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The Ninja Foodi DZ401 was a compelling Black Friday buy at $130—but that price was reported on November 26, 2025, and should now be treated as historical. The model is a large 10-quart air fryer with two independent 5-quart baskets, six cooking functions, and Ninja’s DualZone controls. Ninja’s product page lists it at $229.99, although official category listings have also shown temporary prices such as $179.99. Check the live checkout price before buying.
What the $130 deal actually was
Engadget reported the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 10-qt. XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone Technology—model DZ401—at $130 on November 26, 2025. The coverage described that as 43% off a $229.99 reference price.
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The arithmetic checks out: $130 is approximately 43% below $229.99. However, the original deal copy also contained an inconsistent line describing the savings as $50 off. The reliable takeaway is the listed $130 price versus $229.99—not a claim that this was the appliance’s all-time-low price.
Because Black Friday 2025 has passed, do not assume a current listing still offers $130. Ninja’s official product page lists $229.99, while a Ninja category result has surfaced $179.99. Verify the exact model, condition, shipping, tax, and final checkout price.
#1 Best Overall
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- IQ BOOST: Optimally distributes power across each basket to cook a 6-lb. whole chicken and side as quickly as possible when Match Cook or Smart Finish is not selected.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Keep Warm, Dehydrate and Bake.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: With the XL-10 qt. capacity and 2 baskets, you can whip up a main and a side at the same time for quick large family meals, or cook up to 8-lbs. of chicken wings with ease.
Why the DZ401 was attractive at $130
The DZ401’s main advantage is not simply its advertised 10-quart capacity. It has two independent 5-quart baskets, allowing you to cook different foods at different settings at the same time.
- Smart Finish: Set different cooking functions, temperatures, or times and have both zones finish together.
- Match Cook: Copy the same settings across both baskets for a larger batch of one food.
- IQ Boost: Ninja says the system distributes power across the baskets under specified conditions to help cook larger amounts.
That makes the layout useful for wings and fries, a main dish and vegetable side, or frozen foods with different cooking times. It can also reduce the need to cook two components sequentially when you are feeding several people or hosting.
Functions and cooking capacity
The six cooking functions are:
- Air Fry
- Air Broil
- Roast
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
Ninja says the DZ401 can cook up to 8 pounds of chicken wings. It also says IQ Boost can help cook a 6-pound whole chicken and a side when Match Cook or Smart Finish is not selected. That is a manufacturer capacity claim; it does not mean the appliance can cook two whole 6-pound chickens simultaneously.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The 10-quart rating is best understood as generous combined capacity. It does not turn the two baskets into one unrestricted oven cavity, and overcrowding either basket can work against crisp results. Large items, roasts, or irregularly shaped food may fit better in a flexible single-zone appliance or a conventional oven.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Ninja DZ401 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 quarts total; two 5-quart baskets |
| Functions | Six |
| Power | 1,690 watts; 15 amps |
| Dimensions | 17.1 inches long × 13.9 inches wide × 12.8 inches high |
| Weight | 19.8 pounds |
| Color shown by Ninja | Gray |
| Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
Those dimensions make the DZ401 a serious countertop appliance, not something most people will casually move in and out of a cupboard. Measure the available width, depth from the wall, overhead cabinet clearance, and storage space before ordering. Leave room for ventilation and for pulling out both baskets.
Rank #2
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt capacity.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
- XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
- SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.
- EASY CLEANING: Easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
At 1,690 watts, it can also place a substantial load on a household circuit. Avoid running it on an overloaded circuit with other high-wattage appliances.
Cleaning and the coating distinction
Ninja says the removable baskets are aluminum with a PTFE nonstick coating, while the removable crisper plates use a PTFE-free ceramic nonstick coating. The baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThat does not mean the entire appliance is ceramic or PTFE-free. The main unit and controls should not be submerged or placed in a dishwasher. Follow the owner’s guide, and protect the nonstick surfaces from abrasive cleaners, metal utensils, and harsh scrubbing. Dishwasher-safe is a convenience claim, not a guarantee that the coatings are indestructible.
What comes in the box
Ninja lists the following contents:
- The main unit with six programmable cooking functions
- Two 5-quart cooking baskets
- Two nonstick crisper plates
- Chef-inspired recipes, meal options, and cooking charts
Important: the DZ401 does not appear to include a smart thermometer
Do not confuse the DZ401 with Ninja’s separately listed Foodi 6-in-1 Smart 10-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer. The DZ401’s official listing describes DualZone technology, IQ Boost, six programs, and two baskets, but does not list a smart cook thermometer among its contents.
If internal-temperature monitoring is a priority, confirm that the product listing specifically identifies the Smart 10-quart model. “Ninja 10-quart,” “Ninja DualZone,” and “Ninja Foodi” are not precise enough model descriptions by themselves.
Rank #3
- SMART COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness, from rare to well-done, at the touch of a button with the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer—no guesswork required.
- MAKE WHOLE MEALS AT ONCE: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between Smart Finish, which cooks 2 foods 2 ways and finishes at the same time, and Match Cook, which copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Stainless steel air fryer includes 6 versatile programs to air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
- 2 FOODS, 2 WAYS, AT THE SAME TIME: Eliminate back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
- EASY TO CLEAN, NON TOXIC AIR FRYER: The non-stick cooking surface is made 100% PFAS free and the crisper plates are dishwasher safe for easier clean-up
Who should buy the DZ401?
The DZ401 makes the most sense if you:
- Regularly cook for a family or prepare large batches.
- Want to cook a main and side simultaneously.
- Often prepare two foods with different temperatures or cooking times.
- Prefer a traditional side-by-side basket layout.
- Have enough counter space to leave a nearly 20-pound appliance accessible.
- Do not need a built-in smart thermometer.
At the historical $130 price, its combination of capacity and dual-zone flexibility was particularly persuasive. At or near $229.99, compare it more carefully with newer models before purchasing.
Who should choose something else?
Skip or reconsider the DZ401 if your kitchen is cramped, you mostly prepare one small serving, or you need one large uninterrupted cooking area. Two baskets provide flexibility, but each basket still limits the size and shape of individual items.
It is also a weaker choice if the price is close to a newer model that adds a feature you will actually use—especially a thermometer or a space-saving design.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Official alternatives to consider
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Smart 10-quart 2-Basket Air Fryer
This keeps the similar two-basket, 10-quart concept but adds a smart thermometer. It is the more logical option for buyers who prioritize monitoring internal temperature and are willing to pay more. Ninja category listings have shown different prices, so check the current listing.
Ninja DoubleStack 10-quart
The DoubleStack uses a vertical, stacked configuration, and Ninja advertises cooking four foods at once. It may suit kitchens where horizontal counter width is scarce, provided there is enough vertical clearance. It is less appealing if you prefer easy side-by-side access or have low cabinets.
Rank #4
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space and still fits under standard cabinets. Plus, it’s 40% slimmer than your traditional 2-basket air fryers.
- DOUBLESTACK AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY: Only Ninja’s stacked design has 2 independently controlled baskets so you can cook 4 foods at once.
- COOK 4 FOODS WITH STACKED MEAL RACKS: Includes 2 removable stacked meal racks allowing you to cook on 2 levels per basket. Superheated air surrounds both foods in each basket for an all-around crisp.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: Choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 10 QT capacity lets you cook two, 5-lb chickens at once and can feed up to 8 people.
Ninja Foodi FlexBasket 7-quart
The FlexBasket uses a flexible MegaZone design. It is better suited to shoppers who alternate between two separate foods and one larger item, rather than needing two permanently separate 5-quart baskets.
Ninja DZ090C 6-quart
The smaller DZ090C retains the dual-basket idea in a more compact format. It is a better fit for couples, smaller households, and tighter counters, but not for people who routinely need the DZ401’s larger combined capacity.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL
The Pro XL uses a single-basket design and includes Max Crisp. Ninja says it can fit up to 9 pounds of wings. Choose it when one larger cooking zone matters more than cooking two foods at different settings.
See Ninja’s official air-fryer lineup for current models and availability.
Buying checklist for a live listing
- Confirm that the model number is DZ401, not the Smart 10-quart model or a smaller DZ090C.
- Check whether the unit is new, refurbished, or open-box.
- Confirm that both baskets and both crisper plates are included.
- Review shipping charges, taxes, returns, and the final checkout total.
- Measure the counter and cabinet clearance before ordering.
- Do not rely solely on a strikethrough price or a percentage-discount badge.
Bottom line
The Ninja DZ401 was a strong value at the reported $130 Black Friday 2025 price if you needed large capacity and two independently controlled cooking zones. It is less automatic a recommendation at its $229.99 listed price, where the Smart 10-quart, DoubleStack, FlexBasket, or a smaller model may better match your priorities. The key is to verify the model number and current checkout price—and not mistake the expired $130 deal for a live offer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
