I’ve been cooking with air fryers for years, but nothing intrigued me more than Ninja’s DualZone lineup. Two independent baskets that let you cook mains and sides at the same time? I had to see if it lived up to the hype. After weeks of testing the Ninja DZ201 and the larger Ninja DZ401, here’s my complete take on how these countertop giants perform side by side.
Key Difference in a Nutshell: Ninja DZ201 vs DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer
Both models share the same 6-in-1 cooking functions and DualZone technology, but the DZ401 adds extra capacity (10 quarts versus 8 quarts) and a smart IQ Boost feature that balances power between the baskets for faster cooking of big meals. If you regularly feed more than four people, that added room and power distribution make a real difference.
- 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...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- 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 Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings...
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja DZ201 vs DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja DZ201 | Ninja DZ401 |
| Capacity | 8 quarts (two 4-qt baskets) | 10 quarts (two 5-qt baskets) |
| Dimensions | 13.86″ D x 15.63″ W x 12.4″ H | 13.9″ D x 17.1″ W x 12.8″ H |
| Weight | ~17 lbs | ~19 lbs |
| Cooking Programs | 6 (Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) | 6 (same) |
| DualZone Tech | Smart Finish + Match Cook | Smart Finish + Match Cook + IQ Boost |
| Temperature Range | 105–450 °F | 105–450 °F |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe baskets & crisper plates | Same |
| Max Food Load | Up to 4 lbs fries or wings | Up to 8 lbs wings or a 6-lb whole chicken |
| Power | 1690 watts | 1690 watts |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build
Right out of the box, the DZ201 feels sturdy, with a stainless steel trim and a slightly more compact footprint that fits neatly on a 24-inch counter. The DZ401 is a touch wider and heavier, but still manageable. Both feature a clean grey finish that resists fingerprints and a straightforward digital control panel.
The biggest visual difference is basket size: the DZ401’s 5-quart baskets look deeper and give you extra breathing room when loading big batches of wings or veggies. If your counter space is limited, the DZ201 wins for smaller kitchens; otherwise, the DZ401’s extra width is worth it.
- 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...
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- 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 Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings...
Ease of Use
Using either model is refreshingly intuitive. The touch panel lets you pick a cooking function, adjust temperature and time, and start with a single tap. Smart Finish automatically syncs cook times so both baskets finish together—ideal for pairing salmon with roasted potatoes.
The DZ401 introduces IQ Boost, which I found genuinely useful when cooking a 6-lb chicken in one basket and veggies in the other. It cleverly diverts power where needed, so both foods finish without undercooking. The DZ201 lacks this feature, so balancing large items takes more trial and error.
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- 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 Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings...
Cooking Performance
Both units deliver the crisp, golden results Ninja is known for. I tested everything from frozen fries to homemade chicken parmesan:
- Heat-Up Time: Practically identical, reaching 400 °F in about 3 minutes.
- Even Cooking: No cold spots; both models circulate hot air efficiently.
- Capacity Impact: The DZ401’s larger baskets mean you can spread food out for better airflow and even crisper textures.
For families of four or more—or if you love hosting—the DZ401’s ability to handle an 8-lb wing feast or a whole chicken is a real upgrade.
- 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...
Functions & Versatility
Each fryer offers six modes: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. I used Bake for small batches of muffins, Air Broil for sizzling steaks, and Dehydrate for fruit chips. Both models handled each function consistently, and temperature control up to 450 °F gave me plenty of flexibility.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleanup is nearly identical. The baskets and nonstick crisper plates pop right into the dishwasher or rinse clean with warm water. After weeks of use, I noticed no stubborn residue or peeling, which speaks to the quality of Ninja’s coating.
Ninja DZ201 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
- 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...
Pros:
- Compact size fits tighter counters
- Same 6-in-1 functionality at a slightly lower price
- Lighter weight for easier moving
Cons:
- Smaller 8-quart capacity limits big family meals
- No IQ Boost for large single-basket cooking
Ninja DZ401 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- 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 Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings...
Pros:
- Larger 10-quart capacity with deeper 5-qt baskets
- IQ Boost balances power for big, uneven loads
- Perfect for hosting or large households
Cons:
- Wider footprint takes up more counter space
- Higher price tag
My Final Verdict & Recommendation:
After cooking back-to-back meals, my choice depends on your household size:
For couples or small families, the Ninja DZ201 delivers all the DualZone convenience—Smart Finish, Match Cook, and the same temperature range—in a tidier footprint and at a friendlier price.
For larger families or meal preppers, the Ninja DZ401 is worth the upgrade. The extra 2 quarts of space and IQ Boost made a noticeable difference when I cooked a full chicken and sides in one go.
Personally, I’ve decided to keep the DZ401 on my counter. The flexibility to cook a big weekend feast or two separate weeknight meals at once is hard to beat. But whichever model you pick, both deliver the crisp, low-oil results that have made Ninja a trusted name in air frying.
