For those looking to cut down on their fat intake or just want healthier options in their diet, Ninja Air Fryers provide an alternative to traditional frying methods. The best part about these fryers as the common ground? They don't require any oil! You can make your favorite fried food with little to no added fat content, or you can use them as a healthy way to reheat leftovers while saving time in the kitchen. As if that wasn't enough, they're multifunctional too! With a Ninja Air Fryer, you can roast, dehydrate, reheat, cook, and more.
Besides being low in fat, Ninja Air Fryers also have a range of features to help you have more control over your cooking experience. You can vary the temperature for different types of food or brace yourself for a hotter setting with the timer. You can use the grilling cycle for cooking your favorite burger or getting something crunchy on the outside with the crisp cycle.
In this article, we will review some top-rated Ninja Air Fryers and let you know why these models are the best for your kitchen, sharing our comprehensive research.
#1 Best Overall - Ninja FD401 Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker
The Ninja FD401 is one powerhouse of cooking appliances! 9 Functions, including a pressure cooker, steamer, fryer, and more. It even has a sear/saute setting so you can raise vegetables and meat together to the next level.
The 1760 watt motor allows the Ninja FD401 to reach temperatures as high as 500°, which is amazing for an appliance that also comes with additional features like the yogurt maker and dehydrator! This function-rich product has so many uses- it's like a kitchen stove without taking up nearly as much space.
Top-Rated
Combines the power of a pressure cooker with that of an air fryer to provide you with all your cooking needs in one device!
The dimensions of the FD401 Air Fryer are 14.2 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. The unit weighs 26 pounds. This product has a storage capacity of 8 quarts.
Some of my favorite things about this air fryer are the accessories such as the removable cooking bowl, steam/fry basket, and nonstick coating. The bowl's coating is supposed to prevent food from sticking, which I guess makes sense if you plan on covering your bowl in oil before using it (not recommended). People who take care not to dirty their bowls and use proper utensils when cleaning them are generally more satisfied with how they wash up than those who don't.
Last but not least, it's no secret that the deluxe reversible rack is one of the most prominent accessories of this air fryer, not just because it can cook up to 8 chicken breasts or salmon fillets at once. The best part about this nifty tool is its versatility- you'll have triple as many options for cooking your favorite dishes! You can sue the higher position if broiling a juicy steak (or searing any other type of meat) until nicely browned on both sides. Or try using the lower position when steaming vegetables like broccoli in minutes without spending too much time over boiling water. It is also great for cooking foods in different positions and layered cooking, like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the rack with meats on top. You can cook all kinds of dishes simultaneously and complement their flavors.
#2 Best Standalone - Ninja AF161 Max XL 5.5Qt Grey Air Fryer
If you're in the market for an XL air frying machine, this model offers a lot of value. Whether you plan to roast veggies or make crisp fries and snacks, this air fryer has everything you need to produce perfect dishes with minimal effort on your part. It's is 1750 watts in power, and the 5.5-quart ceramic coated basket is plenty big for most families without being cumbersome. The variable temperature control will ensure that all foods are cooked perfectly depending on what type they are. You can cook 3 pounds of french fries or chicken wings in the frying pan.
My personal favorite features are the max crisp setting which makes cooking faster (for those days when I forget about my food in there), and the broil rack where I can finish off my crispy asparagus or chicken wings before adding them back into the mix with more ingredients! It comes equipped with many accessories: a baking rack, crisper tray, recipe e-book.
Runner-up
The XL Ninja fryer dedicated to air cooking.
A steamer is an effective way to cook vegetables, but when you're using an air fryer, there's no need to buy one because the fryer has a cooking setting designed for steamed vegetables. To steam your vegetables:
- Place them in the basket and set it on the air fryer's roasting/broil rack.
- Slide the rack into the machine (lower position is what to go with veggies), then close the lid.
- Turn on the air roast setting and cook for about 10 minutes until done!
That's all there is to it!
This air fryer comes with many accessories such as a baking rack, crisper tray, and an easy-to-follow recipe e-book. You can set the air fryer to roast veggies at 250 degrees or fries at 450 degrees with the variable temperature control. The MAX CRISP setting will cook up to 30 percent faster than the AF101 model with a few simple clicks and flipping of the dial. This model also has an optional broil rack that will toast any side dish in minutes and be removed for assembly-free cooking.
#3 Best Oven - Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven
The second one on our list is an air fryer oven, a premium kitchen appliance that revolutionizes how you cook. The 10 cooking functions include Air Fry, Whole Roast, Air Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Pizza Bagel Toast Broil, and Reheat for maximum versatility. It features a countertop design which makes it perfect for any home. Other notable features of this product include True Surround Convection technology creates traditional oven performance with the flexibility of two levels of cooking without the rotation required.
This product has been reviewed as wonderful for vegans gluten-free lovers and is also great with low-fat cooking. The Ninja Air Fryer comes with a 12-pound turkey capacity, which can double as an oven in small kitchens. There are 2 racks, 2 pans, air fry pan, and roast pan included making this a complete set when purchased lock stock and barrel.
Visible Cooking
The brilliant colored lights inside the oven make it possible to monitor progress through windows.
Related: Best Air Fryers with Rotisserie and Racks
Its efficiency only rivals the fierceness of this appliance; the power rating is 1800 watts, endowing it with unparalleled strength, which manages to bode well alongside its 90 second preheat time. The digital screen will show all the information about your recipes to have a clear understanding of how to take care of them.
The Ninja DT251 is 13.34 inches tall, 20.22 inches wide, and 17.09 inches deep. The weight of the unit is 34 pounds. As a result, the entire unit may be a bit larger than expected if you have limited free space in the kitchen. But, as it is designed a countertop oven, it isn't that big of an issue and deserves the space. The product is made from metallic silver-colored paint.
We also can't help but point this smart feature out. It's the digital display handle, which will show you exactly which rack position to use based on the program chosen, so it's much easier than having to open up your cookbook every five minutes. When the door is opened during cooking, settings freeze automatically until closed again when that way accidental changes aren't made!
Overall, this air fryer oven is spectacular and delivers the goods when it comes to quality. It is the swiss army knife of cooking appliances with its flexibility and ease.
#4 Best Smokeless - Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Countertop Grill and Air Fryer
We are a huge fan of this air fryer! It is an incredible electric grill as well, made up of ceramic-coated nonstick parts and a PTFE/PFOA-free surface. It has the ability to change temperature easily from 105-500 degrees Fahrenheit - more than enough for any cooking need! You can use this product to roast, bake, dehydrate and air fry, as well as grill the meat of your preference.
This countertop appliance also features 1760 watts of total control power through electronic cyclonic grilling technology that lets smoke naturally go out with ease. It roasts frozen items in just 25 minutes and gets food ready quicker than you thought possible. This device will cook 100% evenly every time because there's a thermometer and a temperature sensor that monitors heat levels.
Also Grill
If you have a busy family, so this makes feeding everyone much easier.
This product comes with a 4QT basket for french fries, a 6QT pot, and 10" x 10" grill grate to help you cook different types of foods all at once! It also features removable parts from the pot, basket, and grates that get dishwasher safe so you can be worry-free about cleaning up after dinner. You get both indoor and outdoor recipes along with serving suggestions for this electric grill and air fryer.
There is no need to use gas or charcoal anymore because this unit creates the taste of authentic outdoor grilled food right inside your kitchen! You will have awesome tasting dinners every night.
It has a smoke control system that means 90% less smoke than traditional grills, auto shut off when cooking is done, and your dish is ready. The unit is tranquil, so it won't disrupt your entire household while you're using it. There's also a storage tray to keep your kitchen clean and tidy.
The dimensions for this specific type are 11" x 14" x 16". It weighs 24 pounds, making it easy enough to move from room to room without too much effort. Just be safe when carrying it outside that you have someone helping, though! The exterior is made of stainless steel, and it has a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer.
#5 Best for Multi-Cooking - Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer
This Foodie series air fryer is a stylish, innovative way of cooking. The machine has 3 different elements with 1760 watts of power and dual-zone technology so that you can cook two things at different temperatures. The device has a large capacity and will hold up to 4 lbs of french fries. It is so easy to clean as the basket lifts out easily, and it is dishwasher safe. The Foodi also comes with a patented air circulating system that circulates hot air over food and seals in flavor, moisture, and nutrients. For crispy, even cooking, the basket has a patented Turbo Cool air system that circulates hot air around your food and then blows cool air on it, so it doesn't get soggy or greasy. It really is a state of an art machine.
Double Basket
Cooking two different foods at the same time has never been this easy.
The Ninja DZ201 was created to do everything the traditional single-basket air fryer can and more. This product has DualZone Technology that is capable of cooking 2 foods at different temperatures or finishes simultaneously while not overcooking either one! The Smart Finish feature allows you to cook two separate dishes back to back without finishing too early since they are going into an already hot container. The Match Cook button lets users easily copy settings across zones for a total of 8qt capacity upfront, so there will be no need to adjust anything during use.
Ninja Foodie DZ201 has a contemporary design and comes in black with silver accents when it comes to physical features. It is 12.05"W x 16.88"D x 10.59"H. The cord length is 3 ft long, so it will need to be kept close to an outlet.
#6 Best Budget - Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Qt, Black/gray
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is one of the basic but mighty models of the brand. It has an aluminum basket with a nonstick ceramic coating and a plastic handle. It also has a crisper plate made of aluminum, covered in a nonstick ceramic coating. The range of the product is from 105 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The weight of the product is 9.7 pounds and can hold up to 2 pounds of food. The capacity is 4 quarts, and the dimensions are 13.6''L x 11''W x 13.3''H''. The warranty for the product is 1 year limited warranty.
The air fryer has 4 cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. There are 2 different power levels in which you can choose to cook with: 450 watts or 1500 watts. It comes with a digital control panel located on the front of the unit that allows you to set the temperature anywhere from 105-400 degrees Fahrenheit and turn it on/off without taking out your food.
Basic Pick
The crown jewel of Ninja air fryers for beginners and minimalists.
The digital timer allows you to adjust the time for as many minutes as you desire. The auto shut-off safety feature ensures that when it's done cooking, it will automatically turn itself off and stop heating oil, so there's no risk of burning or breaking down. To activate this great device, all you need to do is preheat it for 3 minutes before getting started by pressing the buttons on top in either direction (up or down), which corresponds with how many more/less minutes of fry time desired!
The feature that makes this product great is the number of accessories it comes with: 4-quart nonstick ceramic basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack. The cons of this product would have to be the plastic handle and the plastic on the edge of the crisper plate. If I were to use this product for something specific, I would use it for cooking chicken wings in air fry mode at 400 degrees for 45 minutes and then crisp them up under my oven broiler at 450 degrees for 5-7 minutes per side.
Factors to Consider When Looking for an Ninja Air Fryer
Size & Capacity
The first thing that consumers look for when buying one of these devices is the capacity. The larger the capacity the more food that it can handle at once, making it practical for bigger families and groups of people. On the other hand, you can get a smaller model for a personal use only if you are just doing cooking occasionally. In this case, small capacity models with smaller surface areas are the way to go as it doesn't take up much space in your kitchen at all.
If you are looking for a small model, you'd better also consider the Ninja AF101, which offer a fast and easy cooking experience for a smaller space. If you have a larger kitchen, it's an excellent idea to also consider the Ninja Foodie Deluxe XL, which will allow you to cook more food at once and give you the chance to also leverage pressure cooking features for other slow cooking dishes.
Ease of Use
Among other features an air fryer may have, you may want to take into account how it pertains to comfort and ease. For example, some air fryers come with a digital screen which will help you monitor the cooking process. Others may have a timer that automatically shuts off the fryer once it reaches the desired temperature. Some may be controlled by an app which will make you more comfortable while using it. With the Ninja Air Fryer of your choice, you can control and time the cooking process without any hassle.
Type of the Air Fryer
There are several types of air fryers in terms of shape, size and function. However, they can typically fall into two categories, basket tray air fryers and convection-oven air fryers. Basket air fryers are the most popular, with a basket resembling that of a deep fryer to keep the food. Even it may change from air fryer to air fryer, in Ninja fryers baskets that can be mostly detached from the unit. Convection oven air fryers are similar to toasters or convection ovens, with racks to hold food added and additional air frying functionality. They provide huge amount of space and very effective at cooking big portion. In some cases, they can even be a great alternative to a countertop oven.
Apart from these, some more versatile designs, originally made as a pressure cooker, are also able to act as air fryers. This is achieved by including two seperate lids one for the pressure cooker and another for the air fryer. This means that they can cook food using hot air, as well as pressure. This is a convenient feature, as it means that you can cook food quickly and easily using one appliance.
Budget
Cost is also an important consideration when deciding which of the air fryers are right for you. While there are less expensive options available, you will have to get an air fryer that won’t disappoint. We think that Ninja air fryers are pretty on par for prices and if you are interested in a good quality air fryer, their price shouldn’t be an issue.
Although price changes are influenced by many factors, including the stock, interest rate, and seasonal offers available at certain time of the year, generally the price range for their air fryers begins at $100 and goes as high as $350. These figures are just to let a light bulb come over your head on how much value you could have in your hands when these items make available.
Warranty
All Ninja Air Fryers come with 1 year limited warranty. That means, if non-removable parts or the unit itself malfunctions and needs replacement, you will be able to have a replacement. That way, you can be sure that the warranty period is long enough to cover almost any case if the fryer stops working properly.
If something goes wrong and your product damages, that does not include any removable parts like basket, lid, and filters. You'll still be able to get a replacement part as easily by ordering it from the company's customer service.
Conclusion
The million-dollar question is: "Should I buy from Ninja Air Fryers?" Well, that depends on you and what goals you have for your own life. If you'd like to save money, time and eat healthier without all the fuss of deep frying, this is an excellent option for your family! Not only will it increase the quality of food in your household but also decrease the extra fat you may find yourself consuming in many meals throughout the day! It's like having two appliances in one, so there's no need to take up any more space in your kitchen or pull out another appliance while cooking with a Ninja Air Fryer.
If you're looking for a hardworking air fryer that will cook your food quickly and efficiently, then the Ninja FD401 Deluxe Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer is worth checking out. With 9 cooking functions to choose from- including pressure cooker, steamer, and more- this appliance has something for everyone! The benefits of a deluxe reversible rack are endless; it is excellent both for browning meats on the top and for cooking foods at different levels. The easy-to-clean removable bowl makes storing your dishes hassle-free, and the nonstick coating prevents food from sticking inside while making cleanup a breeze. This product has so many features packed into one unit- if you're looking for a valuable and reliable air fryer, this is certainly one top choice.
If you have any questions or want help selecting an air fryer for yourself, we here at Use&Cook are happy to assist. Just contact us online or reach out from Twitter or Instagram today!
