The Ninja Dz201 Smart Finish
First off: As I have mentioned repeatedly, the Ninja Foodi DZ201 is the ONLY air fryer that features two baskets or what they call dual-zone technology.
Essentially, you can cook either different types of food with distinct settings across the two zones. I mean, even traditional ovens cant do this. So, thats a major win for the Ninja Foodi Double Air Fryer.
The Ninja Dz201 Match Cook
Secondly: It features a smart finish. Simply put, the foods will finish simultaneously even if they have different cook times, temps, or perhaps functions.
It works together with the hold function. So, instead of cooking right away, the other zone will not start until it matches the cooking time of the other zone.
*Product Images and Videos Courtesy of Shark Ninja
On the other hand, if youre cooking the same recipe, you can press the match function to copy the exact same settings. Brilliant right?
For advanced cooks or amateur cooks, this is an excellent feature. It makes sure that both foods will still be hot when served. Plus, you dont have to worry about setting a timer for yourself on when to start the second dish.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
This dish is super quick and easy to prepare, and only takes 15 minutes in the air fryer.
I love making zucchini fries as a side dish when Im barbequing as a keto alternative to traditional fries.
These bad boys are super crunchy and the definition of savory.
The panko breadcrumbs paired with the parmesan cheese completely transform the vegetable into an absolute delight.
Yep, you read that correctly. You can actually make popcorn in your air fryer!
The versatility of the Ninja just never seems to amaze me.
Simply line the bottom of your air fryer with aluminum foil, add some butter and kernels, and just wait for the magic to happen.
Finish the dish off with a pinch of salt or your favorite toppings.
I love drizzling my dish with caramel sauce for a sweet and salty mix!
These air fryers stuffed peppers are ideal to make when looking to whip up a whole meal.
Loaded with carbs, protein, and fat, this recipe is the definition of well rounded.
While the dish calls for green peppers, I recommend switching them out for red or yellow peppers if youre looking for something a little sweeter.
Youll be able to throw this recipe together in only a few minutes. Once the prep is done, let your Ninja take over.
It is called a Ninja for a reason!
The eggplant will be perfectly tender on the inside while crispy on the outside.
While this dish is scrumptious on its own I recommend adding a marinara sauce to truly up the game.
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Ninja Foodi Apple Chips
Looking for a simple and healthy snack? Then its time to try out these sweet apple chips.
Im pretty sure that the ingredients for this dish couldnt get any easier. Just find some apples and a touch of cinnamon.
I love this recipe because its completely kid-friendly since it tastes like an absolute treat.
I recommend dipping these apple cinnamon chips into some vanilla ice cream as a dessert.
Its time to throw away the processed chips filled with preservatives and introduce these decadent potato chips.
With only three ingredients, this recipe is sure to become your newest obsession.
Simply slice up the potato in super thin slices and salt those bad boys up.
Grab your favorite high heat cooking spray and youre good to go!
Ninja Foodi Salmon Recipe
My new favorite dinner to make in the Ninja Foodi is Salmon Filets.
The Ninja Foodi multicooker does a lot of things really well, but my favorite way to use it is, of course, as an air fryer! The air fryer function of the Ninja Foodi is as simple to use as a traditional air fryer, and it does an amazing job of cooking all types of foods, inlcluding Ninja Foodi Salmon.
Salmon in the Ninja Foodi really couldn’t be easier! We will just season our salmon, and let the Foodi do the real work of air frying it to perfection.
Your fast and easy, delicious and healthy Ninja Foodi Salmon will be ready to serve for dinner in just 10 minutes, making this an excellent weeknight meal that’s also fit for special occasions too.
Use this Ninja Foodi method to cook salmon filets, or save money by buying a whole side of salmon and slicing it into pieces yourself.
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See The Ninja Double Air Fryer In Action
Heres how the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer works. As you can see, its much much bigger than the Ninja AF101 or Ninja AF161.
The Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer or the Ninja DZ201 is currently the only air fryer with two cooking zones totaling eight quarts in capacity. Its a 6-in-1 kitchen appliance that can handle air frying, broiling, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and reheating leftover food. In addition, the Ninja Double Air Fryer also has convenient smart features.
Competition: Ninja Foodi 6
While the Ninja air fryer I tested is a traditional model with some added features, Ninja has also created some innovative appliances that combine air frying with other functions. While Id recommend the model I tested to folks who love air frying, Id be remiss if I didnt mention Ninjas other options.
Ninja Foodi 8-Quart. 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer: The Ninja Foodi 8-Quart. 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer combines an electric pressure cooker with an air fryer, taking just a little more storage space than a pressure cooker alone. Retailing for around $250, the 8-quart size is equal to the space in the air fryer I reviewed, but in a different shape so it can accommodate larger foods. I like this option for cooks who dont yet have an electric pressure cooker, or for those who would like a second electric pressure cooking along with an air fryer.
Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer: The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer has a 4-quart crisper basket inside a 6-quart pot, so its smaller than the air fryer I reviewed, but again in a different shape. Retailing around $210, this model offers the ability to char-grill food as well as bake, roast, dehydrate, and air crisp. Cooks who cant grill outdoors might want to consider this option for its grilling ability along with air frying.
A great option for those who need extra space.
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Match Cook Gives You More Space
You’ve probably heard about the deliciousness of air fryer chicken wings. They’re the perfect wing that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The only problem is that wings can take up a good amount of space in your air fryer. The best solution I found was using my Ninja Foodie’s Match Cook setting as a way to spread out my food in the baskets for even cooking without cramming. Here’s how it works:
1. To start, press Match Cook. Both numbers 1 and 2 will light up.
2. Choose your cooking preference, Air fry, Roast, Reheat or Dehydrate.
3. Select the time and temperature.
4. Press Start/Pause.
If you’re ever curious about what settings to use when cooking, Ninja includes two stickers on the air fryer to give you recommended times and temperatures for poultry and vegetables when using Smart Finish and Match Cook. These air fryer recipes can help, too.
So Which Air Fryer Is Best To Buy
- Only Ninja Foodi Pro comes with the smart temperature probe feature: when the temperature probe is used, you select the cooking temperature, but there is no need to set a cook time: the unit will automatically turn off the heating element and alert you when the probe senses your food has reached the internal temperature you set. Thanks to this feature, there will be no need to cut into foods or constantly probe them like when using an instant read thermometer. Guesswork will be eliminated, and you will never worry about under or overcooking your meat.
- The four different air fryers considered here come with different sets of programmed cooking modes. So, you should carefully read Note 3 above, and select the air fryer that offers you those programmed cooking modes that you will be using most.
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Ninja Foodi Buffalo Cauliflower
Looking for a fun and quick game day recipe to celebrate your favorite team? Then these buffalo cauliflower bites are your best friend.
Simply cut up some cauliflower, coat it in buffalo sauce, and cover each piece in a bread crumb and spice mix.
I love serving up this dish as a scrumptious appetizer rather than going the traditional chicken wing route.
Its time to switch up your snacks for this healthy and light kale chip recipe.
This dish is filled with nutrients and is made in only three easy steps.
From savory to salty, these air fryer kale chips are the perfect balance of perfection.
This low-fat dish is ideal if youre looking to cut down on carbs, yet want something to snack on.
If youre over roasting, sautéeing, and steaming broccoli, then its time to switch it up.
Crispy air fryer broccoli paired with a garlic aioli? Yum!
While the broccoli might be the main part of the dish, the garlic aioli makes the recipe magical.
This recipe makes an ideal side dish paired with absolutely anything. Or instead, enjoy this dish on its own.
Looking to make a mouth watering appetizer? Then this dish is for you!
These fried pickles are juicy and crunchy, without the excess oil and grease.
Who needs the extra calories when ordering this dish from a restaurant when you can recreate it at home?
This healthier alternative is loaded with flavor and will leave you craving more.
More Recipes To Make In The Ninja Foodi
Ninja Foodi Steak is super easy to make. It’s like a delicious steakhouse meal at home.
We’re really enjoying this Ninja Foodi Ribsrecipe with homemade BBQ sauce.
If you were wondering if you could cook Bacon in the Ninja Foodi, you’ll be happy to know that you can! And it’s delicious.
Do you have a Ninja Foodi Grill? Try making Grilled Salmon instead of Ninja Foodi Salmon tonight.
Have you made this recipe? Please leave a below! It helps other readers!
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Ninja Foodi Xl Air Fryer Review: Design
While no ones going to call this air fryer petite or diminutive, its also not unattractive. The appliance is large, but thats to be expected from a dual-sided air fryer with two 5-quart cooking baskets. Given the cooking space and functionality, the machine is smartly designed and efficient.
The appliance cooks food in one of two baskets, which slide easily in and out of the housing. And despite the air fryers many functions, its surprisingly easy to learn and use. The digital touch screen is clearly labeled and intuitive.
For cleaning, both air fryer baskets and the crisper plates are dishwasher safe. The rest of the machine can be wiped down with a damp cloth. It has a stainless-steel finish thats easy to keep clean.
Ninja Foodi Xl Air Fryer Review: Functionality
When it comes to functionality, the Ninja Foodi really cant be beat. It has DualZone technology that allows cooks to prepare two entirely separate meals, or separate components of the same meal. And best of all, you can program the machine to finish both baskets at the same time.
That means you can roast an entire chicken in one basket and air-fry crisp asparagus or frozen french fries in the other. Look up the times in the included recipe booklet, quickly program the device, and the appliance will make sure that both sides finish at the same time. Not only can you walk away from the kitchen and let your air fryer do the work, but you can also rest assured that a hot meal will come together like magic.
On the other hand, if youre filling both baskets with the same ingredients, you can program one side of the machine and use the Match Cook button to sync them to the same cooking schedule.
Here are the functions you can enjoy with this two-basket air fryer:
– Air frying, which surrounds the food with hot air to efficiently crisp up frozen and fresh food faster than a conventional oven
– Baking, which gently cooks baked goods with a golden and crisp exterior
– Roasting, which applies heat from below to cook whole cuts of meat and poultry
– Air broiling, which heats food from above and is ideal for melting cheese and adding a crisp crust to dishes.
– Dehydrating, to slowly remove moisture from fresh produce and meat for homemade vegetable chips and jerky
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What Kind Of Salmon Should I Buy To Air Fry
There are options when it comes to buying salmon at the grocery store. Here’s some quick tips to help you when you’re shopping for salmon to cook in the Ninja Foodi air fryer.
My suggestion is to purchase fresh salmon filets, either farm raised or wild-caught for both convenience and the best flavor.
Features: Dual Baskets With Coordinated Cooking Options
Air fryers have gone from new and innovative to ubiquitous. But that doesnt mean theres nothing new to be found. This Ninja model solves the not-enough-space problem while also freeing cooks from having to choose whether the wings or the fries get air fried. The dual baskets, along with the ability to control the left and right side separately, means that either side can have its own time and temperature settings. Even better, though, are the Smart Finish and Match options.
With Smart Finish, the cook can set separate cooking times and temperatures for each basket, then let the machine handle starting the shorter cooking time so the two items finish at the same time. Of course, that doesnt help if the cook is guessing how long something will take, but its perfect when making family favorites, so the fish and chips are done at the same time.
The Match option simply repeats the settings from one side to the other. Its not an earthshaking innovation, but when a double batch of wings is in the fryer, its nice to be able to set the time and temp a single time, then start both at the same time. I noticed that the right side cooked just a little hotter than the left side. It wasnt a dealbreaker and the difference wasnt major, but it was enough to notice that foods on the right were slightly darker than those on the left.
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Crispy Air Fried Tofu
If youre used to frying up tofu, its time to switch things up.
Not only will the air fryer create a crunch that cannot be beat, it also uses up to 90% less oil!
Dont be scared to add in some additional spices if you feel as if your tofu is coming off a little bland.
Not only does this recipe taste like it was just brought out of a restaurants kitchen, but its absolutely addicting.
The best part is this fried onion recipe wont leave you feeling guilty or bloated.
With only a few ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit!
This one ingredient recipe is a total game-changer.
Why overcomplicate recipes when some of the most delicious and nutritious ones are the easiest to make?
Chop up some squash into cubes, season, and throw it into the air fryer!
Looking for a side to pair with a steak cooking up on the grill or pork chops frying on the stove?
Try out a classic side of seasoned asparagus!
In only 10 minutes, youll have a decadent side that goes with almost anything.
Pro Tip: If you feel like your asparagus is always coming off a little bitter, then chop off the ends of the stock.
While all of the savoury recipes on these lists are absolutely mouth watering, sometimes we need something on the sugary side.
These fresh biscuit donuts are a delight if you have a sweet tooth!
I love making this quick and easy recipe as a dessert to finish off the meal.
The second you take a bite of these chicken nuggets you will never be able to go back to fast food ever again.
Ninja Foodi Salmon Recipe Tips
- The fish filets shown here are larger ones, but you can cook smaller filets using the same process. Check them at the 8 minute mark so that they don’t overcook.
- With large pieces of salmon, I only cook one at a time. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket so that the salmon will cook evenly.
- Preheating is important in this recipe. You want the air fryer to be nice and hot when you add the salmon.
- Leave the skin on the salmon. It protects the delicate fish from sticking or overcooking on the bottom of the Ninja Foodi basket.
- You don’t need to flip the fish over when cooking it in the Ninja Foodi air fryer.
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Which Ninja Foodi Is Best
This is entirely dependent on your cooking needs. Each model boasts great value for money and a convenient design, but every model has its own set of benefits too. The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill & Griddle is one of the most popular because of its versatility, ease of use and excellent grilling results. You can also cook with the hood open or closed, which opens up a whole host of recipe possibilities.
The Ninja Foodi XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid is slightly bulkier in size, but offers more cooking functions, opening you up to settings such as pressure cook, air fry, sous vide and slow cook. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to which cooking methods you would prefer to use. Pressure cooking is a very fast method of cooking though and requires less attention than grilling.
If air frying is your passion, then one of the Ninja Foodi air fryer models might be best. The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven was found to be the second-best in our toaster oven tests, with great cooking results and a space-saving design, thanks to the built-in control panel on the handle.
