The Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer takes a creative approach to air frying, merging innovative features into a sizable machine.
Reasons to Buy
Extensive capacity
Utilize one drawer independently
Simple to clean
Reliable cooking results
Diverse cooking options
Broad temperature settings
Reasons to Avoid
Lacks a pre-heat timer
Controls may require practice
Our team rigorously tests and evaluates the latest appliances to help you make informed choices. This review puts the Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer through its paces, comparing it with other Ninja models and top air fryers currently available.
An upgraded version of the Ninja Foodi DZ201, the DZ401 offers increased capacity and a dial for selecting cooking mode, time, and temperature instead of buttons.
We evaluated this model in the UK, where it's referred to as the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK. Despite minor differences, it remains the same appliance regardless of location. It features fully removable non-stick baskets that are dishwasher-safe.
With six cooking modes and a temperature range spanning 105°F to 450°F, it also includes two modes that synchronize cooking times for complete meal preparation. Here's how it performed during our tests.
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Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer Specifications
- Capacity: 10 quarts split between two 5 quart baskets
- Cooking modes: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate
- Temperature: 105°F–450°F
- Dimensions: 17.1" L X 13.9" W X 12.8" H
- Weight: 19.8 pounds
- Power: 1690 watts
- Cleaning: Nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets and inserts
- Cord length: 2.6ft
Getting Started
The Ninja Foodi DZ401 arrives in a large box made primarily from recyclable materials, aside from a plastic cover for the inserts and the manual. It's usually available in black, though red, turquoise, and navy variants can also be found.
As noted earlier, we tested the Ninja Foodi DZ401 in the UK, where it's known as the AF400UK. This review covers all you need to know about the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer, and aside from a few minor external differences, the core features remain the same.
The control panel varies slightly; in the UK, it includes Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Bake. In the US, the settings are Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate, with Max Crisp replaced by Air Broil, which achieves similar results at higher temperatures.
Another notable difference is the Match and Sync settings. In the US, they are labeled as Match Cook and Smart Finish, whereas in the UK they are known simply as Match and Sync. Sync allows for cooking two dishes at different settings while finishing simultaneously.
Cooking Fries
As is customary, we began our testing with homemade fries. After cutting potatoes into wedges, we soaked, dried, and seasoned them with oil.
The air fryer was set to 360°F for 18 minutes, which fit well in one basket. However, it doesn't preheat like some models, and I noticed it operates quite loudly, exceeding 80dB.
After 18 minutes, the fries appeared undercooked, needing a bit more time. At 25 minutes, they came out nicely browned and even. It's advisable to shake the basket halfway through to avoid uneven cooking.
The drawers slid smoothly in and out, confirming the high-quality design of this appliance. The baskets clicked securely into place without any hassle.
Cooking Frozen Food
This air fryer excels in preparing frozen breaded items. I tested it with pre-made chicken strips to see how well they crisped.
Using the maximum temperature of 460°F, I set it for 12 minutes.
In just nine minutes, the chicken was perfectly crisp and hot, demonstrating the rapid cooking capabilities of this air fryer. It heats in ten-degree increments, unlike some competitors that adjust by single degrees.
Roasting Vegetables
Beyond air frying, this unit can roast and bake. I prepared roasted veggies for a nutritious side dish. Due to their moisture content, vegetables can be tricky to crisp up.
This test highlights even cooking. While some vegetables cooked faster than others, they were ready in just 15 minutes at 370°F.
Cooking Bacon
We also evaluated how evenly the air fryer cooks bacon, noting the impact of the internal fan. I was pleased to find that three rashers fit comfortably in one drawer.
After five minutes at 400°F, the bacon was crisp and evenly cooked, although slightly overdone. It tends to curl during cooking due to the air circulation, so be mindful of cooking time.
Cooking bacon may take as little as three minutes, so keep an eye on it!
Cleaning
This air fryer is incredibly easy to clean. Simply remove the inserts and trays, then place them in the dishwasher. While the Instant Vortex Plus performed slightly better with fries and bacon, its non-dishwasher-safe basket is a drawback.
Should You Buy the Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer?
The Ninja Foodi DZ401 is an excellent choice for larger households, offering a dual drawer design that enhances cooking options. While the controls might take some getting used to, and the absence of a shake reminder or pre-heat feature could affect timing, it cooks frozen foods quickly and cleans up easily.
