What's the best Ninja air fryer? We tested every single model to find out

The best Ninja air fryers don’t top the kitchen charts by chance. The brand is committed to offering top-quality performance for every kind of kitchen and family. Need a compact option? Dine out on the DoubleStack. Want a family-sized air fryer? The Ninja Foodi Dual Drawer will more than deliver. Searching for an air fryer oven? The Combi has you covered. And that’s just three of Ninja’s offerings.

As soon as you hear about Ninja, you’ll see them everywhere. As an appliances expert, who has tested over 80 of the best air fryers in the last year and a half, I can promise that Ninja air fryers are every bit as good as their reputation promises. I've lived with them in my home, had meetings with Ninja's design team, and conducted lots of customer research. Ninja's really are the best, especially if you're looking for non-toxic air fryers.

Whilst I would happily use any of their offering in my home, different models will undoubtedly be better suited to specific homes. Ninja’s dual-drawer air fryers are perfect for families, serious chefs, and busy kitchens. Their air fryer oven, the Ninja Combi, can cook a whole roast dinner (yes, really), and their smaller, cheaper models will suit even the most compact kitchen. I know, because the woman&home team and I have tested these all out and most of us ended up buying them for our kitchens after using them. In my book, that's the ultimate cooking compliment.

The best Ninja air fryers - a quick list

If you're keen to get cooking and you want a quick taste of the best Ninja air fryers you can buy, these are the six that I recommend for each household. If you had your eye on one that you can't yet see, take a look at our other models section, where I'll talk about the ones that didn't make my top six.

Best Ninja air fryer overall

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The only way to find the best air fryer of all time is to look behind the scenes. Which one is our recipe development team using? Which one do we make lunch with in the test kitchen? Which one does our Digital Editor, Kerrie, use to cook for her family at home? The answer to all of those questions is, of course, the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer (AF300UK).

This was one of the first, genuinely good dual drawer air fryers and it holds top spot to this day. Each drawer can be used separately, with different temperatures, times, and cooking functions. Ninja's clever system will then either finish the drawers at the same time (using a 'sync finish' function) or it can synchronise the settings that you like. So, fish fingers and chips, curry and rice, chicken and veg can all be done in under twenty minutes. I know, because I've tested them all.

What makes the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air fryer stand out from the rest is the simple, often overlooked aspects of its design. The panel is easy to use, so much so, you won't even need to check an instruction manual. It's also robust and non-toxic, with Ninja opting for a ceramic non-stick coating instead of potentially harmful alternatives. And finally, it's reliably consistent with its results. Whether you want piping hot chips in 10 minutes, enviable brownies from one tray, or halloumi chips, the Ninja delivers results without the worry or concern that some, cheaper models come with.

The only reason not to go for this is size. If you aren't feeding a large family and you don't need two drawers of capacity, the next entry will be more to your tastes, but for everyone else, this is a no-brainer.

You can read Kerrie's article to find out more

Best budget Ninja air fryer

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Finding an air fryer that's as good as Ninja's reputation, but in a really affordable price range, can be tricky, because lots of brands are developing models that are just bigger and more elaborate. Luckily for you, Ninja decided to focus on delivering the same crispy, impressive results in some compact options too.

There are a few options in Ninja's range of small air fryers, but the Ninja Air Fryer MAX AF160 wins the award as the Ninja air fryer for tight budgets. The curved edges and compact footprint is relatively subtle on the kitchen counter and yet you'll still get to enjoy a decent 5.7L capacity, which I would say is enough to feed a small family. For an air fryer that's just over £100, that's an incredible deal.

Millie, one of our air fryer experts, tested the AF160 on homemade fish and chips and it was delicious: the breaded fish was crispy and flaky, while the chips were perfectly golden. She says "this is where the 'max crisp' mode comes in really handy. Ninja has designed this specifically for frozen food, because it circulates air hotter and faster, so that even ice cold chips can be crip and golden in 15 minutes. And they really were."

I've since experimented with the other modes: the 'reheat' function brought a slice of pepperoni pizza sizzling back to life, without turning the base to cardboard. I also tried the MAX AF160 out on some frozen breakfast pastries (pain au chocolat, if you're wondering, air fried for about eight minutes), and they were cooked with an even finish and a melt-in-the-middle centre At just over £100, you won't get more for your money anywhere else.

Read Millie's full Ninja Air Fryer MAX AF160 review

Best Ninja air fryer for a family

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As one of the most expensive in Ninja's offering, this had to go above and beyond to earn a spot as one of the best air fryers that Ninja makes. And, in spite of the challenges, it's been a dinnertime hero. Not only can this cook healthy, hot meals in under 20 minutes, it comes with a flexible 10.3L capacity.

Our expert tester, Helen McCue, a qualified Home Economist, gave it a glowing five-star review. She found it perfect for everything from a loaf cake to a leg of lamb, calling it "one of Ninja’s best-looking models". Her favourite feature is the unique FlexDrawer switch they lets you swap between between one large drawer and two smaller ones with a simple divider. This means you can roast a joint in one go or cook potatoes and vegetables separately.

The FlexDrawer offers seven cooking functions, which might sound overwhelming, but Helen praised the user-friendly control panel. The large dial easily scrolls through the modes, while the screen displays time and temperature with simple up/down adjustments. You can even set different zones at different temperatures in each section, which is ideal for multitasking.

The only downside is that both drawers open together, which can be an issue if one food needs a longer cook time. If you’re always cooking two things at once, a Ninja Dual Zone model might be a better choice. But for family meals or big bakes, this is a versatile, reliable option.

Read Helen's in-depth Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer 10.4L AF500UK review for more.

Best Ninja air fryer for couples

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Ninja has become one of the most experimental air fryer brands on the market and their Crispi is proof that it pays off. This is designed to be 'portable' and, whilst I think that's a stretch, it's certainly useful for single-servings or couples.

The premise of the Crispi is that you essentially have two glass tupperwares (with lids) that could go in a bag (for travelling with) or in the fridge. Then, when you want to air fry your food, you sit the lid on top of whichever container you choose (3.8L or 1.4L) and choose a setting.

There's a huge amount of beauty in this simple design. Whilst four settings (air fry, reheat, roast, and bake) might seem reductive compared to the 11-in-1, it's really all you need for all your classic air fryer bakes. You get the same temperature range as Ninja's most popular models, as well as the impressive performance too.

This breezed through all my toughest tests, including making sweet brioche buns. I've made perfect sweet potato chips, a delicious poke bowl, and often make use of the two containers to create a main and a side: think rice and chicken, then grilled broccoli in the other. It's a game-changer.

Find out more in Laura's full Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Air Fryer review.

Most versatile Ninja air fryer

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The Ninja Combi is proof that air fryers have earned their place alongside pressure cookers, slow cookers, and multi-cookers. With 11 functions, it’s become a reader favourite. I get emails about it almost weekly.

Jessica, one of our expert testers, was wowed by its air-frying skills. Her thick-cut chips turned out golden and crisp, with fluffy centres, and her breadcrumbed fish fillets were perfectly flaky beneath a browned, crumbly crust. Even with just a drizzle of oil, she said they tasted like a pub lunch.

I’ve tested it too and found it just as impressive. I cooked a meal for three in the air-fry basket, baked a jacket potato in just 45 minutes, and even revived a stale baguette. A splash of water and four minutes at 200°C brought it back to a warm, crusty delight.

The included accessories: a pot, air-frying basket, and removable rack. And they are all dishwasher-safe, which is a relief. Despite its 11 functions, I found it surprisingly intuitive. The slider, dial, and arrow keys make selecting the function, temperature, and time straightforward. The clear digital display helps too. I can’t pretend this hunk of a small appliance didn’t take up considerable amounts of space on our countertop, but it works hard enough to justify the sacrifice.

Find out more in Jessica's full Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multicooker review

Best Ninja air fryer oven

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The Ninja Combi is, without question, one of the best air fryers I’ve tested. It’s a bit of a beast, both in size (a massive 12.5L capacity) and functionality, but don’t be fooled by its mini-oven appearance. This is a powerhouse.

One of my favourite features is the clear window, which lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks, something you don’t get with most air fryers. It’s saved my chips from turning from golden to burnt more than once.

This model offers 12 different cooking functions, which means it’s second only to Ninja’s 14-function multicooker. I’ve used it for everything: roasting a whole chicken, proofing bread dough, baking pizza, steaming fruit, making cakes, and air frying meals. The ‘Combi’ mode is especially clever, letting you combine two cooking methods. For instance, I used ‘Combi-Crisp’ to roast chicken, which gave me a perfectly moist interior with a crispy, golden skin.

Despite its size, I quickly forgot it was a countertop giant because it’s so fast and energy-efficient. For three months, my main oven sat unused. But its size can’t be ignored: it’s nearly 13kg, and you can’t just tuck it away. I’d recommend making a test box to see how much space it will take in your kitchen.

If you’ve got the space, though, this air fryer can genuinely replace your oven. It’s a true multitasker, making me wonder how I ever managed without it.

You can read more in Laura's full Ninja Combi 12-in-1 MultiCooker review.

The ones that just missed the list

If you haven't yet spotted a model that you're investigating, it's because we tested it and decided that it didn't quite hit the bar that the other six did. These are still great air fryers, but I'll explain why they weren't in the top six below. They might still be for you:

What do the different air fryer names mean?

Before we get into the details of the best Ninja air fryers, it's worth having a chat about some of the terminology. Skip this if you're already an air fryer geek, but it can be really helpful to know a few differences before you shop:

• Dual and single zones: once you know what these are, they're pretty simple. A single zone air fryer just has one drawer or basket to cook in. It's like a mini oven. If something is 'dual zone', it has two separate baskets that cook independently.
• Foodi air fryer range: this is Ninja code for an appliance that comes with versatility. Most of these will have the following functions: Air Fry, Bake, Pressure Cook, Sear/Sauté, Slow Cook, Steam, Grill, Yogurt, Dehydrate, Steam Air Fry, Steam Bake, Prove, Steam Meals, Steam Bread, Steam Roast, Probe & Keep Warm.
• Speedi air fryer range: as the name suggests, these Ninja appliances prioritise quick cooking over everything else.
• Similarly the Combi range is all about blending different functions. It's a little bit like the Foodi collection, in that your air fryer will have lots of functions. However, the difference is that some of the Combi's settings will blend air frying with another function. There's combi crisp (which is super quick, almost like air fryer grilling); combi steam (air frying and steaming to keep food tender); combi bake (steaming and baking to keep your dishes moist); combi meals (this lets you complete a three-part meal in one)
• MAX in an air fryer name means that it includes the Max Crisp function, which is designed to cook food from frozen. Essentially, it extends the temperature range of your air fryer up to 240°C (rather than 230°C)
• SmartLid: this is a feature exclusive to Ninja's multicookers, but you'll see the term crop up, because a lot of their slow cookers and multicookers have air fryer functions. Essentially, it means that you can use the same lid for every function (you won't need to change it like you might on other multicookers). This will also automatically release steam.
• Special features: any time Ninja pushes two words together, to make sense of them, you'll need to split them up again. For example, the DoubleStack is so named because it is a double stack of air fryers. There is one drawer that sits on top of the other, rather than beside it. Similarly, the FlexDrawer is a flexibly sized drawer.

How we test the best Ninja air fryers

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Here's a shot of one of our experts testing the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multicooker. We like to have hands-on experience with all of the models that we recommend to you.

This is the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multicooker on our countertop. We always think it's helpful to see real life images, because they help you to imagine what these appliances will look like in your home.

At woman&home, we make sure to thoroughly test everything that we recommend to you. We have a set of rigorous measures and recipes that each air fryer has to work through before we write a review and decide whether it's worth a spot in our buying guides.

If you want to take a closer look, we have a page dedicated to how we test air fryers. However, if you want a summary, here's what we look for:

• How well they performed: In order to assess the performance of each Ninja air fryer fairly we cooked in each. Typically when testing air fryers we cook the same thing, usually chips, to compare the cooking ability. However as these air fryers all come from the same brand we looked for a testing method that would utilized the capability of each model. For example when testing the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill we used the built in thermometer and the chicken setting to cook a chicken breast and when trying out the Max Dual Zone Air Fryer which has two baskets that can be set to different temperatures we used both drawers on different setting to cook bacon and hashbrowns. We felt this would be a more sensible comparison for air fryers with so many functions. We considered how successful each feature was by assessing how evenly the food cooked by looking at the colour and comparing the texture and crispness.
• The design: We took into account the look and feel of each air fryer as well as considering the functionality of the design. We were most impressed with good quality and sturdy designs that would stand up to regular use. We thought about the size and weight of each air fryer to evaluate how useable it would be day to day.
• Ease of use: To test the ease of use we read the instructions before jumping into using each air fryer. We found in general they were all simplistic to use, however we found some models to be more intuitive that others. We were impressed by models with a clear interface that was easy to engage with.
• Ease of care: We assessed how easy each model was to clean and maintain. Those models with dishwasher safe removable parts and easily wipe clean surfaces scored highest in this category.
• Overall value for money: With all of the above taken into consideration we looked at the price tag to make our final judgement. For multifunctional models we considered if the additional settings were practical and worth paying extra for. We also looked at the capacity to price ratio when comparing the Ninja Foodi air fryers.

Millie Fender

Before joining us as Head of Shopping, Millie oversaw all of the reviews across Future's lifestyle vertical. This means she's tested dozens of air fryers over the years, many of them in her own home, and she can compare top brands and models head-to-head from her own experience.

How to choose the best Ninja air fryer for you

There are several factors to consider when deciding which Ninja air fryer is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. These include:

• Size: Consider how much room the air fryer requires, and where will you store it in your kitchen? If your kitchen is lacking in countertop space a space a smaller model Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK might be perfect. If you are planning on storing the air fryer in a cupboard when not in use it's worth also thinking about the weight.
• Volume: How much food do you anticipate cooking in your air fryer? If you're hoping to use it for almost every aspect of your evening meal you might prefer a design with multiple drawers or a model such as the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker 6L OL550UK that can cook multiple foods simultaneously.
• Functions: Are there specific cooking functions you're looking for, or are you more influenced by other factors? Each Ninja air fryer offers different cooking modes, meaning you need to check the model you've got your eye on meets your needs. Models with multiple functionality typically cost more, weight more and take up more space.

"I love my Ninja dual zone Air Fryer, it's absolutely changed how I cook and I hardly ever put the oven on," says Jen Bedloe, w&h's Food Director. "I cook for a family of four and can use two drawers to make a meal for the family, or just use one drawer for something quick like reheating pizza, or a jacket potato. The air fryer is so easy to use and has different functions, so I hardly need to refer to the cooking instruction booklet. Would highly recommend it."

Of course, like any appliance, air fryers require careful maintenance. However, if you've ever wondered how to clean an air fryer, Ninja couldn't make it easier. Dishwasher-friendly by design, the drawers, and plates of Ninja air fryers are typically non-stick thanks to a PTFE coating, meaning even accidentally burnt-on food is easy to deal with.

If you're still not sure whether one of these devices is right for you, our guide on what I wish I'd known before buying an air fryer will definitely help you decide one way or the other.

Are Ninja air fryers non-toxic?

We've had lots of questions about non-toxic air fryers recently. If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, here's a quick summary of why people are concerned: air fryers aren't toxic, but some of the non-stick coatings (the ones like Teflon), if ingested, are associated with health risks. This shouldn't happen unless your air fryer is damaged, so Ninja air fryers, in good condition are all non-toxic.

If you're worried about the possibility of ingesting non-stick, Ninja has some models which use ceramic and stainless steel instead of the BPFA and PTFE non-sticks. The Ninja Combi Multicooker and the Ninja MAX AF160UK are two of the most popular choices for cautious chefs.

Check the non-stick coating inside your air fryer basket and if it is scratched, you'll need to replace it. Also, avoid using oil sprays, since the lecithin oils can cause your non-stick to dissolve.

Which Ninja air fryer is the biggest?

With a total capacity of 9.5L, the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK is the biggest. It boasts two 4.75L drawers, meaning that you can cook your whole meal in one go, with minimal fuss. Each drawer can be programmed to cook with a different function, meaning you could roast and dehydrate at the same time, for example.

If you're looking for the Ninja air fryer with the biggest single compartment capacity, the Ninja Air Fryer MAX AF160UK is a great choice. With its 5.2L drawer, it can comfortably rustle up everything from a roast chicken dinner to a burger and fries.

Are Ninja air fryer baskets dishwasher safe?

You can put your Ninja air fryer baskets in the dishwasher, which makes the whole clean-up process a lot easier. However, this is a lot harsher on the basket than hand washing. If you don't mind spending more time at the sink, it's worth washing them by hand with a soft cloth and some gentle detergent (I like to use Ecover).

If you don’t have the space and you don’t like the idea of that, you can buy inserts for your air fryer drawers. These are normally made from baking paper or silicone (you can buy these on Amazon). They’re even easier to clean and they will help to preserve your air fryer baskets for even longer.

Is the Ninja air fryer worth it?

Ninja air fryers are some of the best air fryers on the market. In fact, the brand has been pioneering the designs of air fryers for the last few years. They made the best dual drawer air fryer (and they still do), then the Flexi drawer was another innovation, and their latest tower air fryer (two drawers stacked on top of each other) is setting the standard for all other brands to strive towards.

If you have specific home needs, chances are that Ninja will be able to meet them with one of their expert models. They’re often simple to use, with effective non-stick surfaces, and no pre-heats. Another signature Ninja feature is versatility. It's rare that their air fryer will just have one mode. Normally, you'll be able to dehydrate, bake, broil, roast, and more, even in their most basic models.

If you need further proof that these are worth the money, they're the ones that all of our experts have bought for themselves. If you asked the woman&home team which air fryers they have at home, they'll all be Ninja, because we know that they're great value for money and a joy to use. We aren't blind to other models, since some Ninja's can be bulky and the black or grey colourways aren't for everyone, but we still think Ninja air fryers are worth investing in.

How much should I spend on a Ninja air fryer?

How much you spend on a Ninja air fryer will depend on which model you want and what features are on your list of non-negotiables. The most basic model is the Ninja AF100UK. This normally costs around £100-130. You'll get a 3.8-litre capacity, and the capacity to roast, reheat, and dehydrate (as well as air frying, of course).

The next incremental step is towards the Ninja MAX AF160UK, which costs between £150 and £180. This has 5.2 litres of capacity and comes with some extra cooking settings, such as Max Crisp, which gets your food really crunchy, really quickly.

If you're willing to spend more, you'll have access to Ninja's Dual-Zone air fryers, which cost around £180 to £200. You'll be able to cook two foods, for different times, at different temperatures, within one appliance. It's perfect for big, busy homes.

At the top end of the scale are Ninja's bigger cooking appliances that come with air frying functions. An example of these is the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker OP300UK, which is normally between £200 and £250. You'll be able to pressure cook, slow cook, and even make yogurt in here.

You can't go wrong with any of these, but think about what you need. We have a whole article dedicated to 'the things we wish we knew before we bough air fryers', which might help you to make an informed decision.

What other functions do Ninja cooking appliances offer?

As we've mentioned, it's not only Ninja's air fryers that can air fry. The brand work hard at integrating multiple different functions into each appliance that they make, which means that their pressure cookers, smokers and grills, and countertop ovens will all be able to air fry your food. These are our three favourite Ninja cooking appliances that just happen to have air fry functions, but you should also check out their mini oven, which is at the top of our best toaster ovens buying guide.

As someone who's tested hundreds of air fryers for years, I can safely say that Ninja's air fryers are a cut above the rest. The way they are designed is exceptional: they solve problems you probably didn't know you even had. And they managed to convince me, the ultimate air fryer sceptic, to make an investment and get one myself. It's the Ninja Crispi, if you're wondering.