● Air Fryers · Comparison

Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart vs Ninja AF161 Max XL Air

Both made our Best Large Air Fryers shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated October 15, 2026◷ 5 min read

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Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air FryerNinja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air FryerView on Amazon VS
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 QuartNinja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 QuartView on Amazon

Quick verdict

Choose the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer if you want cooks two foods at two different temperatures simultaneously with independent controls. Choose the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart if you'd rather have 450°F max temperature is the highest in this list for the fastest sear. Overall we rank the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Large Air Fryers list.

Winner overall: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer

Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer vs Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Keep researching

  • Best Large Air Fryers
  • Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer review
  • Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart review
  • All air fryers

Bottom line

Choose the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer if you want cooks two foods at two different temperatures simultaneously with independent controls. Choose the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart if you'd rather have 450°F max temperature is the highest in this list for the fastest sear. Overall we rank the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Large Air Fryers list.

Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer

Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer

Ninja

Ninja DZ201 for households cooking two components of a meal at once. It stands out for cooks two foods at two different temperatures simultaneously with independent controls and sync Finish times both baskets to finish together automatically.

  • Two independent 4-quart baskets
  • DualZone with Sync Finish
  • 8-quart total capacity
  • 6-in-1 functions
  • Independent thermostats per basket

Pros

  • 450°F max temperature is the highest in this list for the fastest sear
  • 5.5-quart capacity splits the difference between the compact AF101 and full-size models
  • Carries over the AF101's crisping performance at a larger scale

Cons

  • No dedicated presets, same manual-entry interface as the AF101
  • Larger unit takes more counter and storage space than the AF101
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart

Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart

Ninja

AF161 Max XL for buyers who want more capacity without giving up crisping performance. 5-quart capacity splits the difference between the compact AF101 and full-size models.

  • 5.5-quart basket
  • 1750W Max Crisp technology
  • 450°F max temperature
  • Ceramic-coated crisper plate
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

Pros

  • 450°F max temperature is the highest in this list for the fastest sear
  • 5.5-quart capacity splits the difference between the compact AF101 and full-size models
  • Carries over the AF101's crisping performance at a larger scale

Cons

  • No dedicated presets, same manual-entry interface as the AF101
  • Larger unit takes more counter and storage space than the AF101
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer or the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart?

Choose the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer if you want cooks two foods at two different temperatures simultaneously with independent controls. Choose the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart if you'd rather have 450°F max temperature is the highest in this list for the fastest sear. Overall we rank the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Large Air Fryers list.

What is the difference between the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer and the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart?

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer stands out because cooks two foods at two different temperatures simultaneously with independent controls, while the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart stands out because 450°F max temperature is the highest in this list for the fastest sear. The trade-offs differ too: the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer's ma in caveat is that two baskets and two drawers mean more parts to wash than a single-basket unit, and the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart's is that no dedicated presets, same manual-entry interface as the AF101.

Is the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer worth it over the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer 5.5 Quart instead if two baskets and two drawers mean more parts to wash than a single-basket unit is a deal-breaker for you.

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