Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer Review

What is the Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer?

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi is a 6-in-1 air fryer with a unique twist: it has two independent cooking baskets, each with its own heating element, fan, and control panel. That means you can cook two completely different dishes, at different temps and times, simultaneously.

This model includes the following cooking modes:

• Air Fry
• Air Broil
• Roast
• Bake
• Reheat
• Dehydrate

It also features “Smart Finish,” which automatically syncs the cooking times of both baskets so everything finishes at the same time, a surprisingly useful feature when cooking meals with multiple components.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve made salmon and Brussels sprouts, chicken wings and sweet potato fries, and even used one basket just to reheat leftovers while prepping something fresh in the other. It’s incredibly versatile.

Ninja DZ201 Product Features

Each of the two baskets holds up to 4 quarts, giving you 8 quarts of total capacity, enough to feed a family or prep a week’s worth of meals. The control panel is intuitive, letting you set time and temperature independently for each zone, or match both baskets with a single button.

Here are a few standout features:

• DualZone Technology: Lets you cook two different foods with separate settings.
• Smart Finish: Syncs cooking end-times across both baskets, even if the foods need different cook times.
• Match Cook: Copies settings from one basket to the other if you’re cooking the same thing in both.
• Nonstick Baskets: Both baskets are easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and surprisingly durable.

And while it’s not small (it takes up a decent chunk of counter space), its horizontal layout is more space-efficient than stacking air fryers or running your full oven.

How does the Ninja Foodi work?

You use the control panel to select the cooking mode, temperature, and time for each zone. The Smart Finish function kicks in once both sides are set. It calculates when to start the second basket so both items finish at the same time. (No more one-thing-is-cold dinners!)

It also preheats fast, usually under 3 minutes, and circulates air evenly. I’ve consistently gotten crispy fries and perfectly cooked chicken without rotating or flipping anything halfway through.

Another underrated benefit: both baskets come with separate crisper plates, which elevate food for better airflow and crisper results.

Long-Term Use & Durability

I’ve been using the Ninja DZ201 nearly every day for over a month. It handles frozen foods beautifully, but it really shines with fresh ingredients. I’ve had no issues with overheating, odd smells, or basket wear.

Cleanup is straightforward, just pull out the baskets and rinse. If you don’t overload them with greasy foods, you’ll rarely need more than a quick wipe. And since it runs quietly, it’s ideal for apartments or shared spaces.

Final Verdict

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is one of those appliances you don’t realize you need until you try it. The ability to cook two foods with different times and temps, and still finish them simultaneously, is a real game-changer. For families, meal preppers, or anyone short on time, it’s a powerhouse that makes home cooking less stressful and more efficient.

If you’re on the fence, this one is absolutely worth the counter space.