8 Best Ninja Air Fryers of 2026

The Ninja AF101 punches above its weight with a bold fusion of simplicity and performance, making it a standout for budget-conscious cooks who refuse to compromise on crisp. Its 4-quart ceramic-coated basket delivers up to 75% less fat than deep frying, while the 105°F–400°F temperature range gives you precision from delicate dehydration to golden air crisping. This compact powerhouse excels at turning frozen fries into crunchy perfection and reviving leftovers without sogginess—a true kitchen ally for health-focused families.

In real-world use, the AF101 handles 2 lbs of fries or a small roast with ease, though it struggles with larger family portions. The Air Fry and Dehydrate functions are impressively consistent—think homemade kale chips or dried apple slices with even browning. However, the single basket design means you can’t multitask, and the fan can be noisy at peak convection. Still, for solo cooks or couples, it’s efficient, responsive, and intuitive, with dishwasher-safe parts that make cleanup a snap.

Compared to the Ninja AF141, the AF101 trades capacity for affordability and compactness—ideal for small kitchens or first-time air fryer users. While it lacks the newer models’ expanded cooking presets, its 4-in-1 versatility (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) covers daily needs without clutter. It’s not the flashiest, but for beginners seeking reliable, healthy cooking without complexity, the AF101 is a smart entry point—offering solid performance and ease of use at a fraction of the cost of larger models.

The Ninja AF141 is a game-changer for mid-sized households, blending larger capacity with Ninja’s signature Air Crisp technology to deliver crispy, flavorful results on demand. With a 5-quart basket that fits up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, it’s built for weeknight dinners and weekend feasts alike. The 400°F max temperature and rapid convection ensure food cooks fast and evenly, while the space-saving design keeps it countertop-friendly—a rare balance of power and footprint.

Real-world testing shows the AF141 shines with frozen-to-crispy meals, producing golden tater tots and crunchy chicken nuggets in under 15 minutes. The Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions are intuitive and effective, though the dehydrate setting lacks precision for delicate fruits. It handles most tasks with ease, but crowding the basket leads to uneven crisp, so batch cooking is recommended for best results. Still, its nonstick coating and easy wipe-down surface make cleanup a breeze.

When stacked against the AF101, the AF141 offers notable upgrades in capacity and airflow, making it a better fit for families of three or more. It doesn’t have the dual baskets of the Foodi models, but it delivers more cooking room than entry-level units without inflating the price. For those who want more versatility than the basic model but aren’t ready for premium features, the AF141 strikes a perfect middle ground—offering expanded utility and consistent performance at a competitive value.

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone redefines family cooking with its revolutionary twin-basket design, letting you cook two meals, two ways, at once—a true time-saver for busy households. Each 4-quart basket operates independently, with separate heaters and cyclonic fans, allowing you to roast chicken in one while air-frying vegetables in the other. The Smart Finish and Match Cook features eliminate guesswork, syncing cook times so both dishes finish together—a must-have for stress-free weeknight dinners.

In practice, the DZ201 handles up to 4 lbs of wings or a full family meal with ease, and its 6-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate) makes it a true countertop powerhouse. The 450°F max temperature ensures deep browning and crisp, while the wide temp range (105°F–450°F) supports everything from slow dehydration to fast searing. However, the dual baskets take up significant space, and the learning curve for Smart Finish can trip up new users.

Compared to the AF181, the DZ201 offers superior multitasking ability, making it ideal for families or meal preppers who need parallel cooking without juggling timers. While the AF181 has a slightly larger single basket, it can’t match the flexibility of dual zones. The DZ201 is not the most compact, but for those who value efficiency and versatility over size, it delivers unmatched cooking freedom—offering smarter meal prep and faster turnaround than single-basket rivals.

The Ninja AF181 is the gold standard for all-around performance, combining Max Crisp technology, XL capacity, and a compact footprint into one best-in-class air fryer. With a 6.5-quart basket that holds up to 9 lbs of wings or 5 lbs of fries, it’s built for game days, family meals, and serious batch cooking. The 450°F superheated air and rapid circulation deliver golden, crispy exteriors and juicy interiors—no preheating required, and frozen foods go from freezer to table in minutes.

In real-world use, the AF181 dominates when it comes to texture and speed, producing restaurant-quality fries, wings, and breaded veggies with minimal oil and maximum crunch. The 6-in-1 functions (Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) cover nearly every cooking need, and the dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup effortless. While it lacks dual baskets, its single-zone efficiency and even heat distribution mean fewer compromises—though oversized items may not fit flat due to basket depth.

Stacked against the DZ201, the AF181 offers more raw capacity in a single basket but misses out on multitasking. Compared to the AF141, it’s a clear upgrade in power, size, and versatility. For users who want the crispiest results, largest single-load capacity, and most cooking modes, the AF181 is the top pick—delivering elite performance with fewer frills but unmatched execution.

The Ninja DZ550 Foodi DualZone Smart is the pinnacle of air frying innovation, merging dual XL baskets with a built-in smart thermometer for precision cooking that borders on foolproof. With two 5-quart zones and independent heating, you can roast a chicken in one basket while air-frying veggies in the other, all while the integrated thermometer monitors internal doneness in real time—no more guessing, no more dry meat. The IQ Boost feature even optimizes power distribution for faster cooking, making it ideal for large meals cooked under 30 minutes.

In practice, the DZ550 excels at complex meal prep, turning out perfectly cooked salmon, juicy chicken breasts, and crispy fries simultaneously. The Smart Finish and Match Cook functions ensure both baskets finish together, while 6-in-1 programs (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate) cover every need. However, the steep price and massive footprint make it overkill for small households, and the touchscreen interface can be finicky with wet hands.

Versus the DZ201, the DZ550 adds smart thermometer integration and IQ Boost, making it the only air fryer that truly guides you to perfect doneness. While the DZ201 is great for multitasking, the DZ550 elevates it with intelligence and speed. For serious home cooks and large families who demand precision, power, and flexibility, the DZ550 is worth the investment—offering unmatched control and consistency that no other model can match.

The Ninja Flip SP151 is a countertop marvel of space-saving ingenuity, designed for small kitchens where every inch counts. With its flip-up design, it folds vertically against the backsplash, taking up 50% less space than traditional toaster ovens—a game-changer for apartments, dorms, or crowded countertops. Yet it doesn’t sacrifice power: the 1800-watt OVENCRISP technology combines infrared heating and rapid air circulation to deliver crispy air-fried results and evenly baked pizzas in half the time of a conventional oven.

In real-world use, the Flip handles 4 lbs of ingredients, a 12-inch pizza, or 6 slices of toast with impressive evenness. The 8-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Roast, Dehydrate) make it incredibly versatile, and the 50% faster cooking claim holds up—frozen chicken tenders are golden in 12 minutes. However, the air fry basket is smaller than dedicated units, and batch cooking large meals requires patience. Still, for those who want oven + air fryer in one compact unit, it’s a brilliant solution.

Compared to the DT501, the Flip is more space-efficient but less powerful, lacking dual racks and smart convection. It doesn’t match the DT501’s capacity or precision, but for urban dwellers or minimalists, it delivers maximum functionality in minimal space—offering a smarter, sleeker alternative to bulky combos without sacrificing core performance.

The Ninja DT501 Prestige is the ultimate countertop oven hybrid, built for cooks who want full oven functionality with air fryer crisp—without the bulk of a range. With 10-in-1 programs including Whole Roast, Pizza, and Air Fry, and a massive interior that fits a 12-lb turkey or 20 cookies at once, it’s a powerhouse for entertaining and family meals. The Smart Surround Convection and 2-level cooking ensure even browning on both racks—no rotation needed, while the 90-second preheat slashes waiting time.

In testing, the DT501 shines in multitasking mode, roasting a chicken on the bottom rack while air-frying fries above, all with perfect doneness and crisp. The digital display illuminates rack positions, and the air fry basket delivers 75% less fat results with deep crunch. However, its premium price and large footprint make it impractical for small kitchens, and the learning curve for 10 functions can overwhelm beginners.

Pitted against the Flip SP151, the DT501 is larger, smarter, and more powerful, offering dual racks, faster preheat, and superior evenness. While the Flip wins on space, the DT501 dominates in capacity and precision. For serious home chefs who want a true oven replacement with air fryer benefits, the DT501 is the top-tier choice—delivering restaurant-quality results with unmatched versatility and elegance.