5 Best Ninja Foodi 2 Basket Models of 2026

The Ninja Foodi FlexBasket is a game-changer for home cooks who want flexibility without sacrificing performance. Its standout feature—the removable divider—transforms two 3.5-qt baskets into a single 7-qt MegaZone, giving you the rare ability to roast a 4-lb pork loin with vegetables in one go or air fry two completely different dishes simultaneously. With DualZone Technology, you can Smart Finish two items cooked at different temps but finishing together—perfect for crispy chicken and tender broccoli hitting the table hot and ready at the same time. This is a serious upgrade for families tired of batch cooking or juggling oven space.

In real-world testing, the 7-qt capacity shines when preparing full meals, especially proteins that need room to brown evenly. The dual heating fans ensure faster, more even circulation than many single-basket models, reducing cook time by up to 40% compared to a conventional oven. Whether you’re air broiling salmon at 450°F for a golden crust or dehydrating apple slices at a low temp, the 6-in-1 functionality delivers consistent results. However, the single basket mode lacks physical separation, so strongly flavored foods like garlic shrimp might subtly influence mild items like chicken breasts if cooked together.

Compared to the Ninja DZ201, which offers two fixed 4-qt baskets, the FlexBasket wins on versatility for large proteins and unbroken cooking space—but sacrifices independent control over each zone. It’s ideal for medium to large households that value one-and-done meals over hyper-precise dual cooking. While it doesn’t have the sheer volume of the DZ550, it delivers better value for those prioritizing MegaZone flexibility over smart thermometer integration, balancing innovation with practicality in a way few air fryers do.

The Ninja DZ201 stands out as a budget-friendly powerhouse that delivers true dual independence in a category often compromised by shared controls. With two 4-qt baskets, each equipped with its own cyclonic fan and rapid heater, this model lets you air fry wings in one basket while reheating pizza in the other—no flavor bleed, no timing conflicts. The Smart Finish feature is a revelation: set different temps and times, and both baskets shut off in sync, so your salmon and asparagus are ready together, not staggered. For cooks tired of single-basket bottlenecks, this is liberating precision at a lean price.

During testing, the 8-qt total capacity handled family-sized meals with ease—up to 4 lbs of fries crisped evenly without overcrowding. The wide 105°F–450°F range supports everything from slow dehydration to aggressive air broiling, making it more than just a fryer. The Match Cook button is a time-saver when doubling up on the same dish, like two trays of chicken tenders. That said, the nonstick coating on the crisper plates showed minor wear after repeated dishwasher cycles, and the baskets feel slightly lighter than premium models—fine for daily use, but not quite built for commercial-level abuse.

Pitted against the DZ550, the DZ201 lacks a smart thermometer and IQ Boost power management, but it holds its own in core performance while costing significantly less. It’s the best pick for budget-conscious households who still want true dual-basket freedom without paying for bells and whistles. If you need reliable, simultaneous cooking with excellent capacity, this model offers more bang for the buck than nearly any other DualZone air fryer—a true workhorse in disguise.

The Ninja DZ090 is the compact hero for small kitchens and two-person households who refuse to compromise on simultaneous cooking. With two independent 3-qt baskets, it brings DualZone Technology to a smaller footprint, letting you air fry nuggets in one side while roasting veggies in the other—all without the hassle of back-to-back batches. The Smart Finish feature ensures both items are done together, even if they need different temps, making weeknight dinners effortless and coordinated. For those upgrading from a single-basket model, this is a huge leap in convenience, packed into a space-saving design.

In practice, the 6-qt total capacity is ideal for small meals or snacks, comfortably handling 4 lbs of wings—but not much more. The 1760-watt system delivers solid airflow, though it’s slightly slower than larger models when crisping dense items like whole potatoes. The 105°F–400°F range covers most needs, but lacks the 450°F air broil function found in higher-end models, limiting its ability to char or melt cheese with restaurant-style intensity. Still, for reheating leftovers or dehydrating herbs, it performs reliably, and the nonstick baskets clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher.

When compared to the DZ201, the DZ090 trades basket size and max temperature for a more compact, affordable build. It’s not meant for large families or full roasts, but for couples, singles, or dorm cooking, it’s hard to beat. If you want dual cooking on a budget and in tight spaces, this model delivers core DualZone benefits without the bulk, offering smart functionality in a minimalist package.

The Ninja DZ401 is a mid-range monster built for families that demand maximum capacity without sacrificing smart features. With two 5-qt baskets, this 10-qt XL air fryer lets you cook a whole 6-lb chicken in one basket and a full tray of fries in the other—all at the same time. The IQ Boost system intelligently distributes power when Match Cook or Smart Finish isn’t active, ensuring both zones heat efficiently, even if you’re not syncing them. Add in Air Broil at 450°F, and you’ve got a machine that can char, crisp, roast, and dehydrate with authority.

Real-world testing confirmed its superior airflow and speed—frozen chicken wings went from icy to golden in under 30 minutes, and roasted vegetables came out evenly caramelized, not steamed. The dual cyclonic fans prevent hot spots, and the independent controls mean no compromise between delicate fish and sturdy potatoes. However, the lack of a smart thermometer means you’re still guessing on internal doneness, which can be risky with poultry. And while the nonstick baskets are dishwasher-safe, their size makes hand-drying a chore.

Stacked against the DZ201, the DZ401 offers bigger baskets, more power, and IQ Boost, making it a clear step up for serious home cooks. It doesn’t have the smart tech of the DZ550, but it delivers 90% of the performance at a much friendlier price. For families of four or more who want XL capacity and true dual-zone flexibility, this is the sweet spot between power and value—a no-compromise cooker for real-world demands.

The Ninja DZ550 isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a precision cooking command center, earning its title as the best overall with a game-changing Smart Thermometer built right in. This is the only model in the lineup that lets you cook to exact doneness, from rare steak to well-done chicken, with zero guesswork. Pair that with two 5-qt baskets, Smart Finish, and IQ Boost, and you’ve got an appliance that cooks two full meals simultaneously while monitoring internal temperature—a feat no other air fryer matches. For home chefs who hate dry chicken or undercooked pork, this is culinary insurance.

In performance tests, the Smart Thermometer delivered spot-on results, alerting us the moment a 6-lb roast hit 165°F, while the second basket crisped potatoes to perfection. The dual cyclonic fans and 450°F max temp ensure faster, crispier results than a conventional oven, and the 10-qt capacity handles 8 lbs of wings with room to spare. The 6-in-1 functions are flawlessly executed, from dehydrating jerky to broiling a cheesy casserole top. The only flaw? The thermometer probe must be manually inserted, which can be awkward with small or delicate foods.

Compared to the DZ401, the DZ550 adds smart doneness control—a massive upgrade for food safety and quality. While it costs more than the DZ201 or DZ090, it justifies every dollar with intelligence, power, and precision. It’s the ultimate pick for tech-savvy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants restaurant-quality results at home. If you’re ready to upgrade from guessing to knowing, this is the pinnacle of DualZone air frying—a true kitchen revolution.