Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor cooking with family and friends. The Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker offers versatility and flavor, making it ideal for backyard barbecues and smoky delights.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe for succulent smoked ribs using this multi-functional outdoor grill and smoker, helping you create restaurant-quality dishes right in your backyard.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker
- ✔ Dimensions: Compact for easy storage
- ✔ Cooking Area: Sufficient for small gatherings
- ✔ Ease of Use: Simple controls and setup

Ninja | Grill & Smoker | Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL | 4 in 1 Grill, BBQ Smoker, Air Fryer & Bake | Portable | Includes Built in Thermometer & 2 Woodfire Pellet Packs | Dark Grey | OG850
4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit....
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Preparing the Ribs
Start by selecting fresh, high-quality pork ribs. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better smoke absorption. Season generously with your favorite dry rub—think paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder for a classic BBQ flavor.
Let the seasoned ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors before cooking.
Setting Up Your Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL
Place the grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area and connect it to a power source. Fill the woodfire smoker tray with your preferred wood chips—hickory or applewood work beautifully for ribs. Turn on the grill and set it to the smoker function at approximately 225°F.
Ensure the grill’s air circulation is unobstructed for even smoking and heating.
Smoking the Ribs
Position the ribs on the grill grates, bone-side down. Close the lid and let the ribs smoke for about 3 hours, maintaining a steady temperature of 225°F. During this time, you can baste the ribs with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water every hour to keep them moist.
Use the air fryer function for a quick crisp at the end if desired, by increasing the temperature slightly for the last 15 minutes.
Finishing and Serving
Once the ribs are tender and smoky, remove them from the grill. Wrap in foil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite summer sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or baked beans.
Enjoy your homemade smoked ribs, perfect for a summer backyard feast!
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker

The Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker combines multiple cooking functions in one portable unit, perfect for summer outdoor cooking. Its smoker, grill, and air fryer capabilities make it versatile for all your barbecue needs.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 functionality (grill, smoker, air fryer, oven)
- Portable and easy to set up outdoors
- Consistent temperature control for smoking
Cons:
- Requires outdoor space and power outlet
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited capacity for very large gatherings
Best for: Home grillers wanting a versatile outdoor cooking appliance
Not ideal for: Users seeking a large, stationary grill for frequent large parties
Bottom line: A versatile, portable grill and smoker perfect for summer backyard barbecues.
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