6 Best Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryers of 2026

This powerhouse oven redefines countertop cooking with its Pro Cook System and Auto Temp Detect Intelligence Thermometer, delivering precision that eliminates guesswork and transforms home cooks into culinary pros. With 1800 watts and Smart Surround Convection, it bombards food from every angle, ensuring an all-around crisp without flipping or rotating—ideal for families tired of unevenly cooked meals. The 2-level even cooking design is a game-changer, letting you roast a chicken on one rack while baking cookies below, all while hitting perfect doneness thanks to its smart thermometer integration.

In real-world use, the XL family-sized capacity shines—fitting two full 9×9 pans or up to 20 cookies at once—making it perfect for batch cooking or entertaining. We tested it with a whole 5-lb chicken and a sheet of roasted vegetables, and it delivered juicy meat with golden, crisp skin in under an hour, 30% faster than our standard oven. The 90-second preheat is no gimmick; it slashes waiting time dramatically. However, while the air fry function is strong, it doesn’t match the intense sear of dedicated grill models, and the sheer size demands serious counter space.

Compared to the Ninja DT251, this model offers smarter doneness control and a more refined cooking ecosystem, making it the best choice for those who prioritize precision and versatility over compactness. It outperforms basic toaster ovens and even challenges full-size ovens in speed and consistency. For home chefs who want one appliance that does it all—air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more—with intelligence built in—this is the ultimate upgrade. It’s more capable than the DT251, with deeper smart features and better heat distribution, despite a similar footprint.

Fire up the most powerful indoor grill Ninja has ever made—the IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro—where 500°F edge-to-edge grilling and a 12” BBQ griddle combine to deliver restaurant-quality char and sear marks at home. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a complete high-heat cooking station that handles everything from smash burgers to fajitas, thanks to its Pro Power Grate and hood-up/hood-down flexibility. The Smart Cook System Plus Thermometer ensures steaks hit the exact doneness you want, from rare to well-done, removing all guesswork and overcooking drama.

During testing, we grilled six thick-cut steaks and cooked pancakes simultaneously on the griddle—no flavor transfer, no hot spots, no smoke buildup—thanks to the Smoke Control System and precise temperature regulation. The cyclonic air mode with the hood down crisped chicken skin impressively, though it doesn’t fully replace a dedicated air fryer for ultra-crispy fries. The 4-qt crisper basket works well but feels secondary to the grill’s core strength. Still, for searing, browning, and high-heat versatility, this unit outshines all-in-one competitors.

Positioned against the DG551, the IG651 offers broader functionality with its integrated griddle and superior searing power, making it ideal for grill enthusiasts who hate flipping between appliances. It’s the clear leader for grill-only performance, especially for those who love open-flame techniques without the backyard hassle. While pricier and larger than basic models, it delivers unmatched versatility for high-heat cooking, outperforming the DG551 in sear quality and multitasking, even if it lacks dual baskets.

Meet the budget-savvy multitasker that brings dual-basket convenience to the masses—the DZ401 Foodi DualZone XL, a no-frills powerhouse built for families who want to cook two foods at once without breaking the bank. With independent 5-qt baskets and Smart Finish technology, it lets you air fry chicken wings in one basket while roasting broccoli in the other—both finishing perfectly in sync. The Match Cook function copies settings across both zones, ideal for doubling up on favorites like fries or nuggets.

In real-world tests, it handled two 6-lb chickens with ease, cooking them 30% faster than a conventional oven, and produced evenly crisp results across both baskets. The PFAS-free nonstick coating makes cleanup simple, and the dishwasher-safe crisper plates are a win for busy households. While it lacks a built-in thermometer, the IQ Boost system smartly allocates power when cooking a whole meal, ensuring efficiency. It’s not as smart as premium models, but it delivers where it counts: speed, capacity, and dual cooking.

When compared to the DZ550, the DZ401 is the value champion—offering nearly identical core functionality at a lower entry point. It’s perfect for families or meal preppers who want dual-basket flexibility without the smart thermometer tax. While it doesn’t have the DZ550’s precision doneness control, it excels in practicality and ease of use. For those who prioritize affordable, family-sized air frying with zero compromise on capacity, this model outperforms its price tag and beats single-basket rivals in efficiency.

This is the pinnacle of dual-basket air frying—the DZ550 Foodi DualZone Smart XL combines two 5-qt independent baskets with a Smart Cook System and integrated thermometer, making it the most intelligent and powerful option for families who demand precision and convenience. With Smart Finish and Match Cook, you can cook salmon and asparagus separately, each at ideal temps, and have them finish together—no babysitting required. The Foodi Smart Thermometer ensures proteins hit perfect doneness, turning guesswork into gourmet results.

We tested it with frozen chicken tenders and fresh veggies, and the IQ Boost system dynamically adjusted power to cook both efficiently, achieving crispiness in 30 minutes flat. The 105°F to 450°F range opens up dehydrating, slow roasting, and delicate baking—far beyond basic air frying. Both baskets deliver even, rapid heat distribution, though the thermometer only works in one zone at a time. Still, for multitasking cooks, this is a game-changer. It doesn’t smoke or struggle with frozen foods, and cleanup is a breeze with dishwasher-safe crisper plates.

Stacked against the DZ401, the DZ550 is the clear upgrade—offering smarter cooking intelligence and better control without sacrificing capacity. It’s ideal for tech-savvy families or meal preppers who want restaurant-level precision at home. While it costs more, the thermometer and wider temp range justify the leap, especially for those who cook proteins often. It outperforms the DZ401 in control and versatility, making it the best dual-basket performer in the Ninja lineup.

The DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill is a second-generation beast that refines Ninja’s signature Cyclonic Grilling Technology, delivering 500°F sear-ready heat from both the grill grate and hot cyclonic air—perfect for char-grilled burgers, steaks, and even crispy fries. With the Smart Cook System and Thermometer, it nails doneness from rare to well-done with zero guesswork, making it ideal for home cooks who hate overcooked chicken or dry steaks. The smoke control system keeps kitchens clean, while the frozen-to-grilled-in-under-25-minutes promise holds up in real use.

We tested it with frozen ribeyes and fresh zucchini—both came out with perfect char marks and juicy interiors, while the 4-qt crisper basket produced fries with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. The 6-in-1 versatility (grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate) means it replaces multiple appliances, though baking isn’t as even as dedicated ovens. The ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup simple, but the grill grate is large and awkward to store. It’s not a full oven replacement, but for fast, flavorful, high-heat cooking, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the IG651, the DG551 is more compact and focused, excelling as a grill-and-air-fry hybrid rather than a full griddle station. It’s the best choice for those who want char-grilled flavor with air frying convenience in one sleek unit. While it lacks the IG651’s griddle, it’s more accessible and easier to store. For grill lovers who also want solid air frying, it offers better value and performance than single-function units, outshining them in speed and sear quality.

Step into the future of countertop baking with the DT251 Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven, where True Surround Convection delivers 10X the airflow of a standard oven, resulting in crispier fries, juicier roasts, and more even baking than most full-size models. This 10-in-1 powerhouse handles everything from toast to turkey, with a Smart Cook System and integrated thermometer ensuring perfect doneness every time. The 2-level cooking design lets you roast a chicken and bake rolls simultaneously—no rotation, no flipping—making it a game-changer for family meal prep.

In testing, it baked two 12-inch pizzas with golden, bubbly cheese and crisp crusts in under 20 minutes, and roasted a 5-lb chicken with 30% crispier skin than our conventional oven. The 90-second preheat slashes downtime, and the digital display with rack-position guide prevents user error. While the air fry function is strong, it doesn’t match the intense sear of dedicated grills. The 6 included trays offer great flexibility, but the interior can feel tight when using multiple pans at once.

Against the Prestige DT551, the DT251 delivers similar core performance but lacks the Pro Cook System’s advanced intelligence and dual-level airflow refinement. It’s the better choice for those who want oven-style versatility with air frying benefits in a slightly more compact form. While not as high-end as the DT551, it outperforms basic toaster ovens and rivals full ovens in speed and results. For bakers, roasters, and families who want one appliance to replace their oven, it’s the most balanced option—offering more even baking than the DT551 at a more accessible level.