8 Best Ninja Air Fryers of 2026

The Ninja DZ550 isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a kitchen command center. With its dual 5-quart independent baskets, Smart Finish technology, and integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, this model redefines precision and convenience for home chefs who demand more than crispy fries. It tackles the biggest pain point of single-basket models—sequential cooking—by letting you roast salmon in one zone while air frying Brussels sprouts in the other, both finishing perfectly at the same time. The IQ Boost power distribution ensures even speed when both zones run simultaneously, making it a powerhouse for families or meal preppers.

In real-world testing, the DZ550 shines when handling large, mixed meals—roasting a 6-pound whole chicken in one basket while crisping up sweet potato fries in the other takes under an hour, with both items emerging golden and evenly cooked. The 105°F to 450°F temperature range allows delicate dehydrating (think apple chips or beef jerky) alongside high-heat air searing, while the 6-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, etc.) eliminate the need for multiple appliances. However, its sheer size demands significant counter space, and the noise level during dual-zone operation is noticeable, though not disruptive.

Compared to the DZ201, the DZ550 adds the Smart Thermometer and slightly larger capacity, justifying its premium for users who prioritize doneness accuracy and larger batches. While the Crispi Pro offers glassware versatility, the DZ550 wins on speed and dual-zone intelligence. It’s the best overall choice for those who want maximum flexibility, smart features, and family-sized output without oven reliance. For power, precision, and multitasking mastery, it outperforms others in both functionality and real-world efficiency.

The Ninja DZ201 delivers dual-basket brilliance at a wallet-friendly point, making it the best dual basket value in the lineup. Its two 4-quart independent zones with separate cyclonic fans and heaters mean you can air fry chicken tenders in one basket while roasting veggies in the other—no flavor transfer, no timing guesswork. The Smart Finish feature synchronizes cook times so both foods are ready together, a game-changer for weeknight dinners, while Match Cook lets you duplicate settings across zones for batch cooking with ease.

During testing, the DZ201 handled 4 lbs of wings or fries effortlessly, delivering consistent crispness edge-to-edge thanks to its wide 105°F–450°F range and convection power. It excels at reheating leftovers without sogginess and dehydrating herbs or fruit with reliable results. While it lacks a built-in thermometer (unlike the DZ550), its 6-in-1 functionality covers all essentials. The unit is compact enough for smaller kitchens but still powerful enough to replace a conventional oven for most tasks—though it struggles slightly with ultra-thick proteins without manual flipping.

When compared to the DZ550, the DZ201 trades some capacity and smart features for a significantly lower entry point, making it ideal for couples or small families. Against the AF182AMZ, it offers true dual-zone independence, a major advantage over single-basket models. It doesn’t have the premium bells and whistles of higher-end Ninjas, but for balanced performance, versatility, and price, it’s unmatched. If you want dual cooking without the premium cost, this is your sweet spot.

The Ninja Crispi Pro stands apart with its revolutionary glass cookware system, making it the best for healthy cooking and seamless meal prep. The 6-qt and 2.5-qt CleanCrisp glassware isn’t just oven-safe—it’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, turning the air fryer into a full-cycle cooking-to-storage solution. With 1800 watts of power, it crisps a 7.5-lb chicken to perfection while maintaining non-toxic, PFAS-free surfaces, a major win for health-conscious users tired of plastic-coated baskets.

In practice, the modular base adapts to different glassware sizes, offering unmatched flexibility for solo meals or dinner parties. The Max Crisp and Recrisp functions deliver restaurant-level crunch on everything from fries to reheated pizza, while precise temperature control ensures delicate dishes like custards or proofed dough don’t fail. The elevated glass design lets you monitor food without opening the lid, preserving heat and humidity. However, the glass containers, while durable, are heavier and more fragile than metal baskets, requiring careful handling.

Versus the DZ550, the Crispi Pro trades dual baskets for material innovation and meal prep integration. It’s not built for simultaneous cooking, but for those who value non-toxic materials, storage convenience, and countertop aesthetics, it’s unmatched. Compared to toaster-style models, it lacks multi-functionality but excels in cooking purity and versatility across appliances. If your priority is safe, transparent, and seamless cooking from prep to plate, this is the ultimate upgrade.

The Ninja Flip reimagines countertop efficiency with its flip-up design, earning its title as the best compact design for space-starved kitchens. With a simple lift, it tucks vertically against your backsplash, freeing up 50% of counter space—a godsend for apartments, dorms, or cluttered countertops. Don’t let its size fool you: the 1800-watt system and 6 infrared heating elements deliver 50% faster cooking than conventional ovens, crisping chicken and baking pizzas with impressive evenness thanks to OvenCrisp technology.

Real-world use proves it’s a speed demon for small families, cooking 4 chicken breasts or a 12” pizza in under 20 minutes with minimal preheat time. The 8-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate) make it a true all-in-one, and the air fry basket + sheet pan combo offers flexible layering. However, its single cooking chamber means you can’t cook two items simultaneously, and the basket capacity is smaller than dedicated air fryers—best for 1–4 people.

Compared to the AF182AMZ, the Flip offers more functions but less dedicated air frying space. Against the DZ201, it loses dual-basket flexibility but wins on footprint and storage innovation. It’s not the most powerful air fryer, but for those who value speed, versatility, and space-saving design, it’s unmatched. If you need one appliance to do it all without dominating your kitchen, this is the smartest compact powerhouse available.

The Ninja AF182AMZ strikes a perfect mid-range balance, making it the best mid-range capacity air fryer for households that want size without bloat. Its 6.5-qt basket fits up to 9 lbs of wings or 5 lbs of fries—enough for a family of four—while maintaining a space-saving profile that doesn’t dominate the counter. The Max Crisp technology delivers 450°F superheated air for that crave-worthy crunch without oil, outperforming many larger models in crisp consistency.

In testing, it excelled at frozen-to-crispy transformations, turning tater tots and chicken nuggets into golden perfection in under 15 minutes. The 7-in-1 functions add real value—roasting whole chickens, dehydrating kale chips, or reheating pizza without sogginess. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate make cleanup a breeze. However, like all single-basket models, it can’t handle simultaneous cooking, and dense items like thick steaks may need mid-cycle flipping for even results.

Compared to the budget AF142, it offers larger capacity and an extra broil function; versus the DZ550, it lacks dual zones but costs significantly less. It’s the ideal middle ground—more power and space than entry-level models, without the complexity or price of dual-zone giants. For most families wanting reliable performance, easy cleanup, and versatile cooking, this is the smartest all-rounder in the Ninja lineup.

The Ninja French Door Premier is built for large families who want oven-level capacity in a sleek, efficient package. As the largest air frying French door oven in Ninja’s range, its 5-qt air fry basket fits up to 5 lbs of fries or wings, while the full-width interior accommodates a 12” pizza or whole roast with room to spare. The 10-in-1 functions—including Whole Roast, Pizza, and Bagel—make it a true oven replacement, and the 450°F cyclonic air tech ensures even browning without rotating.

Real-world use shows it cooks up to 60% faster than conventional ovens, with a 90-second preheat that slashes dinner prep time. The one-handed French door design opens smoothly, giving full access without swinging into counters. Dishwasher-safe accessories and PFAS-free surfaces add to its family-friendly appeal. However, its size means it’s not ideal for small kitchens, and the air fry basket must be used for optimal crispness, limiting full-pan versatility.

Against the Flip SP151, it offers larger capacity and better airflow, though it lacks the flip-up storage. Compared to the DZ550, it doesn’t have dual baskets but excels in single-batch volume and oven-style cooking. It’s the top pick for big households needing speed, safety, and multi-functionality in one elegant unit. For those who want restaurant-scale results at home, this is the ultimate upgrade.

The Ninja AF142 is the best budget-friendly entry in the Ninja lineup, delivering core air frying performance without frills. With a 5-qt capacity, it handles 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings—plenty for a family of three—using 400°F Air Crisp technology to deliver crispy, golden results with up to 75% less fat. It’s perfect for those new to air frying or who want a simple, reliable appliance for daily use.

In testing, it aced frozen-to-crispy meals, cooking nuggets, fries, and mozzarella sticks quickly and evenly. The 5-in-1 functions cover basics like Bake, Roast, and Reheat, though it lacks Broil or Max Crisp for ultra-crispy finishes. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to wipe down or toss in the dishwasher. However, it lacks advanced features like dual zones, smart cooking, or precise temp control below 400°F, limiting versatility.

Compared to the AF182AMZ, it offers less capacity and fewer functions, but at a lower price point, it’s ideal for singles or small households. Against the DZ201, it loses dual-basket flexibility but wins on affordability. It doesn’t impress with innovation, but for straightforward, no-fuss air frying, it’s hard to beat. If you want essential performance at a minimal cost, this is the smartest budget choice.