Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family around the grill. The Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL offers a versatile way to elevate your outdoor cooking, combining grilling, smoking, air frying, and baking all in one portable unit.
With its 4-in-1 design, you can create smoky, tender dishes that will impress your guests. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to making delicious smoked ribs, a summer favorite, using this innovative grill and smoker.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker
- ✔ Weight: Approx. 30 lbs
- ✔ Dimensions: Larger portable size
- ✔ Warranty: Check manufacturer’s details
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Preparing Your Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL for Smoking
Start by setting up your grill in a well-ventilated outdoor space. Ensure the grill is clean and assembled correctly. Fill the wood chip tray with your preferred type of wood chips for a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to a steady 225°F, which is ideal for smoking ribs slowly and evenly. Season your ribs with a dry rub or marinade of your choice, then let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Step-by-Step: Smoking Ribs on the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL
- Place the seasoned ribs on the grill’s cooking surface, ensuring they are not crowded for proper airflow.
- Close the lid and set the smoker function to maintain 225°F. Use the air fry function if you want to crisp the outer layer later.
- Smoke the ribs for approximately 4-5 hours, maintaining consistent temperature and adding wood chips as needed for continuous smoky flavor.
- Check periodically and baste with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour for added flavor and moisture.
- Once the ribs are tender and smoky, remove them from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Summer Smoked Ribs
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches about 190°F for tender ribs.
- Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to retain heat and smoke.
- Experiment with different wood chips like hickory or apple for varied flavors.
- Serve your smoked ribs with fresh summer sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob for the full experience.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker

The Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL combines multiple cooking functions into one portable unit, making it perfect for summer grilling and smoking. Its ability to switch between BBQ, smoking, air frying, and baking simplifies outdoor cooking tasks and enhances flavor.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 versatility for grilling, smoking, air frying, and baking
- Portable and easy to set up outdoors
- Maintains consistent temperature for perfect smoking
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users unfamiliar with multi-function grills
- Limited capacity for very large gatherings
- Requires regular wood chip replenishment for smoky flavor
Best for: Homeowners who love outdoor cooking and want a versatile, all-in-one grill for summer gatherings
Not ideal for: Those seeking a traditional charcoal or gas grill, or large-scale commercial use
Bottom line: Ideal for versatile summer grilling and smoking, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
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