Ninja is one of the leading brands in air frying technology, offering high-performance, durable, and feature-packed air fryers. Whether you want a compact model for a small kitchen or a large-capacity air fryer for family meals, Ninja has the perfect option.
In this guide, we’ll rank and review the best Ninja air fryers based on capacity, cooking functions, ease of use, and overall value. Let’s find the perfect air fryer for you!
Best Ninja Air Fryers: Top 7 Models Ranked
Ninja has become a trusted name in the world of air fryers, known for its innovative designs and reliable performance. Whether you’re looking for a model with advanced features, a larger capacity, or versatility for multiple cooking styles, Ninja offers a range of options to suit your needs.
In this guide, we’ve ranked the top 7 Ninja air fryers to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
1. Ninja DZ401 Foodi Dual Zone 10-Quart Air Fryer
Quick Review: The best large-capacity Ninja air fryer, featuring DualZone cooking for multi-dish meals.
Pros:
✔ Large 10-quart capacity, great for families
✔ DualZone Technology lets you cook two foods at once
✔ Smart Finish ensures both foods are ready at the same time
Cons:
✖ Takes up more counter space
✖ Higher price point
Price: $199
2. Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer
Quick Review: A compact, easy-to-use air fryer with simple controls and versatile cooking options.
Pros:
✔ Perfect for small kitchens and apartments
✔ 4-in-1 functions: air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
✔ Easy to clean with a non-stick basket
Cons:
✖ Smaller capacity (4 quarts)
✖ No dual-basket feature
Price: $99
3. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer
Quick Review: A slightly smaller version of the DZ401, but still great for cooking two foods at once.
Pros:
✔ DualZone technology for multi-dish cooking
✔ 8-quart capacity – ideal for families of 3-4
✔ Smart Finish & Match Cook options
Cons:
✖ Takes up counter space
✖ Slightly expensive compared to single-basket models
Price: $179
4. Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fryer Oven
Quick Review: A multi-functional air fryer + toaster oven hybrid, ideal for countertop cooking.
Pros:
✔ 8-in-1 cooking functions: air fry, bake, toast, roast, broil, and more
✔ Large capacity but compact design (fits under cabinets)
✔ Faster cooking time compared to traditional ovens
Cons:
✖ Takes longer to clean compared to basket-style air fryers
✖ Higher price
Price: $169
5. Ninja Max XL 5.5-Quart Air Fryer
Quick Review: A mid-size, high-performance air fryer with extra crisp technology for crispy results.
Pros:
✔ 5.5-quart capacity – ideal for 2-4 people
✔ Max Crisp technology for extra crispy food
✔ Easy to use & clean
Cons:
✖ No dual-basket option
✖ No Smart Finish feature
Price: $129
Comparison Table: Best Ninja Air Fryers
| Model | Capacity | Key Feature | Price |
| Ninja DZ401 | 10 Quarts | DualZone Cooking | $199 |
| Ninja AF101 | 4 Quarts | Compact & Versatile | $99 |
| Ninja DZ201 | 8 Quarts | DualZone, Smart Finish | $179 |
| Ninja SP101 | N/A | Air Fryer + Oven | $169 |
| Ninja Max XL | 5.5 Quarts | Max Crisp Technology | $129 |
How to Choose the Best Ninja Air Fryer
Choosing the best Ninja air fryer means considering your cooking needs, kitchen space, and desired features. From capacity and functionality to advanced settings like dual-zone cooking or multi-use capabilities, Ninja offers a variety of models to fit different lifestyles.
This guide will help you navigate the options and select the Ninja air fryer that perfectly suits your culinary preferences.
1. Capacity: How Much Food Do You Cook?
- Small (3-4 quarts) – Great for 1-2 people or small kitchens.
- Medium (5-6 quarts) – Ideal for families of 3-4.
- Large (8-10 quarts) – Best for big families or batch cooking.
2. Cooking Features: What Do You Need?
- Basic air frying – Ninja AF101 or Max XL.
- Multi-dish cooking – Ninja DZ201 or DZ401.
- Air fry + baking/toasting – Ninja SP101.
3. Counter Space Consideration
- Small kitchens – Ninja AF101 or Max XL.
- Larger counters – Ninja DZ401 or SP101.
4. Budget & Extra Features
- Budget-friendly? AF101 ($99) or Max XL ($129).
- Need the best tech? DZ401 ($199) or SP101 ($169).
Ninja Air Fryer Accessories You Should Know About
A Ninja air fryer is already a game-changer for quick, crispy, and healthy meals. But did you know the right accessories can take your air frying to the next level? Whether you want to bake, roast, dehydrate, or just keep cleanup easy, there’s a world of add-ons that can help you get more out of your Ninja air fryer. Let’s explore some must-have accessories!
1. Air Fryer Racks (Multi-Layer Racks)
A multi-layer rack lets you cook more food at once by creating extra tiers inside the fryer. Perfect for roasting veggies while crisping up wings or fries.
Why you’ll love it: Increases capacity without crowding the basket, leading to better air circulation and crispier results.
Pro tip: Look for stainless steel racks that are easy to clean and designed to fit your specific Ninja model.
2. Silicone Air Fryer Liners & Mats
These reusable liners protect the bottom of your basket and prevent food from sticking.
Why you’ll love it: Cuts down on cleanup time while keeping your air fryer basket in top shape.
Pro tip: Silicone liners are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe — a more eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper.
3. Baking Pans & Cake Barrels
Specially designed baking pans and cake barrels fit inside your Ninja air fryer for cakes, bread, and casseroles.
Why you’ll love it: Turn your air fryer into a mini oven, perfect for small-batch baking or one-pot meals.
Pro tip: Look for non-stick, food-grade materials for easy baking and cleaning.
4. Skewers & Kebab Racks
These racks hold skewers upright, allowing you to make kebabs, grilled veggies, or even roasted marshmallows.
Why you’ll love it: Adds grilling versatility to your air fryer while ensuring even cooking on all sides.
Pro tip: Stainless steel options are durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.
5. Air Fryer Grill Pans
Grill pans designed for air fryers give your food those classic sear marks and a rich, smoky flavor.
Why you’ll love it: Great for cooking steak, burgers, and veggies with less oil and more flavor.
Pro tip: Preheat your grill pan in the air fryer for the best results.
6. Dehydrating Racks
These racks allow you to dry fruits, veggies, and meats for homemade snacks like jerky or fruit chips.
Why you’ll love it: Maximizes airflow for even dehydration, turning your Ninja air fryer into a dehydrator.
Pro tip: Use multiple racks to dry large batches of snacks in one go.
7. Oil Sprayer
A fine mist oil sprayer helps evenly coat food for that perfect crispy texture.
Why you’ll love it: Reduces oil usage while avoiding uneven spots of overcooked or soggy food.
Pro tip: Use high-smoke-point oils like avocado or grapeseed oil for the best air frying results.
8. Pizza Pans & Crisper Trays
These pans allow you to bake pizzas, flatbreads, and crispy pastries in your air fryer.
Why you’ll love it: Achieve crispy, golden crusts without heating up your entire oven.
Pro tip: Opt for perforated crisper trays for maximum airflow and crunch.
9. Heat-Resistant Tongs & Silicone Spatulas
Essential for safely flipping, tossing, or removing hot food from the air fryer.
Why you’ll love it: Prevents scratching your air fryer basket while making handling food easier.
Pro tip: Choose BPA-free silicone for heat resistance and durability.
Ninja air fryers are incredibly versatile, and with the right accessories, you can unlock even more cooking possibilities — from baking and roasting to grilling and dehydrating. Whether you’re a beginner or an air fryer pro, these add-ons will help you cook smarter, healthier, and tastier meals.
Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Deep Fryer: Which is Best?
When it comes to cooking, each appliance—air fryer, oven, and deep fryer—offers unique benefits. Air fryers are perfect for quick, healthy meals with minimal oil, while ovens excel in versatility and capacity for larger dishes. Deep fryers deliver the ultimate crispiness but require more oil and cleanup.
In this comparison, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each to help you decide which is the best fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
| Feature | Air Fryer | Oven | Deep Fryer |
| Crispness | ✅ High | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅✅ Very High |
| Oil Usage | ✅ Minimal | ✅ Minimal | ❌ High |
| Cooking Time | ✅ Fast | ❌ Longer | ✅ Fast |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Simple | ❌ Requires preheating | ⚠️ Messy |
| Healthier Option | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
For most kitchens, a Ninja air fryer is the best option. It’s healthier, faster, and easier to use than a deep fryer or oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ninja Air Fryers
Ninja air fryers are fantastic for making crispy, delicious meals with less oil, but like any kitchen gadget, there’s a learning curve! To help you get the best results every time, let’s break down the most common mistakes people make with their Ninja air fryers — and how to avoid them.
1. Overcrowding the Basket
Why it’s a problem: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food. If the basket is overloaded, the air can’t flow properly, leading to uneven cooking and soggy results.
How to avoid it: Cook in batches if needed, and arrange food in a single layer with some space between pieces.
2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer
Why it’s a problem: Many people skip this step, but a preheated air fryer helps food cook evenly and crisp up faster.
How to avoid it: Preheat your Ninja air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding your food — most models even have a built-in preheat function!
3. Using Too Much or Too Little Oil
Why it’s a problem: Adding too much oil can make food greasy and create smoke, while too little might leave your food dry.
How to avoid it: Use a light spray of oil for optimal crispiness — avocado or olive oil works great. Avoid pouring oil directly into the basket.
4. Ignoring Shaking or Flipping
Why it’s a problem: Food can cook unevenly if left untouched.
How to avoid it: Shake the basket or flip your food halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping — this is especially important for fries, veggies, and nuggets.
5. Forgetting to Clean After Every Use
Why it’s a problem: Built-up grease and food particles can cause smoke, unwanted odors, and affect the flavor of your meals.
How to avoid it: Clean the basket, tray, and crisper plate with warm, soapy water after each use. Many Ninja air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
6. Cooking Wet or Battered Foods Without Preparation
Why it’s a problem: Air fryers don’t cook wet batters the same way deep fryers do — you’ll end up with a mess instead of crispy coating.
How to avoid it: Pat foods dry before air frying and use a light breadcrumb coating for that crunchy texture. For wet batters, try freezing the food slightly before air frying.
7. Setting the Wrong Temperature or Time
Why it’s a problem: Air fryers often cook faster than ovens, and setting the same time and temperature as you would for baking or frying can result in overcooked or burnt food.
How to avoid it: Adjust recipes accordingly — typically, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and check food a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
8. Not Taking Advantage of the Versatility
Why it’s a problem: Many people only use their Ninja air fryer for fries or frozen snacks, missing out on its full potential.
How to avoid it: Experiment! Roast veggies, bake desserts, or dehydrate fruit. Ninja models often have multiple cooking functions — make the most of them.
9. Blocking the Air Vents
Why it’s a problem: Air fryers need proper ventilation to function safely and efficiently.
How to avoid it: Place your Ninja air fryer on a flat, heat-resistant surface with at least 5 inches of space around the air vents.
10. Skipping the Manual and Preset Functions
Why it’s a problem: Ninja air fryers often come with useful presets for different foods, but many users ignore them.
How to avoid it: Take a few minutes to read the manual — using the correct preset for air roasting, reheating, or dehydrating can save you time and improve your results.
Like any kitchen appliance, practice makes perfect! Once you learn how to avoid these common mistakes, your Ninja air fryer will become your go-to tool for quick, healthy, and tasty meals.
Final Thoughts: Which Ninja Air Fryer Should You Buy?
With so many excellent options, choosing the right Ninja air fryer depends on your cooking needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a compact model, advanced features, or a larger capacity for family meals, Ninja offers a variety of choices to suit every kitchen.
Consider your budget, space, and favorite cooking styles to find the perfect match, and get ready to enjoy healthier, more convenient meals with ease.
- Best Overall: Ninja DZ401 – Large capacity + dual-zone cooking.
- Best Budget Option: Ninja AF101 – Affordable, compact, and easy to use.
- Best for Versatility: Ninja SP101 – A multi-use air fryer oven.
If you’re looking for crispy, oil-free cooking, a Ninja air fryer is a great investment. Click the links above to find the perfect model for your home!
