Indoor grilling has come a long way, and the Ninja Foodi AG301 and AG302 are two of the most popular options for anyone looking to enjoy char-grilled flavors without firing up an outdoor grill. These 5-in-1 appliances don’t just grill—they also air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate, making them versatile kitchen companions.
At first glance, the AG301 and AG302 seem almost identical. They share the same 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology, smoke control system, and dishwasher-safe, nonstick accessories. But a small difference sets them apart, and that minor detail might determine which one is the better choice for you.
In this detailed comparison, I’ll break down how each model performs, what I liked, what could be better, and which one makes the most sense for different types of users. If you’re torn between the Ninja Foodi AG301 and AG302, keep reading—I’ll help you decide which one fits your cooking style and budget.
Quick Comparison Table – Ninja Foodi AG301 Vs AG302
| Feature | Ninja Foodi AG301 | Ninja Foodi AG302 |
| Functions | 5-in-1: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate | 5-in-1: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate |
| Cyclonic Grilling Technology | Yes (500°F rapid cyclonic air) | Yes (500°F rapid cyclonic air) |
| Smoke Control System | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Pot Capacity | 6 quarts | 6 quarts |
| Crisper Basket Capacity | 4 quarts | 4 quarts |
| Grill Grate Size | 10” x 10” | 10” x 10” |
| Temperature Range | 105°F – 500°F | 105°F – 500°F |
| Accessories Included | Grill Grate, 4-qt Crisper Basket, 6-qt Cooking Pot, Cleaning Brush, 15-Recipe Book | Grill Grate, 4-qt Crisper Basket, 6-qt Cooking Pot, Cleaning Brush, 20-Recipe Book, 5 Stainless-Steel Kebab Skewers |
| Power | 1760 Watts | 1760 Watts |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Nonstick Coating | Stainless Steel, Nonstick Coating |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 14.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14.9” D x 14.9” W x 11.02” H | 14” W x 5” H (Height listed differently in sources) |
| Price Difference | Generally Lower | Slightly Higher (due to extra accessories) |
Key Takeaway:
Both models perform exactly the same, with identical cooking power, features, and design. The only difference is that the Ninja Foodi AG302 includes 5 stainless steel kebab skewers and a 20-recipe book, whereas the AG301 does not. If you don’t need the skewers, the AG301 offers the same cooking experience at a lower price.
Ninja Foodi AG301 Review – A Closer Look
The Ninja Foodi AG301 is more than just an indoor grill—it’s a 5-in-1 multi-cooker that can grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. What sets it apart from regular electric grills is Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which circulates 500°F heated air around the food, ensuring even cooking and a perfect char-grilled finish.
It’s designed to replicate outdoor grilling without the smoke, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone who wants to grill year-round. The 4-quart air fryer basket lets you make crispy fries and wings with up to 75% less fat, while the 6-quart cooking pot is perfect for roasting meats and baking.
The nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup hassle-free. At 1760 watts, it delivers high cooking power, reducing cook times significantly.
What I Like About the Ninja Foodi AG301
1. Real Grill Marks and Char-Grilled Flavor
I was skeptical at first, but the AG301 delivers authentic grill marks and deep, smoky flavors. The 500°F grill grate mimics the high heat of an outdoor grill, ensuring a seared crust on steaks, burgers, and chicken.
2. Cooks from Frozen in 25 Minutes
One of the most impressive features is its ability to grill food straight from frozen. I tested this with frozen salmon fillets, and they were fully cooked, juicy, and slightly crispy in under 20 minutes. No need to thaw overnight!
3. Air Fryer and Grill in One
The air frying function works just as well as a standalone air fryer. I made French fries with a crispy golden texture and fried chicken with a juicy inside and crunchy exterior—all with minimal oil.
4. Smoke Control System Works Well
Unlike traditional indoor grills, the Smoke Control System keeps the kitchen from getting smoky. Even when grilling bacon or marinated meats, there’s very little smoke compared to other countertop grills.
5. Easy to Clean
The nonstick, dishwasher-safe components make cleanup simple. Even after grilling marinated chicken, a quick soak and a rinse in the dishwasher removed all residue.
What Could Be Better
1. Bulky and Heavy
At 20 pounds, the AG301 isn’t the most compact appliance. It takes up significant counter space, and storing it in a cabinet might be tricky if you have a small kitchen.
2. Grill Plate Can Be Hard to Clean
While most parts clean easily, the grill grate can be a bit stubborn with stuck-on food. If you grill something with a sugary marinade, be prepared to scrub a little harder.
3. No Additional Accessories
Unlike the AG302, this model does not include kebab skewers or an extended recipe book. If you’re someone who enjoys making kebabs, you’ll have to purchase skewers separately.
My Cooking Experience with the Ninja Foodi AG301
I used the AG301 to cook a variety of meals over a few weeks, testing its grilling, air frying, and roasting functions. Here’s how it performed:
Grilling Steak & Chicken
I started with a ribeye steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Setting the grill to Max (500°F), I got a perfect sear with deep grill marks in just 6 minutes per side. The steak was medium-rare and juicy with a slight crust—just like an outdoor grill.
For chicken breast, I wanted a tender, juicy texture without overcooking. The AG301 cooked it evenly in 10 minutes, locking in moisture without drying it out.
Air Frying Fries & Wings
I made French fries using the air crisp function at 375°F. In just 18 minutes, they came out crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and much healthier than deep-fried ones.
For wings, I tossed them in a dry rub and air-fried at 390°F for 25 minutes. They were crispy, flavorful, and evenly cooked, and tossing them in buffalo sauce made them even better.
Roasting Vegetables
I tried roasting asparagus and Brussels sprouts in the 6-quart cooking pot. Using a little olive oil and seasoning, they came out slightly charred and caramelized in about 12 minutes at 400°F.
Overall Verdict
The Ninja Foodi AG301 is an excellent all-in-one indoor grill with powerful performance and versatility. It’s ideal for anyone who wants smokeless grilling, air frying, and multi-function cooking in one appliance. However, if you want extra accessories like kebab skewers, you might want to consider the AG302 instead.
Ninja Foodi AG302 Review – A Closer Look
The Ninja Foodi AG302 is nearly identical to the AG301, offering the same 5-in-1 cooking functions: grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. It features Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which uses 500°F rapid cyclonic air to cook food evenly while ensuring a char-grilled finish. The 4-quart air frying basket allows you to enjoy crispy foods with less oil, and the 6-quart cooking pot is great for roasting and baking.
The main difference between the AG301 and AG302 is that the AG302 includes five stainless steel kebab skewers, making it a slightly better option for those who enjoy grilling skewered meats and veggies. Other than that, the power, size, and cooking functions remain the same.
The PTFE/PFOA-free, nonstick ceramic-coated cooking components are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless. At 1760 watts, it delivers the same high cooking power, ensuring quick and even cooking across all functions.
What I Like About the Ninja Foodi AG302
1. Includes Kebab Skewers for More Cooking Versatility
The biggest advantage over the AG301 is the inclusion of five stainless steel kebab skewers. If you love making grilled shrimp, beef kebabs, or vegetable skewers, this is a small but useful extra.
2. Great for Indoor Grilling Without the Smoke
Like the AG301, the AG302 features Smoke Control Technology, which helps reduce smoke while grilling. Even when cooking fatty cuts like ribeye steak or marinated chicken, there’s minimal smoke, making it apartment-friendly.
3. High Heat for Searing Meats Perfectly
The 500°F grill grate allows you to get a deep sear with grill marks, just like an outdoor grill. When cooking steaks, burgers, and pork chops, I got a nice crust without overcooking the inside.
4. Multi-Function Cooking in One Device
Having a grill, air fryer, roaster, baker, and dehydrator in a single appliance is a huge space saver. The air frying function produces crispy fries, chicken wings, and onion rings with less oil than traditional frying.
5. Easy to Clean and Maintain
The nonstick, ceramic-coated parts make cleaning simple. After grilling or air frying, I could pop them into the dishwasher, and they came out spotless.
What Could Be Better
1. Still Bulky and Heavy
Like the AG301, this model is large and weighs around 20 pounds, making it a bit of a challenge to move around. If you have limited counter space, you’ll need to find dedicated storage space.
2. Grill Grate Can Be Tricky to Clean
While most parts clean easily, the grill grate can get sticky, especially if you use a sugary marinade or sauce. If left to sit too long, it requires some extra scrubbing.
3. No Other Major Differences from AG301
Aside from the added kebab skewers, there’s no real functional difference between the AG301 and AG302. If skewers aren’t a big deal for you, the AG301 might be a better choice if it’s available at a lower price.
My Cooking Experience with the Ninja Foodi AG302
To put the AG302 to the test, I cooked various meals over several weeks, using its grilling, air frying, and roasting functions.
Grilling Beef and Chicken Skewers
I decided to test the included kebab skewers by making grilled beef kebabs. I marinated chunks of sirloin in olive oil, garlic, and spices, then threaded them onto the skewers with bell peppers and onions.
Grilling at High (450°F) for 10 minutes, the beef had perfect grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor. The vegetables were slightly charred but still firm—just like you’d get on an outdoor grill.
For chicken skewers, I marinated cubes of chicken breast in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. After grilling for 8 minutes at 450°F, they turned out juicy inside with a slightly crispy exterior. The skewers were a great addition, making grilling smaller pieces of meat much easier.
Air Frying Fries and Chicken Wings
Using the air crisp function, I made French fries at 375°F for 18 minutes. They turned out crispy and golden brown, without needing much oil.
For chicken wings, I seasoned them with salt and pepper, then air-fried them at 390°F for 25 minutes. They had a crunchy skin and juicy meat inside, and tossing them in buffalo sauce made them even better.
Roasting Vegetables
I used the 6-quart cooking pot to roast Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and carrots. After 12 minutes at 400°F, they had a light char and tender bite, with a deep roasted flavor.
Overall Verdict
The Ninja Foodi AG302 is a fantastic all-in-one indoor grill and air fryer with the added benefit of included kebab skewers. If you love grilling skewered meats and veggies, this model is a better choice over the AG301. However, if you don’t see yourself using the skewers often, the AG301 might be the smarter buy if it’s cheaper.
Ninja Foodi AG301 Vs AG302 – Head-to-Head Comparison
At first glance, the Ninja Foodi AG301 and AG302 look nearly identical. Both are 5-in-1 indoor grills that also function as air fryers, roasters, bakers, and dehydrators. They share the same Cyclonic Grilling Technology, 500°F cooking power, and Smoke Control System. But are there any real differences that set them apart? Let’s break it down.
Design & Build Quality
Both the AG301 and AG302 have the same stainless steel and black plastic exterior, giving them a modern, durable look. The compact, boxy shape with a hinged lid makes them countertop-friendly, though they do take up significant space.
Weighing around 20 pounds, both models are sturdy but heavy, meaning they aren’t the easiest to move around. If you plan to keep it in a cabinet when not in use, you’ll need to lift it carefully. The build quality is solid, with high-quality nonstick ceramic-coated cooking components, ensuring durability and easy maintenance.
Both models come with a digital control panel at the front, featuring temperature and time settings, cooking modes, and fan speed adjustments. The intuitive layout makes selecting the right settings easy.
Verdict: No Clear Winner
The AG301 and AG302 are identical in design, weight, and build quality, so there’s no advantage for either model in this category.
Cooking Performance & Versatility
Both the AG301 and AG302 perform exceptionally well when it comes to grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. They feature Cyclonic Grilling Technology, which circulates 500°F rapid cyclonic air around the food, ensuring even cooking and perfect char-grilled marks.
When grilling steaks, chicken, and burgers, both models deliver an outdoor grill-like experience indoors. The grill marks are impressive, and the flavors are rich due to the high-density grill grate.
For air frying, both units offer a 4-quart crisper basket, which is spacious enough to cook up to two pounds of French fries or chicken wings at once. The air frying function uses up to 75% less fat, making it a healthier option than deep frying.
When testing their roasting and baking capabilities, both models handle vegetables, chicken, and baked goods well. The 6-quart cooking pot is spacious enough for roasting a small chicken or making a casserole.
The dehydrating function works, but it takes longer than a dedicated food dehydrator. It’s useful for homemade beef jerky, apple chips, or dried herbs, but if dehydrating is your main focus, you might want a specialized appliance.
Verdict: No Clear Winner
Both models deliver the same powerful cooking performance, making them equally versatile.
Technology & Features
Both the AG301 and AG302 share the same key technologies:
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology – 500°F rapid air circulation for even cooking and grill marks.
- Smoke Control System – Reduces smoke, making indoor grilling hassle-free.
- Wide Temperature Range (105°F – 500°F) – Perfect for various cooking methods.
- Digital Control Panel – Easy-to-use settings for adjusting cooking functions and temperatures.
There is no technological difference between these two models. The only real distinction is that the AG302 comes with five stainless steel kebab skewers, which adds a bit more versatility for grilling skewered meats and veggies.
Verdict: AG302 Wins Slightly
Since the AG302 includes kebab skewers, it offers a tiny advantage in grilling versatility, but both models are otherwise the same in features and technology.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
Both models are user-friendly, with a simple digital interface that makes selecting cooking functions effortless. The cooking process is straightforward:
- Preheat the grill (if needed).
- Add food to the grill grate, air fryer basket, or cooking pot.
- Set the cooking mode, time, and temperature.
- Let the appliance do the work.
Because of the Smoke Control System, grilling indoors is virtually smoke-free, which is a significant advantage over traditional indoor grills.
For cleaning, all removable parts (grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot) are dishwasher-safe. The ceramic nonstick coating ensures that food doesn’t stick easily, making manual cleaning relatively easy.
However, the grill grate requires extra attention. If marinades or sauces burn onto the surface, you may need to scrub a bit harder to remove the residue.
Verdict: No Clear Winner
Both models are equally easy to use and clean.
Accessories & Extras
Here’s the one key difference between these two models:
- The AG301 comes with the standard accessories – a 4-quart crisper basket, 6-quart cooking pot, 10” x 10” grill grate, cleaning brush, and a 15-recipe cookbook.
- The AG302 includes everything from the AG301 but also adds five stainless steel kebab skewers.
The skewers are a nice bonus for grilling lovers, but they aren’t a must-have for everyone. If you don’t see yourself making kebabs often, the AG301 will be just as functional.
Verdict: AG302 Wins Slightly
If you love grilled skewers, the AG302 is the better pick. Otherwise, the AG301 is just as good.
Price & Value for Money
Price-wise, the AG301 is often slightly cheaper than the AG302, but the difference is usually small. If the price gap is significant, then the AG301 offers better value since the only difference is the included kebab skewers.
However, if both models are priced similarly, the AG302 makes more sense, as you get the extra accessories for the same price.
Verdict: AG301 Wins for Budget Buyers
If you find the AG301 at a lower price, it’s the better deal. But if prices are similar, go for the AG302 for the added skewers.
If you’re comparing Ninja indoor grills, you might also be interested in how the Ninja DG551 and FG551 stack up against each other. Both models offer advanced grilling technology, but they come with key differences in features and performance. Check out this detailed comparison of the Ninja DG551 vs FG551 to see which one suits your cooking needs best.
FAQs – Ninja Foodi AG301 Vs AG302
What is the main difference between the Ninja Foodi AG301 and AG302?
The only difference between these two models is that the AG302 includes five stainless steel kebab skewers, while the AG301 does not. Everything else—design, cooking performance, technology, and features—remains the same.
Does the AG302 cook better than the AG301?
No, both models have identical cooking performance. They use the same Cyclonic Grilling Technology with 500°F rapid air circulation, delivering perfect searing, grilling, and air frying results. The AG302 does not cook any better; it just comes with extra skewers.
Are both the AG301 and AG302 smoke-free?
Yes, both models feature Ninja’s Smoke Control System, which includes a temperature-controlled grill grate, cool-air zone, and splatter shield. This setup significantly reduces smoke, making them ideal for indoor use.
Can I use the AG301 and AG302 as an air fryer?
Yes! Both models function as a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning they can grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. The 4-quart crisper basket allows you to air fry French fries, chicken wings, and more with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
Are the cooking components dishwasher-safe?
Yes, both models come with a nonstick ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot, all of which are dishwasher-safe. The nonstick coating makes cleaning easy, even when washing by hand.
How much food can the Ninja Foodi AG301 and AG302 cook at once?
Both models have the same cooking capacity:
- 10” x 10” grill grate – Fits up to 4 steaks, 6 burgers, or 24 hot dogs.
- 4-quart crisper basket – Holds up to 2 pounds of French fries.
- 6-quart cooking pot – Can handle small roasts, casseroles, or baked dishes.
Which model offers better value for money?
If the AG301 is significantly cheaper, it’s the better value since the cooking performance is identical. However, if the price gap is small, the AG302 is the better buy because of the included skewers.
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
Both the Ninja Foodi AG301 and AG302 are fantastic indoor grills with air frying capabilities, offering identical performance, design, and ease of use.
Choose the Ninja Foodi AG301 if:
- You want the best value for money and don’t need kebab skewers.
- You found it at a lower price than the AG302.
- You primarily need an indoor grill and air fryer without extra accessories.
Choose the Ninja Foodi AG302 if:
- You love grilling skewers and want the included five stainless steel kebab skewers.
- The price difference is minimal, making the extra accessories a bonus.
- You want the most complete package for grilling versatility.
If the AG301 is significantly cheaper, it’s the better deal. But if they’re priced the same, the AG302 is the smarter choice due to the included skewers. Either way, you’re getting one of the best indoor grills on the market.
