AIR fryers have become a kitchen essential, helping foodies whip up crispy, delicious meals in record time.
But did you know that some models—like the popular Ninja air fryer—come with a hidden gadget that could take your cooking to the next level?
In fact, many owners have no idea that tucked away on the side of their air fryer is a built-in meat probe—a game-changer for getting perfectly cooked meat every time.
As shown in the video, the probe is located on the side of the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer AF451UK.
But not all air fryers are made equal – as the meat probe attachment isn’t available on every model.
Top 5 best-selling air fryers with meat probes
These best-selling air fryers with built-in meat probes take the guesswork out of cooking…
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer with Smart Cook System AF451UK – £269.99
Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker 7.5L OL750UK – £269.99
Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer – £239.00
Tower T17086 Vortx L Air Fryer and Smokeless Grill – £140.00
Salter Aerogrill 5-in-1 Air Fryer & Grill – £82.99
How do meat probes work?
Meat probes work by using a temperature sensor located at the tip of the probe, which measures how hot your meat is when inserted into it.
The sensor then sends this data to a digital display unit, giving you precise temperature readings to ensure your food is cooked to perfection – taking the guesswork out of your cooking.
So, if you’ve ever nervously Googled “how to tell if my chicken is cooked properly”, this feature might just be your new best friend.
Why is cooking meat to the right temperature so important?
It is important that meat is cooked to the right temperature in order to avoid food poisoning.
Food poisoning from meat can be caused by various bacteria, including campylobacter, salmonella, listeria, and E. coli.
The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 75°C, while pork should be cooked to 70°C.
Other meats, such as beef, lamb, and veal can be cooked to a much lower temperature of between 57°C – 74°C.
Social media reacts
On social media users are only just discovering the feature, with some admitting they had no clue it was there.
“HOLD THE FRONT DOOR… goes and checks” says one excited commenter.
“Everyone now running to [their] kitchens after seeing this” says another.
“Wait what!!!!!” said a third.
One user even thanked the TikTokker who revealed the feature, saying, “omg I finally found it! I just thought mine was missing, I RAN to the air fryer”.
Rise of the air fryer
Air fryers have maintained their spot as the most popular kitchen gadget in the UK last year.
Annual sales figures from Lakeland show sales of air fryers were up 1,175% on last year – when they were already soaring in popularity – as households continue their efforts to save energy on standard ovens.
The retailer said: “In previous years, their popularity could be attributed to consumers seeking healthier cooking options and fast cooking times.
“However, with the cost-of-living crisis continuing, air fryers have a renewed appeal as an efficient alternative to oven cooking.”
The only other products that “shaped the year” were heated airers – with sales up 51% – and heated textiles, such as heated throws and ponchos, Lakeland said, as households bought gadgets as an alternative to expensive dryers and central and electric heaters.
However, others were less impressed, and quickly pointed out that shoppers have to pay more for models with this feature.
One commenter chimed in, “I’m in the UK and have this model… with the probe ..was an extra £20 over the model without it. from Currys.”
“Nothing secret about it, they just sell two different versions with or without thermometer,” another confirmed.
If you’re unsure whether your air fryer includes a built-in probe, now’s the time to check—you might have been sitting on this secret all along!
