Air fryer grills bring the smoky char of outdoor grilling indoors, combining a real grill plate or grate with the hot-air circulation of an air fryer so you can sear steaks, burgers, and vegetables year-round without stepping outside. Unlike a basket-only air fryer, the best air fryer grill models are built around an actual grilling surface, which is what produces true grill marks and char-grilled flavor rather than just crispy edges. Our top pick is the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer for its Cyclonic Grilling Technology and family-size grill plate that come closest to replicating an outdoor grill indoors.
We rounded up 7 indoor grill and air fryer combos for July 2026, spanning Ninja Foodi, George Foreman, Gourmia and more, and ranked them by real customer ratings and review volume rather than marketing claims. If you do not need a grill plate and just want a straightforward basket air fryer, our guide to the best air fryers covers that simpler category instead.
Pros
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology delivers real char-grilled marks and flavor without a backyard grill
- XL grill plate handles family-size portions without crowding the basket
- 5 cooking modes cover grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating in one countertop unit
- Removable, dishwasher-safe grill grate and crisper basket simplify cleanup
Cons
- Bulkier footprint than a basket-only air fryer, so it needs real counter space
- No built-in probe thermometer, so doneness on thick cuts still relies on a separate meat thermometer
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer is built around a genuine grill grate rather than just a perforated basket, so it sears real char marks into steaks, chicken, and vegetables using Cyclonic Grilling Technology to circulate high heat around the food. That single feature is what separates it from a standard air fryer and puts it at the top of this list.
Beyond grilling, the unit switches to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate modes, so it can crisp up frozen sides, roast a small chicken, or dehydrate fruit without pulling out a second appliance. The XL grill plate is sized for family portions, which matters if you are regularly cooking for more than two people.
The trade-off is footprint. This is one of the larger countertop appliances in this guide, so it needs a dedicated spot rather than a shelf you tuck it into after every use. It also skips a built-in probe thermometer, so if you want a precise internal temperature reading on a thick cut, you will still want a separate instant-read thermometer.
Bottom line: if you want the closest indoor substitute for a backyard grill along with air fryer versatility, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL is the most complete all-around pick in this guide.
Key Specs:
- Brand: Ninja Foodi
- Model: AG301
- Functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate
- Grill Technology: Cyclonic Grilling Technology
- Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe grill grate and crisper basket
Grilling Tips:
- Preheat the grill grate with the lid closed for a few minutes before adding food so you get better sear marks
- Pat proteins dry and lightly oil the grate to avoid sticking
- Leave space between pieces on the XL grate so hot air can still circulate around each one
Best For: Households of 3 or more who want real grill flavor indoors year-round without firing up an outdoor grill.
Consider Instead: If counter space is tight, the more compact Ninja Foodi EG201 covers similar grilling ground in a smaller footprint.
Pros
- Integrated smart probe reads internal temperature so steaks come out at the exact doneness you set
- Cyclonic Grilling Technology delivers the same char-grilled sear as the larger Foodi models
- Stainless finish looks at home on an open kitchen counter
- Roast, bake, and dehydrate functions add oven-style versatility beyond grilling
Cons
- 4-quart capacity and 4-steak footprint suit smaller households more than large families
- Probe placement takes a little practice to get an accurate reading on thinner cuts
The Ninja Foodi Pro 5-in-1 takes the same Cyclonic Grilling Technology as the larger Foodi grills and adds an integrated smart probe, so instead of guessing when a steak is done, you set a target temperature and let the unit pull it off the grate at the right moment.
It is sized around roughly 4 steaks per batch, which makes it a better fit for a couple or a small family than for feeding a crowd. Outside of grilling, it also roasts, bakes, and dehydrates, so it can handle side dishes and snacks in the same footprint.
The probe is the standout feature, but it does take a couple of uses to learn exactly where to place it in different cuts for a consistent reading, especially on thinner pieces of meat where there is less room for error.
Bottom line: if precise doneness matters more to you than sheer capacity, the smart probe on this Ninja Foodi Pro makes it easy to hit medium-rare on demand instead of cutting into a steak to check.
Key Specs:
- Brand: Ninja Foodi
- Functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate
- Grill Technology: Cyclonic Grilling Technology with integrated smart probe
- Capacity: About 4 steaks per batch, 4-quart air fryer
- Finish: Stainless steel
Probe Tips:
- Insert the probe into the thickest part of the cut, away from bone or fat, for the most accurate reading
- Set your target doneness before you start grilling so the unit can track it throughout the cook
- Let meat rest a few minutes after the probe alerts you, since the internal temperature keeps rising slightly off the heat
Best For: Couples or small households who grill steak often and want restaurant-level doneness without cutting into the meat to check.
Consider Instead: Cooking for a bigger group regularly, the XL Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 has more grilling surface.
Pros
- Flips between an open griddle and a closed grill, so it doubles as a flat-top for pancakes and bacon
- Pro Power Grate is designed to sear food closer to the heating element for deeper char
- Smart thermometer helps track doneness on the grill side
- 7-in-1 functions cover grilling, griddling, air frying, and dehydrating
Cons
- The most complex unit in this guide, so there is more of a learning curve switching between modes
- Larger and heavier than single-purpose grills or air fryers, so it needs sturdy counter support
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro stands out because it is not just a grill with an air fry setting, it is also a full open griddle. Close the lid and the Pro Power Grate sears steaks and burgers, open it flat and it becomes a griddle for eggs, pancakes, or bacon.
A smart thermometer helps track doneness on the grill side, and the unit still covers the core air fryer basics with a crisper basket for fries and frozen foods. Between the two modes and the added air fry and dehydrate functions, it is the most flexible single appliance in this guide.
That flexibility comes with more moving parts to learn. Switching between open griddle and closed grill modes, plus keeping track of which accessory goes with which function, makes this a unit that rewards reading the manual first rather than winging it. It is also one of the larger, heavier appliances here.
Bottom line: if you want one appliance that replaces a grill, a griddle, and an air fryer, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro (IG651) covers the most ground, as long as you have the counter space and patience to learn its modes.
Key Specs:
- Brand: Ninja Foodi
- Model: IG651
- Functions: Grill, Griddle, Air Fry, Dehydrate, and more (7-in-1)
- Grill Technology: Pro Power Grate with smart thermometer
- Modes: Open griddle or closed grill
- Included: Crisper basket
Mode Tips:
- Use the closed grill mode with the Pro Power Grate for steaks, burgers, and kebabs that need real sear marks
- Open the lid flat for griddle mode when cooking eggs, pancakes, or bacon for a crowd
- Switch to the crisper basket and air fry mode for fries or frozen appetizers without swapping appliances
Cleanup: Let the grill plate and flat top cool before wiping down, and remove excess grease from the drip tray after grilling to prevent smoke on the next use.
Storage: Because of its size, plan for a dedicated spot on the counter or a sturdy shelf rather than moving it in and out of a cabinet daily.
Pros
- 2nd-generation design refines the original Foodi grill with a more compact footprint
- Dishwasher-safe parts make post-grilling cleanup simple
- 6-in-1 functions cover grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate
- More affordable entry point into the Ninja Foodi grill lineup than the XL models
Cons
- Grill surface is smaller than the XL Foodi models, so it fits fewer portions per batch
- No integrated probe thermometer for automatic doneness tracking
The Ninja Foodi EG201 is the 2nd-generation update to Ninja's original indoor grill and air fryer combo, trimming the size down from the XL models while keeping the same core idea: a real grill grate paired with air fryer versatility.
With 6-in-1 functions covering grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate, it handles most weeknight cooking without needing a second appliance. The grill grate and basket are dishwasher-safe, so cleanup after a grilling session is straightforward.
Because the grill surface is smaller than the XL Foodi models, it fits fewer portions per batch, which means more rounds if you are cooking for a large family. It also does not include a built-in probe thermometer, so doneness still comes down to timing and a separate thermometer for thick cuts.
Bottom line: if you want Ninja's indoor grilling technology at a lower price and smaller footprint than the XL models, the EG201 is a solid, dishwasher-friendly entry point.
Key Specs:
- Brand: Ninja Foodi
- Model: EG201
- Generation: 2nd Generation
- Functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
- Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts
Cleanup: The grill grate and crisper basket can go straight into the dishwasher, which cuts down on the scrubbing that comes with traditional grilling.
Storage: Its smaller footprint compared to the XL Foodi models makes it easier to tuck away in a cabinet between uses.
Best For: Smaller households or first-time indoor grill buyers who want Ninja's grilling technology without the XL price tag or footprint.
Consider Instead: Regularly cooking for a family of four or more, the XL Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 offers noticeably more grill surface.
Pros
- Carries the George Foreman name, a brand built specifically around indoor grilling for decades
- 7-in-1 functions add air fry technology to the classic sloped Foreman grill design
- Priced well below most Ninja Foodi grill combos in this guide
- Compact enough for a dorm, apartment, or small kitchen
Cons
- Grilling surface is smaller than the XL Ninja Foodi models, so it is better for individuals or couples
- Fewer smart features like a probe thermometer or app-based presets
George Foreman built its name on the sloped indoor grill, and the Beyond Grill 7-in-1 updates that classic design by adding air fry technology alongside the grilling plates. It is the most budget-friendly combo in this guide while still carrying a trusted grilling name.
The sloped plate design that made the original Foreman grill popular is still here, draining excess fat away from food as it cooks. Layered on top of that are 7 total functions, so it covers more ground than a classic sandwich-press style grill without stepping up to XL Foodi pricing.
It is a smaller unit than the XL Ninja Foodi combos, so it suits individuals, couples, or small households better than a family of five. It also skips extras like an integrated probe thermometer, keeping the control layout simple rather than feature-heavy.
Bottom line: for shoppers who want a trusted grilling name and real air fry versatility without paying XL Foodi prices, the George Foreman Beyond Grill is the best value pick in this guide.
Key Specs:
- Brand: George Foreman
- Model: MCAFD80 series
- Functions: 7-in-1 including grill and air fry
- Grill Style: Classic sloped grill plate
- Best For: Individuals, couples, small kitchens
Best For: Individuals, couples, or anyone furnishing a first apartment or dorm who wants real indoor grilling without spending on an XL combo.
Consider Instead: Regularly grilling for a bigger group, the XL Ninja Foodi models offer more surface area per batch.
Best For: Shoppers who want a name they already trust for indoor grilling, at the most accessible price point in this guide.
Tips: Because the grill surface is smaller, cook in batches rather than overcrowding the plate so food still gets proper airflow and sear.
Pros
- Built-in smoke extractor is designed specifically to cut down on indoor smoke while grilling
- 5 cooking presets simplify getting started without guessing settings
- Combines grilling and air frying in one unit at an accessible price
- Compact size fits smaller kitchens easily
Cons
- Lower average rating than the Ninja and George Foreman picks in this guide, so consistency reports are more mixed
- Smoke extractor adds noise while running, which some buyers find noticeable
The Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill leans into one specific problem: indoor grilling can fill a kitchen with smoke fast. Its built-in smoke extractor is designed to pull smoke away from the cooking surface while you grill, which matters if you live in an apartment with a sensitive smoke alarm.
On top of the smoke extractor, it works as a straightforward grill and air fryer combo with 5 presets, so new users can pick a setting rather than dialing in time and temperature manually. The compact size also makes it easy to fit on a smaller counter than the XL Foodi combos.
Its average customer rating trails the Ninja and George Foreman picks in this guide, with some buyers reporting more inconsistent results between units. The extractor fan also adds some running noise, which is worth knowing if you are sensitive to appliance noise in a small kitchen.
Bottom line: if smoke control indoors is your biggest concern, the Gourmia's built-in extractor addresses it directly, though it trails the Ninja and George Foreman combos here on overall consistency.
Key Specs:
- Brand: Gourmia
- Functions: Grill, Air Fry
- Feature: Built-in smoke extractor
- Presets: 5 cooking presets
- Best For: Apartments and smoke-sensitive kitchens
Extractor Tips:
- Turn on the smoke extractor before you start grilling fattier cuts, not after smoke has already built up
- Keep the extractor vent clear of grease buildup so airflow stays strong over time
- Use one of the 5 presets as a starting point, then adjust time slightly based on how your specific unit runs
Cleanup: Wipe down the extractor housing along with the grill plate after each use so grease does not build up and reduce suction over time.
Placement: Give the unit some clearance around the vents so the extractor fan can pull air properly.
Pros
- 2-layer glass door lets you watch food cook without opening the unit and losing heat
- 150 presets cover a wide range of foods beyond just grilling and air frying
- Oven-style design gives more usable interior space than a basket-only air fryer
- Plug-in powered design is straightforward to set up
Cons
- Lowest review volume of the picks in this guide, so the track record is still building
- Rating trails the more established Ninja and George Foreman combos here
The Nuwave Air Fryer Oven and Grill Combo takes an oven-style approach rather than the basket-and-lid design most other picks in this guide use. Its 2-layer glass door lets you watch food cook and cut down on how often you need to open the unit and lose heat.
With 150 presets, it is built to handle far more than just grilling and air frying, covering a wide range of foods with a dedicated setting rather than manual guesswork. The larger oven-style interior also gives more usable space than a basket-only air fryer for irregularly shaped foods.
As one of the newer entries in this guide, it has a smaller pool of customer reviews to draw on than the established Ninja and George Foreman lines, and its average rating trails those picks slightly. That is worth weighing if a long track record matters to you.
Bottom line: if you want oven-style visibility and a huge library of presets over pure grilling power, the Nuwave combo is a flexible pick, though it has less of a proven track record than the Ninja and George Foreman options here.
Key Specs:
- Brand: Nuwave
- Functions: Air Fry, Oven, Grill
- Door: 2-layer glass door
- Presets: 150 cooking presets
- Power: Plug-in powered
Best For: Shoppers who want oven-style versatility and preset convenience alongside grilling, not just a dedicated grill plate.
Tips: Start with one of the 150 presets closest to your food, then fine-tune time in small increments on future batches.
Best For: Cooks who want one countertop oven that also grills, rather than a single-purpose grill appliance.
Consider Instead: Prioritizing a proven track record above newer features, the Ninja Foodi and George Foreman picks in this guide have far more customer reviews behind them.
How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Grill
Not every air fryer grill on this list solves the same problem. Some are built for maximum grill surface and family-size batches, others focus on precise doneness or minimal indoor smoke. Here are the factors we weigh most when comparing the best air fryer grill options.
Grill Style: Plates, Grates, or Griddle
Most air fryer grills use either a solid sloped plate, like the classic George Foreman design, or a raised grate that lets fat drip away while creating deeper sear marks, like the Cyclonic Grilling Technology in the Ninja Foodi lineup. A few, like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro, flip open into a full griddle for pancakes and bacon in addition to closed-lid grilling.
Raised grates tend to produce more visible char marks and let more fat escape the food, which some cooks prefer for flavor and a slightly leaner result. Sloped plates are simpler and often cheaper, and they still separate food from pooled grease even without a full grate. Neither style is objectively better, but it is worth knowing which one you are buying before you expect steakhouse-style grill lines.
Material also affects how a grill surface performs over time. Nonstick coatings make cleanup easier and are common across most of the models in this guide, while a few brands lean on cast components for better heat retention and more consistent sear from edge to edge. If you plan to grill often, ask how the manufacturer recommends cleaning the surface, since harsh scrubbing pads can wear down a nonstick coating faster than a soft sponge and warm water.
If you already own a basket-only Ninja air fryer and are debating an upgrade specifically for grilling, our roundup of the best Ninja air fryers covers Ninja’s non-grill models for comparison.
Capacity and Counter Footprint
XL grill plates like the one on the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 fit more steaks or vegetables per batch, which matters if you regularly cook for three or more people. Smaller units like the Ninja Foodi EG201 or the George Foreman Beyond Grill trade some capacity for a footprint that fits more easily on a shared counter or in a smaller kitchen.
Before buying, measure the actual footprint of the unit, not just the cooking surface, since these appliances also need clearance around the vents and enough overhead space to fully open the lid. A grill that does not fit comfortably on your counter will end up stored in a cabinet and used far less often.
Smart Probes and Doneness Control
A handful of models, including the Ninja Foodi Pro used here, build in a probe thermometer that tracks the internal temperature of meat as it grills, so you pull food off at an exact doneness instead of guessing from cook time alone. That is a meaningful upgrade if steak doneness is something you care about getting right every time.
Models without a built-in probe are not a dealbreaker. Pairing any air fryer grill with a simple instant-read thermometer gets you most of the same accuracy, it just takes an extra step. If precise doneness matters more to you than any other feature, prioritize a model with an integrated probe.
Smoke Control and Cleanup
Grilling indoors, even with hot-air circulation, can still produce more smoke than air frying alone, especially with fattier cuts. A built-in smoke extractor, like the one on the Gourmia model in this guide, is designed specifically to pull smoke away from the cooking surface, which matters most in apartments or kitchens with sensitive smoke alarms.
Cleanup is the other half of the equation. Dishwasher-safe grill grates and crisper baskets, which most of the Ninja Foodi models in this guide include, cut down significantly on the scrubbing that comes with a traditional outdoor grill.
Multi-Function Versatility
Nearly every air fryer grill also roasts, bakes, or dehydrates, so the appliance earns its counter space even on nights you are not grilling. Oven-style models with a glass door, like the Nuwave combo here, lean further into this with a large library of presets for foods beyond grilling.
If you already own several single-purpose kitchen appliances, consolidating into one air fryer grill with strong multi-function support can be worth the upfront cost, since it replaces a grill, an air fryer, and often a small oven all at once.
Noise and Kitchen Placement
Indoor grilling adds a variable most air fryer shoppers do not think about until after they own one: sound. Models with a built-in smoke extractor, like the Gourmia in this guide, run a fan on top of the regular heating element, which adds a bit more running noise than a basket-only air fryer. Griddle-style hybrids with extra motors or thermometer components can add a little hum of their own as well.
Placement matters just as much as noise level. Give any air fryer grill several inches of clearance on every side, including above the lid, so heat and any smoke or steam can vent properly instead of collecting under upper cabinets. A spot near your stove hood or a window is ideal if your kitchen does not already have strong ventilation.
Everyday Uses Beyond Steak Night
It is easy to picture an air fryer grill purely as a steak machine, but the everyday value usually comes from smaller, more frequent meals. Grilled chicken breasts, kebabs, shrimp, halloumi, and vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers all pick up real char in a fraction of the time an outdoor grill takes to preheat, which makes weeknight dinners a more realistic place to reach for one of these units than a big weekend cookout.
The air fry, roast, and bake functions carry their own weight outside of grilling too. Frozen appetizers, roasted potatoes, and even a small whole chicken are well within reach on the same appliance, so the grill plate does not have to sit unused between cookouts for the unit to earn its counter space.
To make the comparison easier, here is a quick way to match what you are looking for with the model built for it.
| If you want | Look for | Good example |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum family-size grill surface | An XL grill plate | Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL |
| Precise steak doneness | A built-in smart probe | Ninja Foodi Pro with Smart Probe |
| Grill and griddle in one | An open flat-top mode | Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro (IG651) |
| A budget-friendly starter combo | A trusted grilling brand at a lower price | George Foreman Beyond Grill |
| Minimal indoor smoke | A built-in smoke extractor | Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our ranking is built on real signals rather than marketing copy. We start with the air fryer grill models that actually turn up in search results and shopping carts, then sort them by their average customer rating and how many reviews back up that score, using the same scoring approach the rest of our review database relies on.
We are upfront that we have not personally grilled on every unit in this guide. Instead, we group each model by what it does best, from maximum grill surface to smoke control to precise doneness, and we call out real trade-offs like footprint and learning curve so you can weigh them against how you actually cook.
We also cross-check product details against manufacturer listings so specs like grill technology, capacity, and included accessories match what is actually advertised, rather than relying on a single review or a marketing headline. When a brand does not clearly disclose a spec, we say so instead of filling in a guess.
Final Thoughts
There is no single best air fryer grill for everyone, only the best one for how you cook. For the closest indoor substitute to an outdoor grill with real versatility on top, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer is our best overall pick, combining Cyclonic Grilling Technology with an XL grate sized for family portions.
If price is the deciding factor, the George Foreman Beyond Grill 7-in-1 is the best value pick here, pairing a trusted grilling name with air fry technology at the most accessible price in this guide. Want to grill and griddle with the same appliance, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro (IG651) covers both. And if indoor smoke is your biggest worry, the Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill addresses it directly with a built-in extractor.
For smaller households, the Ninja Foodi EG201 brings Ninja’s grilling technology down to a more compact footprint and a lower price than the XL models, while the Ninja Foodi Pro is the pick to reach for if a built-in probe and exact steak doneness matter more to you than sheer grill size. And if you want oven-style presets and visibility through a glass door over a dedicated grill plate, the Nuwave combo rounds out this list as the most flexible countertop option.
Whichever model you pick, browse the rest of our buying guides or explore more home and kitchen deals before you check out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an air fryer grill and a regular air fryer?
A regular air fryer relies on a perforated basket and circulating hot air to crisp food, with no dedicated grilling surface. An air fryer grill adds an actual grill plate or grate on top of that hot-air circulation, so it can produce real char marks and grilled flavor the way an outdoor grill does. If you do not need that grilling surface, a standard air fryer is usually simpler and takes up less counter space.
What is the best air fryer grill in 2026?
For most households, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer is the best all-around pick thanks to its Cyclonic Grilling Technology and family-size grill plate. If budget is the priority, the George Foreman Beyond Grill 7-in-1 delivers real indoor grilling at a lower price, and if you want a built-in probe for exact doneness, the Ninja Foodi Pro is the strongest option.
Do air fryer grills actually make real grill marks?
Yes, models built around a raised grate or ridged plate, like the Cyclonic Grilling Technology used in the Ninja Foodi lineup, produce visible char marks similar to an outdoor grill because fat drips away from the food as it cooks. Basket-only air fryers without a grill surface cannot replicate that same sear, no matter how hot the setting.
Are air fryer grills smoky to use indoors?
They can produce more smoke than plain air frying, especially with fattier cuts, though most models are designed to manage it better than an open outdoor grill. If indoor smoke is a concern in your kitchen, a model with a built-in smoke extractor, like the Gourmia combo in this guide, is built specifically to address it.
Can an air fryer grill cook enough for a family?
It depends on the grill surface size. XL models like the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 are sized for several steaks or a full batch of vegetables at once, while more compact options like the George Foreman Beyond Grill or Ninja Foodi EG201 may need a second batch for larger households. Check the grill plate size against your typical portion count before buying.
Do you need to preheat an air fryer grill before cooking?
Most manufacturers recommend a short preheat with the lid closed, usually just a few minutes, so the grill plate or grate is fully hot before food touches it. Skipping preheat tends to produce paler, less defined grill marks and can leave food sticking to a cooler surface, so it is worth the extra few minutes if char and easy release matter to you.
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