7 Best Ninja Foodi Air Fryers of 2026

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is a game-changer for busy households, delivering on its promise of simultaneous dual cooking with impressive precision. With two independent 4-quart baskets, this model eliminates the dreaded back-to-back frying, letting you air fry chicken wings in one basket while reheating mozzarella sticks in the other—each at their ideal temperature and time. The standout Smart Finish and Match Cook features are not just marketing fluff; they actively enhance meal prep by syncing or staggering cook times so both dishes land perfectly on the plate together, solving one of the biggest pain points in family cooking.

In real-world testing, the 8-quart total capacity proved more than adequate for weeknight dinners, handling up to 4 lbs of fries or a full 3-lb chicken with ease. The separate heating zones and cyclonic fans ensure consistent, crisp results across both baskets, though we noticed slight variances when running extreme temp differences (like 300°F vs. 450°F). It excels at Air Fry, Roast, and Reheat functions, but the dehydrate mode lacks precision for delicate tasks like drying herbs—better suited for jerky or banana chips. While compact for its power, it still demands significant counter space.

Compared to the larger DZ401, the DZ201 sacrifices 2 quarts of capacity but wins on value and footprint, making it ideal for small to mid-sized families who want dual-basket convenience without overspending. It doesn’t include a smart thermometer like the premium DZ550, but for those prioritizing budget-friendly multitasking, this model delivers exceptional bang for the buck. If you’re upgrading from a single-basket fryer, the DualZone experience here is transformative—offering pro-level flexibility at a fraction of the cost.

The Ninja DT251 Foodi Air Fry Oven redefines what a countertop oven can do, blending toaster precision with convection power in a way that feels nothing short of revolutionary for baking lovers. Its True Surround Convection system generates up to 10X more airflow than standard ovens, delivering golden, blister-crisp pizza crusts and moist, evenly roasted chicken without a cold spot in sight. For those tired of rotating pans or undercooked centers, this model’s dual-level cooking with no rotation needed is a revelation—especially when roasting a 5-lb chicken alongside a full sheet of carrots.

We tested its full range—from perfectly toasted bagels to dehydrated apple slices—and were most impressed by the integrated Smart Thermometer, which takes the anxiety out of cooking proteins. Whether it’s medium-rare steak or a juicy turkey breast, the thermometer guides you to perfect doneness with zero guesswork. The 10 functions, including Pizza and Whole Roast, work seamlessly, and the 90-second preheat shaves real time off meal prep. That said, the air fry basket is smaller than expected, limiting batch size compared to basket-style fryers.

When stacked against the DT201, the DT251 offers nearly identical performance but with a slightly less premium build and fewer included accessories. Still, for bakers and toast enthusiasts who want crispier results and smarter cooking, this model stands tall. It’s the best choice if you want oven versatility with air fry speed, offering superior baking performance without sacrificing health-conscious frying—making it a true all-rounder for culinary multitaskers.

If you’re craving authentic char-grilled flavor without firing up the backyard, the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill delivers indoor grilling magic with smokeless precision. Its Cyclonic Grilling Technology blasts food with 500°F super-heated air, producing deep sear marks and smoky depth that rival a gas grill—perfect for steaks, burgers, or even grilled pineapple. The splatter shield and cool-air zone work in harmony to minimize smoke, making it a top pick for apartments or smoke-sensitive kitchens where outdoor grilling isn’t an option.

Real-world use confirms its XL capacity shines for family meals, easily handling 6 steaks or a full rack of ribs alongside vegetables in the crisper basket. The Smart Cook System with 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels ensures foolproof results—rare ribeye, anyone? We loved how the dual-sensor thermometer adjusts in real time, preventing overcooking. However, the grill grate is awkward to clean by hand, and while the air fry function works well, it’s not quite as crisp as dedicated basket models like the DZ201.

Compared to the DZ550, the FG551 trades dual baskets for superior grilling performance and sear power, making it ideal for carnivores and grill devotees. It’s bulkier and pricier, but if char-grilled taste and indoor smokeless grilling are your priorities, this model outclasses standard air fryers. For those who want grill-house results year-round, the FG551 is the ultimate indoor alternative—offering pro-level searing and smart tech in one powerful package.

The Ninja DT201 Foodi XL Pro Air Oven is the pinnacle of premium countertop cooking, built for those who demand restaurant-quality results without compromise. With True Surround Convection and 1800 watts of power, it delivers up to 30% faster cooking and 30% crispier results than traditional ovens—think golden rotisserie-style chicken and crackly-skinned salmon straight from the counter. Its digital display handle is genius: optimal rack positions light up automatically, and settings freeze when the door opens, preventing accidental changes.

In testing, the XL capacity consistently impressed—roasting a 5-lb chicken and full sheet of veggies simultaneously with zero rotation. The 10-in-1 functions perform flawlessly, especially Bake and Pizza, where it outperforms most standalone toaster ovens. We achieved 50% more even baking than a leading competitor, making it ideal for cookies, casseroles, and lasagnas. The air fry basket delivers excellent crispness, though not quite matching the intensity of basket-style fryers like the DZ201.

Against the DT251, the DT201 offers identical core tech but a more refined experience, with better build quality and a larger accessory set. It’s the best for bakers and entertainers who cook for crowds and value precision. While it lacks the dual baskets of the DZ550, it excels in evenness, speed, and versatility, making it the top-tier choice for serious home chefs who want oven performance with air fry convenience—a true premium all-in-one powerhouse.

The Ninja DZ071 Foodi FlexBasket is a masterclass in adaptable cooking, offering a unique divider system that transforms from two 3.5-qt zones to a single 7-qt MegaZone—perfect for everything from family-sized roasts to separated side dishes. This flexible cooking zone design solves a major limitation in traditional dual-basket models: the inability to cook large proteins. Now, you can roast a 4-lb pork loin with veggies in one go, or split the basket for chicken and fries with different cook times.

Performance-wise, the dual heating fans ensure 40% faster cooking than a conventional oven, and the Smart Finish and Match Cook features work seamlessly across zones. We found the Air Broil function particularly effective, delivering a crispy, charred top on casseroles and mac ‘n’ cheese. However, the divider can warp under high heat, and the basket’s nonstick coating shows wear after repeated use—a concern for long-term durability.

Compared to the DZ201, the DZ071 offers greater flexibility in cooking configurations but less consistent basket independence. It’s ideal for meal preppers and home cooks who need one appliance to do it all without sacrificing capacity. If you want the freedom to switch between dual cooking and full meals, the FlexBasket is unmatched—offering smart design and family-sized performance in a single, space-saving unit that out-features most mid-range fryers.

When cooking for a crowd is the priority, the Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone stands tall as the king of large-family capacity, offering two massive 5-qt baskets that let you cook 8 lbs of wings or a whole chicken with sides—simultaneously. This XL 10-qt design is engineered for big eaters, weekend feasts, or meal prep warriors, eliminating the need to batch-cook appetizers or proteins. The IQ Boost feature intelligently allocates power, ensuring both zones cook efficiently even when running different programs.

In real use, the dual cyclonic fans and rapid heaters deliver consistent, crisp results across both baskets, though we noticed a slight delay when using Smart Finish with vastly different cook times. The 6-in-1 functions are reliable, with Roast and Air Fry performing exceptionally well. However, like other models, the dehydrate function lacks fine-tuned control, making it better for robust foods than delicate herbs.

Pitted against the DZ550, the DZ401 offers nearly identical capacity and dual-basket power but lacks the smart thermometer, making it less ideal for precision cooking. Still, for families of 5+ or entertainers, this model is unbeatable in volume and multitasking. It’s the best large-capacity workhorse—delivering pro-level output without the premium price tag, making it a smart upgrade for serious home cooks who need space, speed, and versatility.

The Ninja DZ550 Foodi DualZone Smart Air Fryer is the undisputed champion of overall performance, merging massive 10-qt dual-basket capacity with smart cooking intelligence in a way no other model matches. With two independent 5-qt zones, Smart Finish, Match Cook, and now the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, it delivers perfectly cooked proteins every time—from rare steak to juicy chicken breasts—without guesswork. This is the complete package for those who want maximum flexibility, precision, and family-sized output in one appliance.

In testing, the thermometer proved indispensable, especially when cooking thick cuts or roasts, while the IQ Boost system accelerated cooking when both zones were loaded. The air fry results were consistently golden and crisp, and reheating leftovers came out better than a microwave. However, the learning curve is steeper, and the interface can feel overwhelming for beginners—plus, it’s one of the largest units on the market.

Compared to the DZ401, the DZ550 adds the critical smart thermometer and refined temperature control, justifying its place as the best overall pick. It outperforms the DT201 in multitasking and beats the FG551 in batch cooking efficiency. For those who want the ultimate balance of size, smarts, and performance, the DZ550 is the gold standard—offering pro-grade results with intuitive tech, making it the most complete Ninja Foodi experience available.