Ninja Foodi DZ201 8-Qt DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer Review

First Impressions

The Ninja Foodi DZ201 stands out because of its two independent 4-quart baskets, giving you an 8-quart total capacity. It’s designed for people who want to cook different foods at once without mixing flavors. On paper, it sounds like a dream appliance—but is it really the right choice for everyone? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Features

• DualZone Technology – Cook two foods at the same time with either Smart Finish (both dishes finish together) or Match Cook (duplicate settings across baskets).
• 6 Cooking Functions – Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
• Compact Size with 8-Quart Capacity – Large enough for family meals, but not as oversized as some XL models.
• Easy Cleanup – Nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates.

The Good

✔️ Versatile Cooking – Being able to air fry chicken in one basket and veggies in the other is genuinely useful.
✔️ Even Results – Food comes out crispy and well-cooked most of the time.
✔️ Faster than the Oven – Great for weeknights when you don’t want to wait for preheating.
✔️ Dual Baskets Save Time – No need to cook in batches like smaller air fryers.

The Not-So-Good

❌ Takes Up Counter Space – It’s not as big as the XL models, but still bulky compared to single-basket fryers.
❌ Basket Size is Limiting – While 8 quarts sounds big, each basket is only 4 quarts, so you can’t fit large items (like a whole chicken) without cutting them up.
❌ Learning Curve – Getting Smart Finish to sync perfectly takes some trial and error.
❌ Not the Cheapest Option – For the price, some might prefer a larger single-basket fryer if they don’t really need dual cooking zones.

Who Should Buy It?

The Ninja Foodi DZ201 is a great fit for couples or families who want to cook two different foods at once—especially if you often prepare meals with different sides. It’s also ideal for people who hate mixing flavors (like fish and chicken).

But if you:

• Usually cook for a crowd,
• Want to roast large items like whole chickens, or
• Don’t have much counter space,

…you might be better off with the larger DZ401 model or a different single-basket fryer with more cooking room.

📸 Real Users in Action

Final Verdict

The Ninja Foodi DZ201 is a solid mid-range choice—convenient, flexible, and well-built. But it’s not perfect for everyone. If you value dual-basket flexibility over capacity, it’s a winner. If you need more room or prefer simplicity, there are better options out there.