The following guide highlights top grills with built-in frying or dual-function capabilities, tailored for American outdoor cooks who want smokey BBQ flavor with the convenience of indoor-style frying or multi-function cooking. Each option combines grilling performance with deep-frying or air-frying abilities, helping you master everything from seared steaks to crispy sides. Below you’ll find five strong picks, each with notable features and practical considerations for backyards, patios, and apartments alike.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer | Foodi Smart XL | Ninja | Indoor grilling with air frying and smart thermometer | Countertop versatility, precise doneness |
| FIRE RIOT Outdoor Propane Deep Fryer and Griddle Combo | FIRE RIOT | 100,000 BTU dual-function outdoor fryer/griddle | Outdoor parties, camping, tailgating |
| Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill | Ninja | Bluetooth app-enabled 7-in-1 outdoor grill and smoker | Smart outdoor grilling |
| Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Propane Fryer | Char-Broil | Oil-less turkey frying with infrared heat | Oil-free roasting and frying |
| Ninja OG751 Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill | Ninja | 7-in-1 outdoor grill with woodfire flavor | Woodfire grilling experience |
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill combines grilling with air frying in a compact countertop unit. It features Ninja’s Smart Cook System and a dual-sensor thermometer to deliver consistent results. Cyclonic grilling technology delivers 500°F sear-grill performance, enabling char marks and indoor smokeless grilling. The appliance supports searing, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydrating, and crisping. A built-in thermometer presets for proteins take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring proper doneness with each meal.
Key considerations: This model excels in apartment-friendly kitchens or spaces without outdoor access. It provides a versatile cooking alternative when you want crisp fries or roasted vegetables alongside grilled mains, all in one unit. Parts are typically dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, and the unit emphasizes a smokeless indoor experience with effective splatter management.
Ninja OG751 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium Outdoor Grill
The Ninja OG751 Woodfire Pro Connect Outdoor Grill offers 7-in-1 functionality with authentic woodfire flavors, combining grill, BBQ smoker, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate modes. It includes a contemporary built-in thermometer design and is engineered for conditions outdoors with weather-resistant features. The ProConnect app enables pairing with a phone to monitor cook times and temperatures across multiple zones, and it provides cooking charts and notifications for precise control. This model is ideal for users who want a connected, high-capacity outdoor cooking station.
Key considerations: Expect a larger footprint and the need for outdoor power or propane access. The woodfire flavor profile and app connectivity make it a strong choice for seasoned grillers who enjoy multi-meat cooks, smoking, and precise monitoring during long sessions.
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
Char-Broil’s The Big Easy uses TRU-Infrared cooking technology to deliver even heat with no flare-ups, making it a safe oil-less option for roasting turkeys and other large cuts. This propane-powered unit is designed for outdoor use and provides a straightforward approach to oil-free frying or roasting. It excels in producing evenly cooked birds, roasts, and large vegetables without the mess or risk associated with traditional deep frying.
Key considerations: This option eliminates oil, which reduces mess and splatter risk, but it may not mimic the exact deep-fry texture some cooks expect. It is well-suited for family gatherings where turkey, chicken, or roasts are on the menu and ease of use is a top priority.
Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium Outdoor Grill
The Ninja OG951 is a Bluetooth-enabled, app-connected outdoor grill and smoker with 7-in-1 functionality. It joins real woodfire flavor with an integrated thermometer and two built-in thermometers for multi-zone cooking. The ProConnect app provides real-time notifications, cooking charts, and control over time and temperature, enabling sophisticated outdoor grilling and smoking experiences. This model emphasizes scale and connectivity for entertaining larger groups with precise flavor control.
Key considerations: Consider wind and weather exposure, as outdoor use benefits from robust weather protection and stable mounting. The woodfire option delivers distinct flavor, but it also requires longer preheat and careful charcoal or pellet management for consistent results across multiple components.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Cooking method mix: Decide whether you want true oil-free roasting, air frying, or a combination of indoor and outdoor grilling. Models with multi-function modes offer convenience, but ensure the primary cooking style you prefer is well-supported.
- Power source: Propane versus electric. Outdoor units typically use propane for mobility, while indoor units rely on electricity. Consider availability of outlets, safety, and ventilation requirements.
- Temperature control: Look for precise temperature management, smart sensors, and, if possible, app connectivity. Real-time monitoring helps achieve consistent doneness across proteins and sides.
- Portability and space: Assess the footprint and weight. For apartments or small patios, compact indoor units or lighter outdoor grills with wheels are safer choices.
- Flavor profile: Woodfire and smoker capabilities add smoky flavors; if you prioritize oil-less frying, verify infrared or rapid-heat technologies that minimize flare-ups.
- Maintenance: Check dishwasher-safe parts and easy-clean coatings. Removable trays, splatter shields, and non-stick surfaces save time after meals.
- Durability and weather resistance: Outdoor models benefit from weatherproof construction and sturdy legs or casters for stability on uneven surfaces.
- Safety features: Look for secure ignition, built-in thermometers, heat-resistant handles, and protective shields to minimize burns or flare-ups during cooking.
In summary, the best BBQ grill with deep fryer capabilities blends multi-function cooking with reliable performance and safety. Whether you want a smart indoor option for apartment living or a robust outdoor grill with woodfire flavor and app controls, these picks offer varied approaches to achieve crispy fries, smoky meat, and well-cooked roasts with minimal fuss.