Ninja AF161 vs DZ201: Which Air Fryer Should You Buy?
It’s an air fryer face-off. Which one wins your kitchen?
I’ve used both of these Ninja models in my home—because let’s be real, one air fryer never seems to do it all. And when you’re juggling frozen fries, late-night snacks, or picky eaters, every button and basket matters.
The Ninja AF161 Max XL is the crowd-favorite single-basket workhorse. The Ninja DZ201 Foodi? A dual-basket beast that promises to cook two dishes at once. So, what’s actually better? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty—from crispiness to cleaning and everything in between.
Table of Contents
Ninja AF161 vs DZ201: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Ninja DZ201 DualZone |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.5 Quarts | 8 Quarts (4 qt x 2 baskets) |
| Cooking Functions | 7-in-1 (Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) | 6-in-1 (Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) |
| Special Feature | Max Crisp Technology | DualZone Technology (Smart Finish & Match Cook) |
| Max Temp | 450°F | 450°F |
| Material | Plastic body, ceramic basket | Stainless steel body, nonstick baskets |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe ceramic basket | Dishwasher-safe crisper plates & baskets |
| Dimensions | 11″ D x 14″ W x 14.75″ H | 13.86″ D x 15.63″ W x 12.4″ H |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs | 17.9 lbs |
| Best For | Compact, all-in-one crisping | Cooking two foods at once, big families |
| Price Range | ~$129 | ~$159 |
Ninja AF161 Max XL Review
Fast, Crispy, and Surprisingly Powerful – Ninja AF161
When I first bought the Ninja AF161 Max XL, I didn’t expect it to replace my microwave. But honestly? It kind of has. From pizza to frozen wings to leftover lasagna—this thing reheats better than anything else I’ve owned.
It has 7 cooking functions, but the real MVP is Max Crisp mode. It blasts 450°F of superheated air, giving frozen food that perfect golden crunch with up to 75% less fat. I use it for everything: homemade fries, veggies, even cinnamon rolls. Read full Review
And cleaning? Couldn’t be easier. The ceramic-coated basket is fully nonstick and dishwasher safe.
Why I Like the Ninja AF161:
- Max Crisp Tech: Delivers fast, hot, crispy results.
- 5.5-qt Capacity: Fits 3 lbs of fries or wings—perfect for families.
- User-Friendly: Simple control panel, just set the temp and go.
- Lightweight: Easier to move around than bulkier models.
- Low-Maintenance: Basket pops right into the dishwasher.
If you want crispy food fast—and don’t mind doing batches if you’re cooking for a big group—this air fryer is a kitchen hero.
Ninja DZ201 DualZone Review
Two Baskets. One Dinner. Total Game-Changer – Ninja DZ201
The Ninja DZ201 changed the way I do dinner. Seriously. This is the first air fryer I’ve used that lets me cook two different foods at once—without juggling pans or doing back-to-back batches.
With two independent 4-quart baskets, I can air fry salmon on one side and sweet potatoes on the other. And thanks to the Smart Finish feature, they finish at the same time. That means no cold sides or rushed reheats. Just a full dinner—done right.
It’s a little bigger and heavier than the AF161, but that’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for how much time it saves. Read full Review
What I Love About the Ninja DZ201:
- Dual Baskets: Cook two foods, two ways, at the same time.
- Smart Finish + Match Cook: Sync cooking times or copy settings—super intuitive.
- XL Capacity: 8 quarts total, enough for mains and sides.
- Easy to Clean: Baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher safe.
- Stainless Steel Body: Feels more premium on the counter.
If you’re cooking for more than two people—or just love versatility—this one’s hard to beat.
Best for Cooking Performance (a.k.a. “Gentle Digestion”)
Let’s be honest—some air fryers overcook, dry out, or make food soggy. I’ve had both wins and fails. So this section? It’s about which model delivers the most consistent, evenly cooked food—with no guesswork.
Why I Pick the AF161 for Fast, Hot Cooking:
- Max Crisp is intense: Gets hotter faster for frozen foods.
- Great for small families or solo meals.
- Bakes and broils with minimal oil.
- Lighter unit = quicker preheat and better energy use.
Frozen chicken tenders? French fries? Mozzarella sticks? This machine nails them.
Why I Pick the DZ201 for Complete Meal Mastery:
- Two foods, done at once. No rotating, no waiting.
- Smart Finish = restaurant-style timing.
- More airflow and control per zone.
- Better for multi-texture meals: Think crispy chicken and roasted veggies.
If I’m cooking full dinners (not just snacks), the DZ201 makes life easier—no question.
Best for Feature Power & Performance (a.k.a. “Nutrient Absorbency” Equivalent)
Think of this like nutritional strength—but for air fryers. What features make each one powerful, efficient, and consistent?
Ninja AF161 – Feature Highlights:
- Max Crisp Technology: Reaches 450°F for fast, crispy results.
- 7 Cooking Functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Ceramic-Coated Basket: Durable, nonstick, and safe.
- Compact Build: Easy to store and clean.
- Energy Efficient: Lighter build = less power draw.
For its size, the AF161 punches above its weight—great for smaller kitchens or everyday use.
Ninja DZ201 – Feature Highlights:
- DualZone Technology: Independent 4-qt baskets with separate fans & heaters.
- Smart Finish + Match Cook: Perfect sync for different meals or batch cooking.
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- XL 8-Quart Capacity: Cook a main dish and a side simultaneously.
- Stainless Steel Build: Sleek, durable, and modern looking.
The DZ201 doesn’t just cook—it coordinates. If you want a “set it and forget it” dinner flow, this is it.
Taste, Texture & Family Preferences (a.k.a. “Fit” Equivalent)
If your family’s like mine, food that tastes better just wins. Let’s talk results.
Ninja AF161:
- Taste: Slightly richer flavor thanks to faster, hotter cooking.
- Texture: Crispier, crunchier finish—especially for frozen or breaded items.
- Who Loves It: Kids and snack-lovers. It makes everything crispy and golden.
I noticed my fries came out like drive-thru quality—without all the oil.
Ninja DZ201:
- Taste: More balanced. Great for delicate foods like fish or roasted veggies.
- Texture: Less intense crisp, more even heat all around.
- Who Loves It: Family cooks. You can do protein and veggies at once and both taste great.
My chicken stayed juicy, and my asparagus didn’t burn. That’s a win.
Price Comparison: Which Air Fryer Gives Better Value?
Let’s break it down:
| Air Fryer | Price Range | Capacity | Cost Per Quart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF161 | $129.95 | 5.5 QT | ~$23.63/qt |
| Ninja DZ201 | $159.99 | 8 QT | ~$19.99/qt |
Prices can shift depending on sales or bundles, but generally:
Final Verdict: Ninja AF161 or Ninja DZ201?
Both of these air fryers are rockstars in their own way. The better choice? It really comes down to how you cook—and who you’re cooking for.
✅ Choose the Ninja AF161 if you:
- Want faster crisping for snacks and single meals
- Cook smaller portions or live solo/couple life
- Need something compact and budget-friendly
- Prefer super crisp textures (hello, fries and wings)
- Want a super simple, no-fuss air fryer
✅ Choose the Ninja DZ201 if you:
- Cook for 2+ people or make full dinners often
- Want to cook two foods at once with no juggling
- Love having independent baskets and settings
- Prefer flexibility over compact size
- Need a workhorse that does it all
Personally, I started with the AF161 because of how fast it cooks and how easy it is to clean. But once I had kids and started doing bigger dinners, the DZ201 became a lifesaver. Sometimes I even use both at the same time—snacks in one, dinner in the other.
Every kitchen is different. Pick the one that fits your routine—and your countertop.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Ninja DZ201 air fryer really cook two different meals at once?
Yes! That’s the best part. You can set different temps and times for each basket. The Smart Finish setting even makes sure they finish together.
2. Does the AF161 get food crispier than the DZ201?
Generally, yes—thanks to Max Crisp mode and the focused single basket. It cooks hotter and faster for frozen or breaded foods.
3. Are both air fryers easy to clean?
Absolutely. Both have nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts. The AF161 is a bit easier since it’s smaller and lighter.
4. Do I need any special accessories?
Not really, but parchment liners or mini loaf pans make cleanup easier. Both models are compatible with basic air fryer accessories.
5. Are they safe to use daily?
Yes! Both are built for regular use. They don’t get hot on the outside and use less oil than deep fryers, so they’re great for healthy daily cooking.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re like me, you want something that makes cooking easier—not more complicated. Whether it’s the fast crispiness of the AF161 or the dinner-time magic of the DZ201, both of these air fryers make weeknights smoother.
Trust what matters most in your kitchen: your time, your family’s tastes, and your sanity.
Whichever Ninja you choose—you’re about to level up dinner. Happy air frying!
