The first time I tried cooking an entire meal with a single-basket air fryer, I ended up juggling batches and reheating sides while the main course cooled. That frustration sent me searching for something more efficient, and that’s how the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer landed on my counter. After several weeks of testing dinners, snacks, and even desserts, I have a clear picture of what this two-basket machine can (and can’t) do.
Ninja DZ201 Dual Basket Air Fryer Review
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button...
Key Features and Specs
Here’s a quick rundown of what the DZ201 brings to the table:
- Dual 4-quart baskets with independent heating elements, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters
- DualZone Technology with Smart Finish (syncs completion of different foods) and Match Cook (copies settings across both baskets)
- 6 cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate
- Temperature range: 105°F–450°F
- Capacity: 8 quarts total, up to 4 lbs of fries or chicken wings
- Easy-clean design: Nonstick baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe
- Compact footprint: 13.86″ D x 15.63″ W x 12.4″ H
- Cord length: 32 inches
- Finish: Modern grey with stainless-steel accents
On paper, it promises to eliminate back-to-back cooking and deliver healthier meals with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. But how does it actually perform day to day?
Design and Build Quality
The DZ201 has a low, wide stance that fits neatly under my cabinets. At just over 15 inches wide, it takes up a bit more counter space than a standard single basket, but the rectangular shape makes it easier to slide to the side when not in use.
The grey housing feels solid, and the stainless-steel handle accents add a touch of polish. Both 4-quart baskets glide smoothly and lock securely in place. I also like that the baskets feel thick and durable, with a nonstick coating that doesn’t scratch easily after repeated washes.
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button...
Ease of Use
Setup took less than five minutes. The control panel is straightforward: a bright digital display, clearly labeled cooking functions, and dedicated buttons for Match Cook and Smart Finish. I quickly learned to rely on Smart Finish when preparing two different foods—say, salmon in one basket and Brussels sprouts in the other. The fryer adjusted cooking times so both finished simultaneously.
Match Cook is equally handy for big batches of the same food. With one tap, I can mirror temperature and time across both baskets to double the capacity for items like fries or chicken wings.
Cooking Performance
This is where the DZ201 proves its worth. I tried it with everything from frozen snacks to full family dinners.
- Air Fry: Crispy fries and chicken wings came out evenly browned without shaking halfway through.
- Roast: I roasted a pair of Cornish hens in separate baskets, and each came out juicy with perfectly crisp skin.
- Bake: Brownies baked evenly without hot spots, a pleasant surprise for a countertop appliance.
- Dehydrate: Apple slices turned into chewy chips after a few hours at the lowest setting.
The 450°F maximum temp gave me a nice sear on veggies and meats, while the lower settings were gentle enough for delicate baking. Even when both baskets were running at full tilt, the fan noise was just a steady hum—noticeable but not disruptive.
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is one of my favorite parts of using this fryer. The baskets and crisper plates are fully dishwasher safe, and their nonstick coating releases food easily even after sticky glazes or cheesy dishes. A quick wipe of the exterior keeps the grey finish looking sleek. After weeks of use, there’s no lingering odor—a common issue with cheaper air fryers.
Everyday Convenience
The real advantage of the DZ201 is time saved. Being able to cook two dishes at once means no more reheating sides while the main course finishes. For weeknight dinners, I often toss seasoned vegetables in one basket and protein in the other, press Smart Finish, and let it handle the rest. Dinner is ready in 25 minutes without me hovering.
It’s also surprisingly energy-efficient. Preheating is almost instantaneous, and meals cook about 30% faster than in my conventional oven, so I’ve noticed a slight dip in overall kitchen energy use.
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional...
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button...
What I Like:
- True dual-zone cooking eliminates back-to-back batches
- Smart Finish perfectly syncs different foods to finish together
- Large 8-quart capacity suits families and entertaining
- Simple interface with intuitive controls
- Dishwasher-safe baskets make cleanup effortless
- Consistent, even cooking across all six functions
Where It Could Improve:
- Counter space: Requires a permanent spot due to its width
- No built-in thermometer: Unlike Ninja’s higher-end DZ550, there’s no Smart Thermometer for automatic meat doneness
- Weight: At about 17 pounds, it’s not something you’ll want to move often
Final Verdict and Recommendation:
After weeks of everyday use, the Ninja DZ201 Dual Basket Air Fryer has earned a dedicated place on my countertop. It handles weeknight dinners, party snacks, and even desserts with ease, and the ability to cook two separate dishes at once is a genuine game changer.
If you cook for a family or like hosting friends, the DZ201 is worth every inch of counter space. The lack of a built-in thermometer is the only feature I missed compared to the pricier DZ550, but if you don’t mind checking meat temps with a standard probe, you’ll hardly notice.
Bottom line: The Ninja DZ201 delivers fast, consistent, and versatile results in a compact, family-friendly package. For anyone tired of batch cooking or juggling oven racks, this dual basket air fryer is one of the smartest kitchen upgrades you can make.
