The best Ninja air fryers of 2024, for easy, healthy meals (2024)

Choosing the best Ninja air fryer will depend on what you're looking for, and the budget you're working with. There's no denying the quality of Ninja's products, so in truth, you can't go far wrong when you opt for one of the brand's innovative and powerful fryers for your home.

The woman&home team has been testing air fryers for years. We even have our own test kitchen where we develop the recipes you can read in our magazine, which means we've tested these Ninja air fryers rigorously and side-by-side to compare which one is best.

In order to decide which Ninja air fryer is right for your home, there are a few considerations to bare in mind – size, volume and functionality. Ninja air fryers vary in size to cater for all kitchen sizes, and in volume to ensure everyone is fed. There are also varying degrees of functionality to fit different cooking styles and needs – jump to our how to choose a Ninja air fryer section for more information.

Although you can find cheaper models on the market right now, Ninja is arguably the leader when it comes to the best air fryers – you will really notice the difference in the quality and durability of these machines. But which are the best Ninja air fryer models right now? We've tried and tested them all to bring you the best models for a variety of needs.

Our top 6 Ninja air fryers

The best Ninja air fryers, as tested by our experts

The best Ninja air fryer

Due to its range of cooking modes, ease of use, and general versatility, the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer is a worthy winner that ticks all our boxes. It promises dual functionality, meaning its two drawers can be used to cook two different food types, in two different ways, at the same time. Even more impressively, the air fryer promises to have both ready at the same time, meaning neither gets cold.

We tested this AF300 by using 'bake' mode to heat up a pie on one side and 'air fry' mode for chips on the other. The results were perfect: the pie was golden and piping hot, while the chips were crispy on the outside and soft within. And best of all, it was just so quick: from start to finish, everything took less than 20 minutes.

We also tested the 'max crisp' function by cooking frozen chips. In less than 10 mins they were, cooked to perfection It is not possible to adjust the temperature when using the 'max crisp' function, so the enclosed recipe brochure was handy for getting the timings right. It also offers plenty of food for thought if you're all out of dinner ideas. We've got our eyes firmly on the halloumi fries recipe if you were wondering.

There were some small downsides: it is quite loud, although we imagine the noise will quickly disappear into the background once you get used to it. It also set our fire alarm off twice the first time we used it, presumably due to the heat it was expelling. However, some ventilation—either through the kitchen fan or a window—should fix that issue.

The best multipurpose Ninja air fryer

Image

1

of

4

Cooking salmon in the Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill & Air Fryer

We tested this air fryer by cooking a chicken breast, salmon fillets, and reheating lasagne (not all at once, we should add), and the results were consistently great. As the homemade lasagne was already cooked we utilized the 'reheat' setting (and even when it didn't look quite crispy and golden enough, a few more minutes revived it).

To test the grill setting we cooked salmon fillets. We were dubious that a cooking time of six-eight mins, as recommended in as the handy guide that comes in the box wouldn't be sufficient. But as you can see from the images above it worked perfectly: the 'grill' mode produced fish that was juicy, tender, and flaky, in just six minutes flat.Cooking a chicken breast using the built-in thermometer was another revelation. When the thermometer is inserted the Foodi MAX Health Grill & Air Fryer automatically calculates the cooking time based on what you are cooking. Like with the salmon, the chicken was succulent and cooked to perfection.

The squat shape means this model excels when cooking 'flatter' foods, such as chicken breasts and steaks, however, it's worth noting that this machine can't quite be used in the same way as other Ninja air fryers. We thought about trying to roast a large chicken in it, for example, but quickly realized that it wouldn't fit under the lid.

What it lacks in height, however, it more than makes up for in width and depth, as it can hold up to six portions worth of meat, fish, and poultry. On that note, it's also incredibly heavy, especially when the iron grill is inside. It weight 10.18kg, so if you're looking for a lighter-weight air fryer that can be moved around the kitchen, you might want to consider another Ninja model.

The best budget Ninja air fryer

We loved the smooth curves of the AF100's upright design, with its taller-than-wide dimensions making it a great choice for anyone who doesn't have much countertop room. The instruction manual was easy-to-follow and the set-up couldn't have been simpler.

We tested it with fries from the freezer and were impressed by how quick and simple the whole process was.Cooked using 'air fry' mode, the AF100 blasted the fries at 180°C for about 15 minutes, which resulted in perfectly crispy potatoes. It's worth being aware that the greater the number of fries you'll be cooking, the longer the cooking time.

We later tested it with a chicken breast and roasted vegetables; while the chicken was cooked to perfection, we underestimated the power of the air fryer and the vegetables ended up being charred rather than roasted, but this was largely down to our misplaced skepticism that it could roast the veg as quickly as it suggested.

It's worth remembering that the cooking time of a Ninja air fryer is around half that of a conventional oven, so do be sure to check the guidelines to ensure you don't accidentally burn food.

Find out more in our Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK review

Best Ninja air fryer for a large family

If you have a big family (and a fair amount of space in your kitchen), this is arguably the best Ninja air fryer for you. Home economist Helen McCue tested the device, and gave it a full five-star rating, saying: "If you’ve jumped into the air frying craze with both feet, but struggle to fit family size meals in your current air fryer, the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer is the one you need to upgrade to. It handled everything from a loaf cake to a leg of lamb with ease, and is one of Ninja's best-looking air fryers to date."

One of the biggest selling points of this model is its ability to transform the cooking area from one large drawer, to two (using a simple divider). It means you can use it for everything from roasting a joint on its own, and then following it up by cooking potatoes and vegetables at the same time. It has seven different cooking functions (there really is little it can't do), which might sound scary, but Helen reported the control panel to be really user-friendly. "It’s self-explanatory from the moment you look at it. The big dial scrolls through the seven cooking modes.The screen displays the cook time and temperature with corresponding up/down arrows on either side to adjust the settings."

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

The best Ninja air fryer for a small kitchen

The Ninja Air Fryer MAX AF160 is made for smaller homes. With its upright design, it requires less countertop space than some of the other models on this list but can still comfortably feed a family.

We tested it on homemade fish and chips and it was delicious: the breaded fish was crispy and flaky, while the chips were perfectly golden. We did this with the 'max crisp' mode, which is specifically geared towards freezer food and circulates air of 240°C around the fryer.

We also experimented with the other modes: the 'reheat' function brought a slice of pepperoni pizza sizzling back to life, though the results were more or less on a par with what you'd get if you had popped it on the microwave. We 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 center. They did need a moment or two to 'sit' and cool down before eating, though.

Read our full Ninja Air Fryer MAX AF160 review

The best versatile Ninja air fryer

We love air frying for the great texture it can give foods, and this one worked a charm on the mound of thick-cut chips and breadcrumbed fish fillets we cooked in it. Those spuds came out with golden, crunchy jackets on and fluffy middles, while the fish was plump and flaky underneath its browned, crumbly crust. We comfortably cooked a meal for three in the air-fry basket, rustled up a jacket potato in as little as 45 minutes, and brought a day-old baguette back to life in no time (a quick splash of water and just 4 minutes on 200C reinstated both its crustiness and warm, soft center).

We found the accessories (a pot, air frying basket, and removable rack) helped us to really use this multicooker to its potential, and it was with a sigh of relief we learned they can all be flung in the dishwasher safely, too.

You might think that having 11 functions would make this piece of gear tricky to use, but we found the controls easy to get the hang of –there’s a slider, dial, and arrow keys for selecting function, temperature, and cooking time –and there’s a clear digital display, too. We loved that the lid is attached by a hinge and that it opens to the side to keep your hand away from any steam or heat that’s built up inside.

We 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 our full Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multicooker review

The best Ninja air fryer for speedy cooking

Image

1

of

4

Here's the Ninja Speedi open and ready to go. First we washed 200g basmati rice and added it into the base of the Ninja Speedi with 500ml hot stock.

We added 350g broccoli florets on top.

Next we inserted the shelf and on top put the salmon fillets.

We used the Speedi meals setting to cook for 10 mins at 180C.

We were really excited to try this new air fryer from Ninja as it encapsulates many of the best features from the other air fryers that we tested. Like the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer the cooking space is large, but it's also deep. A 1.6kg chicken would fit easily.

Similar to the Dual Zone Air Fryer it is possible to cook two or three different foods simultaneously, ideal if you want to cook multiple things at once. There is ample space to cook an entire meal for four people. The display is also bright and easy to read like the one on the Smartlid Multicooker. Also like the Smartlid Multicooker this air fryers can be used for steaming as well as slow-cooking meals such as stews. But this model does not have a pressure cooking function.

The Speedi is also easy to move, it weighs slightly more than the Ninja Air Fryer Max, so would be a good model if you plan on storing it out of sight. Although it is rather bulky and takes up a lot of space. As with all of Ninja models that we have tested, cleaning is easy as the cooking pot and tray are removable and dishwasher safe.

How we tested the best Ninja air fryers

Image

1

of

2

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.

As with all kitchenware products we test, from the best kitchen gadgets to the best induction pans, we tried out these Ninja air fryers in our test kitchen to see how they performed in an everyday environment.

During testing, the factors we assessed included:

• 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.

What models are similar to Ninja air fryers?

Ninja makes some of the best air fryers on the market and we praise them, because they serve very specific needs. However, if you want to find a Ninja lookalike, it's worth looking at the other brands that are featured in our best air fryers buying guide.

People often pit Ninja against Cosori or Instant. Ninja's models always seem to be the most versatile, but Instant Pot make some great pressure cookers and some of their models have viewing windows, which is something that Ninja lacks. Cosori air fryers can be much cheaper than both brands and they don't compromise on many aspects of air frying. I've always found them overly fierce and a little clunky, but if you're savvy, they're a great investment.