Ninja Foodi 10QT XL Air Fryer Review

I’ve tried a handful of air fryers over the years, but the Ninja Foodi 10QT DualZone Air Fryer genuinely stands out. Whether I’m crisping up leftover pizza or air frying salmon fillets, this machine makes me feel like I’ve upgraded my entire cooking routine.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The unit is solid and well-built, with a clean, modern design. I opted for the gray version, and I appreciated how it resists fingerprints. Setting it up was straightforward, and I immediately noticed the thoughtful layout of the controls. Simple, clear, and intuitive.

That said, I do find myself occasionally bumping the temperature knob by accident. It’s a minor quirk, but worth being cautious about. Still, once you get used to it, everything from cooking to cleanup becomes second nature.

Cooking Performance That Delivers

I use this air fryer several times a week and sometimes daily. It’s fast, cooks evenly, and most importantly, it delivers crispy food without needing oil. Chicken wings, fish, meatballs, fries, and even leftover burgers have come out tasting fresh and full of flavor.

A user named Brian Felix had a similar experience. He shared,

“After my Cosori started having basket sensor issues, I decided to switch and I’m glad I did. The Ninja DZ550 is in a whole different league. From chicken drumsticks and nuggets to pizza reheats, this thing cooks everything evenly and crispy without needing to shake or flip mid-cook.”

That level of consistency is something I’ve also come to count on. Even thick cuts like bone-in chicken thighs came out perfectly juicy without drying out.

Why the Dual Baskets Are a Game Changer

One of the best things about this model is the two independent cooking baskets. I often cook fish in one basket and veggies in the other. The Smart Finish feature syncs the cook times so both sides finish together. That’s a huge plus when juggling multiple components of a meal.

As renwein pointed out,

“Whoever thought of the double baskets was a genius. It’s so nice to either have overflow space if you need to cook a lot of the same ingredient or to cook two different items at two different times and temperatures. The Smart Finish feature ensures all your food finishes cooking at the same time.”

I couldn’t agree more. This design lets me cook efficiently without crowding or flavor mixing.

Looking for more top-rated options? Explore our consumer-tested list of the best air fryers available today.

Clean-Up Is a Breeze

Every time I use it, I’m impressed by how easy it is to clean. The baskets have a solid non-stick finish, and there are no small crevices where grease hides. One user, Silvia4730, summed it up well:

“It’s so easy to use and so very easy to clean. The oil just dripped on the parchment paper and I just scooped it up and dumped in the garbage, very easy and no mess.”

Even after frequent use, the baskets still look nearly new. I usually wipe them down with warm soapy water and dry them off right away.

Family Friendly and Kid Approved

This fryer is not just for solo or couple cooking. If you have kids or like batch-cooking, it performs just as well. A reviewer shared,

“The kids can even use it to cook their lunches!”

I’ve personally used it for everything from quick weekday meals to prepping snacks for guests. It’s the kind of appliance you reach for without thinking twice.

Room for Improvement?

The only real drawback for some might be its size. It does take up a good chunk of counter space, especially with both baskets out. But in my kitchen, the performance more than justifies the footprint.

Samantha Brown put it perfectly,

“The only negative is it takes up a lot of counter space, but I honestly don’t mind.”

I feel the same way. It’s become such a core part of my cooking routine that I wouldn’t swap it out for anything smaller.

New to air fryers or unsure what features matter most? Check out our complete air fryer buying guide before you decide.

Final Thoughts

After weeks of using the Ninja Foodi 10QT Air Fryer, I can say it’s one of the best kitchen purchases I’ve made in recent years. The dual baskets, smart cooking features, and mess-free operation make it more than just another appliance, it’s a cooking essential.

If you’re in the market for a powerful, easy-to-use air fryer that can actually cook full meals at once, this is one worth considering. The reviews speak for themselves, and my own experience matches the praise.

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