Ninja makes more air fryer models than any other brand, and the naming is genuinely confusing. AF101, AF150, DZ201, DZ401, Max, XL, Foodi — which one do you actually want? We've tested most of them. Here's the lineup ranked.
Ninja Foodi DZ201
Dual zone, 8-qt total. Top pick across our entire site. If you have $200 to spend on an air fryer, this is the one.
Ninja AF101
The OG 4-qt Ninja. Still sells like crazy because it just works. Compact, simple, cheap, reliable. Great first air fryer.
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161)
5.5-qt with Max Crisp (450°F). More power than the AF101, single basket instead of dual. A step up if you want a bigger single-basket unit.
Ninja Foodi XL (DZ550)
Newer flagship with dual zones AND smart programming. Essentially the DZ201 with additional features and a brighter display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ninja is the best entry-level?
AF101. It's the cheapest real Ninja ($79ish), small footprint, simple to use, and lasts years.
What's the difference between the DZ201 and DZ401?
Both are dual-zone. DZ201 has two 4-qt zones (8 qt total). DZ401 has two 5-qt zones (10 qt total). DZ401 is ~$50 more.
Is the Ninja Max XL worth the premium?
The 450°F Max Crisp does make a noticeable difference for wings, fries, and bacon. Worth $50 extra if those are staples.