven functions? I haven’t even used the dehydrate setting yet. If you can eat it, this thing will find a way to cook it.
- I love the Woodfire Flavor tech button that lets you add a smoky blast to anything you’re cooking. This way, you can get that smoky taste to anything you have cooking, whether you’re grilling, air frying, or baking.
- The only thing it can’t really make is stews and sautés / stir-fries. But that’s why God made the Instant Pot.
Cooking Results
- The results are phenomenal and so much better than anything I can get out of my regular home oven. My 2 year old gets so excited when he sees me cooking on it, he stands at my feet yelling “eat! eat! hot! food!” until he finally gets his meal. Stay tuned to this blog for in-depth recipes and tips for meat and vegetarian dishes!
- The Woodfire grill does come with a quick start guide and recipe book, however, not all of their recipes are created equal. For smoking, definitely look to the wisdom of experienced pit masters to get some guidance. I look to Cooking with CJ for additional input.
Durability / Cleaning and Maintenance
- The Woodfire Grill will last you a long while. We have had ours for over a year and use it almost daily (we live in SoCal so it’s easy for us to cook outside). It shows no signs of slowing down.
- The Woodfire Grill comes with non-stick, ceramic grill plates and air fryer basket. They are NOT dishwasher safe. If washed with mild soap and warm water, the non-stick element will last awhile. However, you will eventually have to replace these parts, even with the best of care. It’s affordable to replace them (around ~$30 USD). I have used mine almost daily for a year and I am just now considering replacing the grill plate, as things are starting to stick.
- I clean the inside hood with some Citrusafe to get off some of the grime. I’ve found that I can’t get the grill factory-level clean, but…it is a smoker…with hot smoke swirling around in there. I don’t think it’s meant to be “factory new” after more than a month of use.
Smart Features
- Some models come with a smart thermometer that will allow you to cook thick cuts of meat to temp. The machine will turn itself off when the meat reaches the desired temperature. There is even a model now that allows you to check the temp remotely from your cell phone. This wasn’t available when we bought ours in 2022.
- Of course, the Woodfire Tech is amazing and makes the device worth the price point.
Accessories and Extras
- You will need smoking pellets to use the smoke function. Ninja insists that you are only to use their proprietary smoking pellets, which come in a mild or robust flavor. I’ve only ever used the Ninja brand and am happy with results, however, if you look around on YouTube, you will find some top level pitmasters that use pellets from other brands.
- Ninja makes a stand with attachable side tables. It looks beautiful. My hubs bought a more affordable version from Amazon.
- Cover – if you’re storing the device outdoors, the cover is a must! The Ninja Woodfire Grill is expensive, so spend a little extra to protect your investment. The cover retails for around ~$20 USD.
- A Grill plate and air fryer basket are included with purchase. Browse the accessories and parts page on the Ninja site, and you will see a plethora of add-ons: rib racks, griddle plates, and more. You can also explore Amazon for compatible accessories.
Overall Satisfaction
- I’m in love. If you like to cook and like to cook outside, buy this thing yesterday. Happy Cooking!
Let me know!

Do you have a Ninja Woodfire Grill? Are you as happy as I am? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you.
Sonic Inspired Cherry Vanilla Smoothie Bowl

January 18th, 2024

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Unleashing Culinary Innovation: A Guide to Different Types of Smart Cookers

January 16th, 2024
In the dynamic world of modern cooking, smart cookers have emerged as the heroes of efficiency and innovation. From speedy pressure cookers to versatile basket air fryers, each type brings a unique set of features to the table. In this blog post, we’ll explore the diverse landscape of smart cookers, highlighting the benefits and culinary possibilities they offer.
1. Basket Air Fryers:
  - Technology at Its Crispiest: Basket air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy layer without the need for excessive oil.
  - Versatility Unleashed: Perfect for frying, roasting, and even baking, these smart cookers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
2. Pressure Cookers:
  - Efficiency Redefined: Pressure cookers use steam and high pressure to cook food quickly, saving both time and energy.
  - Tender and Flavorful Results: Ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat, pressure cookers lock in flavors and nutrients, producing succulent dishes in a fraction of the time.
3. Electric Grills:
  - Grilling, Indoors and Outdoors: Electric grills provide a convenient way to enjoy grilled delights without the need for an open flame.
  - Precision Cooking: With adjustable temperature controls, electric grills ensure that your meats and veggies are cooked to perfection every time.
4. Smokers:
  - Infusing Flavor with Smoke: Smokers add a rich, smoky flavor to meats and other dishes, creating a unique and gourmet taste.
  - Low and Slow Cooking: Ideal for slow-cooking meats, smokers turn tough cuts into tender masterpieces, making them a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts.
From the quick and crisp magic of basket air fryers to the time-saving efficiency of pressure cookers, the world of smart cookers offers a spectrum of possibilities for culinary exploration. Electric grills and smokers add their own flavors to the mix, making outdoor cooking a delightful adventure. Whichever smart cooker you choose, embrace the innovation they bring to your kitchen and elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Happy cooking!