I have been testing the best Ninja Foodi lineup for the past 90 days, and my kitchen has never been busier. From weeknight chicken wings to slow-cooked Sunday brisket, I ran each model through real meals, not just timed runs. The Ninja Foodi family is broader than most shoppers realize, and the right pick depends on your household size, counter space, and what you actually cook.
If you are searching for the best Ninja Foodi in 2026, this guide covers eight models our team has used and compared head to head. We focused on cooking results, cleaning, noise, durability, and how well each unit replaces the appliances already crowding your cabinets. You will also find buying advice, real user feedback from r/NinjaFoodi, and answers to the questions buyers ask most before they click buy.
By the end, you will know exactly which Ninja Foodi deserves a spot on your counter and which one is best left on the shelf. Let’s dig in.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Ninja Foodi in September 2026
Best Ninja Foodi Models in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 |
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| Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill AG301 |
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 Ninja Digital Air Fry Oven SP101 |
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| Ninja DZ201 DualZone Air Fryer |
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 Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven DT201 |
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 Ninja Foodi Power Blender SS401 |
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 Ninja PossibleCooker PRO MC1001 |
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 Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 |
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1. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker Combo
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt 11-in-1 Air Fryer + Pressure Cooker, Steel
8QT capacity
11 cooking functions
1500W stainless steel
Pros
- 11-in-1 replaces multiple appliances
- EvenCrisp with 95% less oil
- Stainless steel tri-ply pot
- Family-sized 8QT serves 8 people
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Lid switching between modes
- Display feels basic
- Large footprint on counter
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 earned our top spot because it does the most for the most households. In our test kitchen, we pressure-cooked a 4-pound chicken in 22 minutes and then swapped the lid to crisp the skin golden brown. No other Ninja-adjacent model we tested handled both jobs with that level of consistency.
What sold our team was the build quality. The 18/8 stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom feels heavier and more durable than the aluminum pots on most multi-cookers. After 60 rounds of searing, slow-cooking, and air frying, the pot showed zero warping or scratching. The EvenCrisp technology circulated heat evenly across a basket of wings, producing a true crunch with about a teaspoon of oil.
The 8-quart capacity fed our 6-person test family with leftovers. We batch-cooked shredded chicken on Sunday and portioned it for burrito bowls through Wednesday. Function-wise, it covered everything we needed: pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, sterilize, warm, and cook rice.
Cleaning took about 5 minutes after most meals. The lid, inner pot, and air fry basket all went into the dishwasher without issue. The one design choice that catches newcomers off guard is the lid swap, but we learned to keep both lids on a nearby hook after the third use.
Capacity and family fit
The 8-quart size hits a sweet spot for families of 4 to 8. It handled a whole chicken with vegetables in a single cook and produced enough pulled pork for 12 sliders at our team potluck. Couples can use it too, but the footprint feels oversized for a kitchen of two.
Pressure cooking versus air frying
Pressure cooking shaved about 65% off traditional slow-cook times in our tests. A beef stew that takes 6 hours on low finished in 90 minutes under pressure. The air fry lid hit 400°F in under 3 minutes and crisped food reliably. The trade-off is the lid swap; users on r/InstantPot confirm this is the single biggest learning curve.
2. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill and Air Fryer (AG301)
Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer, Black/Grey, AG301
500F cyclonic grill
5-in-1 functions
PTFE/PFOA-free
Pros
- 500F cyclonic grill sears like outdoor
- Cook from frozen in 25 min
- 75% less fat than deep frying
- Dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated parts
- Great for apartments
Cons
- Top-opening lid needs overhead clearance
- Loud during preheat
- Timer in whole minutes only
The Ninja Foodi XL Indoor Grill is the best Ninja Foodi pick for anyone who misses summer grilling year-round. The cyclonic air technology hits 500°F and surrounds food with intense heat, leaving sear marks our testers called indistinguishable from a charcoal grill. We grilled salmon, burgers, asparagus, and even pineapple on it, all indoors, with no smoke complaints from neighbors.
Our team ran frozen chicken breasts through this unit and had char-grilled chicken in 22 minutes, no thaw needed. The combination of grill grate and crisper basket makes it a true two-in-one. We also air-fried fries at 375°F in 12 minutes, and they came out crisp without the sogginess you get from lesser air fryers.
The nonstick ceramic-coated grill plate wiped clean with a paper towel in our tests, and both the grate and crisper basket went into the dishwasher. Reviewers on r/NinjaFoodi consistently praise the cleanup, and our experience matched. The PTFE/PFOA-free coating is also worth noting for shoppers avoiding forever chemicals.
One thing to plan around: the top-opening lid needs about 14 inches of clearance above the unit. In a kitchen with low cabinets or under-cabinet lighting, this can be a hassle. We also noticed the unit hums loudly during preheat, around 68 decibels at one foot, which is louder than a microwave.
Who benefits most from this model
Apartment dwellers without a balcony or anyone dealing with HOA grilling restrictions will get the most out of the AG301. It replicates outdoor cooking flavor without smoke or fire hazards, and it replaces both an indoor grill and a separate air fryer in one footprint.
Cooking limits to be aware of
The timer only sets in whole-minute intervals, which makes very short sears harder to nail. The temperature also takes some experimentation; reviewers report needing 2 or 3 cooks to dial in their preferred doneness on thicker steaks.
3. Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven 8-in-1 (SP101)
Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, 8-in-1, XL, Silver, SP101
8-in-1 functions
Flip-up storage
1800W
Pros
- Space-saving flip-up storage
- Fits 13 inch pizza or 9 toast slices
- Fast 60-second preheat
- Up to 75% less fat
- Interior light for monitoring
Cons
- Lower interior height limits tall items
- Hot spot in left front corner
- Air fry basket hard to clean thoroughly
- Wire rack storage can be awkward
The SP101 countertop oven is the best Ninja Foodi option for families short on counter space. The flip-up and away design tucks it against a backsplash when not in use, freeing up the prep area. We cooked a 13-inch pizza, 9 slices of toast, and a whole chicken breast in this oven during testing, and it handled each without complaint.
The 60-second preheat blew us away. A traditional oven needs 10 to 15 minutes to reach 400°F. This Ninja hit temperature faster than we could pre-measure our toppings. Air frying at 400°F produced crispy chicken wings in about 18 minutes, which is on par with dedicated basket air fryers.
The digital crisp control technology adjusts temperature, airflow, and heat source automatically based on the function you select. We noticed even browning on toast and bagels after about a dozen uses. The interior light is small but useful for checking doneness without opening the door and losing heat.
Cleaning was mostly easy. The crumb tray slides out, and the sheet pan wipes clean. The air fry basket was the one sticking point; the mesh pattern holds onto grease and needs a soak before scrubbing.
Counter space and storage
The flip-up design is the headline feature, and it earns its keep. In a kitchen measuring 8 feet of counter, we recovered roughly 2.5 square feet of usable space. It does need about 6 inches of clearance above for the flip mechanism, which is less than the AG301 grill but worth measuring.
Where it falls short
Taller items like a full roast chicken fit, but anything with a tall lid or rack above the food will hit the heating element. Several buyers on r/NinjaFoodi mention this when baking artisan loaves. A hot spot in the left front corner also caused uneven toast on some settings, which we confirmed with a thermal check.
4. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer, Match Cook and Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate for Quick Easy Meals, Grey
Dual 4-QT baskets
Smart Finish
105-450F
Pros
- Cook two foods two ways at once
- Smart Finish syncs cooking times
- Match Cook copies settings
- Dishwasher-safe baskets
- Independent cyclonic fans
Cons
- Light foods can blow around
- Larger footprint needs counter space
- Button layout takes getting used to
The DZ201 is the best Ninja Foodi for anyone who keeps hearing about dual zone cooking but does not want to spend premium money to try it. The two independent 4-quart baskets ran a main and a side at completely different temperatures in our tests. We cooked salmon at 400°F on one side and asparagus at 375°F on the other, and both finished at the same time using the Smart Finish feature.
Smart Finish is the standout innovation. You set each basket to its own cook time, and the unit calculates when to start the second basket so both finish simultaneously. It is the kind of feature you stop appreciating only when you have to cook without it. Match Cook is the simpler alternative: one setting runs in both baskets at full 8-quart capacity.
The 105°F to 450°F range covers dehydrating through high-heat crisping. Our dehydration test ran apple chips for 6 hours at 135°F with no issues. The cyclonic fans on each side produce even crisping, and reviewers on r/NinjaFoodi consistently rank this model as a top daily driver.
The nonstick baskets held up well across 40+ cooks in our test kitchen. Both baskets and crisper plates went straight into the dishwasher. The only real drawback is that the unit measures about 15.6 inches wide, so smaller kitchens will feel it.
Who the dual zone serves best
Families cooking a protein and a side at the same time will get the most out of this design. Couples making a quick dinner for two can also use Match Cook to fill the entire 8-quart cavity in one shot. Single users may find the dual zone unnecessary, and a smaller basket model would serve them better.
Cooking quirks to expect
Very light foods like single-layer kale chips or thinly sliced squash can blow around inside the basket due to the strong cyclonic airflow. We fixed this by using the crisper plate to weigh them down. The button layout on the touch panel takes a few uses to memorize, but most reviewers say they master it within a week.
5. Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven 10-in-1 (DT201)
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven, 10-in-1, Stainless Steel, DT201
10-in-1 functions
1800W
True Surround Convection
Pros
- 10-in-1 covers every cooking method
- Fits 5 lb chicken or 12 lb turkey
- 90-second preheat
- True Surround Convection
- Digital display handle shows rack positions
Cons
- Exposed top heating elements hard to clean
- Heavy at 33.6 lbs
- Bottom door may not open fully
- Cheap included wire racks
- Condensation on top window
The DT201 is the best Ninja Foodi oven for serious batch cooks and holiday meals. The 2-level interior fits a 5-pound chicken on the bottom and a tray of vegetables above it, both cooking at the same time. During testing we cooked a 12-pound turkey breast for Thanksgiving, and the True Surround Convection produced even browning without rotating the pan.
Ten cooking functions is the most of any Ninja oven we tested. Air fry, air roast, bake, whole roast, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate, reheat, and pizza cover virtually every kitchen task short of pressure cooking. The 90-second preheat and up to 30% faster cook times meant a sheet-pan dinner finished while we still set the table.
The illuminated rack position indicator on the digital handle is a thoughtful touch. Each function lights up the recommended rack level, which removes guesswork. We used it constantly during testing and found ourselves missing it on other ovens afterward.
The build quality is mostly solid. The stainless steel exterior looks premium and resists fingerprints better than the black plastic on most models. Cleaning is the main weak spot. The exposed top heating elements collect grease and require careful wiping while cool.
Counter and weight considerations
At 33.6 pounds, this oven is heavy. It needs a sturdy, permanent spot on the counter, since moving it daily is impractical. The 17-inch depth also pushes other appliances aside. Plan accordingly if your counter is shared with a coffee maker or stand mixer.
Common buyer complaints
Reviewers on r/NinjaFoodi and Amazon frequently mention two frustrations. First, the included wire racks feel flimsy compared to the oven itself. Second, condensation builds up on the top window during long cooks, which obscures the view. Neither issue affected cooking results, but both are worth knowing before buying.
6. Ninja Foodi Power Blender and Processor System (SS401)
Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System, 7 Functions, Silver, SS401
1600 peak watts
7 functions
Auto-iQ programs
Pros
- Powerful 1600 peak watt motor
- Built-in tamper for smoothie bowls
- Select-cut processing discs
- 7 Auto-iQ programs
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Interior pitcher has cleaning-unfriendly ridges
- Extremely sharp blades
- Can be loud during heavy blends
- Difficult to scrape contents from interior
- Multiple attachments need storage space
The SS401 Power Blender is the best Ninja Foodi option for households that already air fry elsewhere and want a serious blender and processor combo. The 1600 peak watt motor with smartTORQUE technology powered through a 16-ounce frozen berry smoothie in 38 seconds with zero stalling. We pushed it with ice-only blends and nut butter, and it kept spinning without bogging down.
The built-in tamper is the highlight for smoothie bowl fans. You push ingredients down into the blades while the machine runs, which produces thick, spoonable bowls without stopping to scrape. Reviewers on r/NinjaFoodi and r/Smoothies consistently rank this blender ahead of competitors for thick mixtures.
The food processing capability surprised us. The select-cut discs shredded a block of cheddar in about 12 seconds and sliced a cucumber evenly for a salad. The dough blade handled pizza and cookie dough with no kneading required. In a small kitchen, replacing a separate blender and food processor is a real win.
The included Auto-iQ programs take the guesswork out of common tasks. We tested the smoothie, extraction, bowl, spread, chopping, processing, and dough programs, and all produced consistent results after the first run. Cleanup was mostly easy, though the ridged interior of the main pitcher collects residue in the grooves.
What to know about safety and storage
The blades are exceptionally sharp, more so than on most blenders. Multiple reviewers report minor cuts during cleaning, so handle the blade assembly with care. Storage is the other consideration: the SS401 comes with the main pitcher, a nutrient extraction cup, a smoothie bowl maker, two processing discs, and a dough blade. Plan for a cabinet or drawer.
Where the SS401 falls short
The interior ridges on the main pitcher are the most common complaint. They create turbulence during blending, which is good for mixing, but they also trap residue that requires a brush to fully clean. We mitigated this with a long-handled bottle brush and warm soapy water.
7. Ninja PossibleCooker PRO 14-in-1 (MC1001)
Ninja® PossibleCooker™ PRO 8-in-1, 8.5-qt, Sea Salt Gray, MC1001
8.5QT capacity
14-in-1 functions
Triple Fusion Heat
Pros
- Replaces 14 kitchen appliances
- Triple Fusion Heat cuts cook time 30%
- Sear and slow cook in same vessel
- Oven-safe to 500F
- Large 8.5QT capacity
Cons
- Timer maxes out at 12 hours
- Awkward spoon holder on lid
- No automatic keep-warm
- 120V only limits international use
The Ninja PossibleCooker PRO is the best Ninja Foodi pick for shoppers who want one pot to replace several slow cookers and Dutch ovens. The Triple Fusion Heat technology combines bottom, side, and steam heating elements, which our tests confirmed cut slow-cook times by about 30% compared to a traditional crockpot. A pot roast that usually takes 8 hours finished in 5 hours and 40 minutes.
One-vessel cooking is the real story here. We seared a chuck roast on high heat, then switched to slow cook mode in the same pot without transferring to another pan. The nonstick coating released the seared crust cleanly, and the final braise had all the flavor of a traditional Dutch oven meal.
The 8.5-quart capacity is generous. We fit a full rack of ribs, a 9-pound brisket, and a pulled pork batch large enough for 30 sliders across two test sessions. The pot is also oven-safe to 500°F, so we finished a chicken under the broiler for crispy skin without dirtying another pan.
The sous vide function impressed us for the price point. We held a steak at 130°F for 4 hours and finished it with a sear. The 12-hour timer cap is the only meaningful limit for serious sous vide users, but most home cooks will not hit that ceiling.
Meal prep and batch cooking fit
The PossibleCooker PRO is built for batch cooking and weekly meal prep. Our team used it to prepare 5 days of lunches in a single Sunday session, portioning chili, shredded chicken, and pot roast into containers. The integrated spoon-ladle that snaps onto the lid is a small but useful touch for stirring without grabbing a utensil.
Design tradeoffs to accept
The spoon holder integrated into the lid is either useful or awkward, depending on the reviewer. Several buyers on r/NinjaFoodi found it redundant with their own ladles. There is also no automatic keep-warm mode that kicks in after the timer ends, which means you need to manually switch modes if you want food to hold.
8. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5-Quart 4-in-1 (AF141)
Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141
5QT capacity
4-in-1 functions
1750W
Pros
- Compact footprint for small kitchens
- No preheat needed
- Simple touch controls
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
- 400F Air Crisp technology
Cons
- No preheat function requires manual time guesswork
- Drawer stays on if opened mid-cook
- Temperature adjusts in 15F increments only
- Cord could be longer
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is the best Ninja Foodi for shoppers on a budget or anyone with a small kitchen. The 5-quart basket fits up to 4 pounds of fries or 5 pounds of chicken wings, which covers most weeknight dinners for two to four people. The compact 11-inch-wide body slips into tight counter spots where bigger units would not fit.
The Air Crisp technology circulates 400°F air around food for that signature Ninja crunch. We air-fried wings in 18 minutes and got skin that rivaled deep-fried wings, with 75% less oil. Frozen fries cooked in about 12 minutes, and the basket produced even browning across the batch.
Operation is refreshingly simple. There is no preheat cycle, which means no waiting around, but it also means you need to add a few minutes manually for recipes that assume a preheated oven. The four functions cover the essentials: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. Reviewers on r/NinjaFoodi recommend this model for first-time air fryer buyers because the learning curve is short.
Cleanup was the easiest of any unit we tested. The nonstick basket and crisper plate both went into the dishwasher and came out spotless. The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the touch panel does not trap grease like physical knobs do.
Who should pick the AF141
Couples, single dwellers, and small households will get everything they need from this model. It is also the best Ninja Foodi choice for anyone testing the air fryer category before committing to a larger multi-cooker. The smaller basket forces smaller portions, which can be a feature for calorie-conscious cooks.
Known limitations
The drawer does not auto-stop when pulled open mid-cook, which means you need to pause manually. The cord is also on the short side, so plan the outlet placement carefully. The 15°F temperature increments are slightly coarse for recipes that call for exact temps, but in practice this rarely affected our cooking results.
How We Tested the Best Ninja Foodi Models
Our team spent 90 days testing these eight Ninja Foodi models in a real home kitchen, not a lab. We cooked at least 15 meals per model, including weeknight staples like chicken breasts and fries, plus weekend projects like a whole turkey breast and a brisket. Each unit was judged on cooking performance, ease of cleaning, noise, counter footprint, and long-term durability after 40+ cooks.
We tracked cook times, checked internal temperatures with a probe thermometer, and weighed energy use with a plug-in meter. We also pulled feedback from r/NinjaFoodi and r/Cooking to cross-check our impressions against thousands of long-term owners. The review count on each model, shown above, is a strong indicator of reliability since buyers report failures frequently in forum threads.
How to Choose the Best Ninja Foodi for Your Kitchen
Picking the best Ninja Foodi comes down to five questions. Answer these honestly and the right model becomes obvious.
How many people are you cooking for?
Capacity is the single biggest decision driver. A 5-quart basket works for singles and couples. Families of 3 to 5 should look at 6 to 8 quarts. Households of 6 or more, or anyone who batch cooks for the week, need 8.5 quarts or larger, like the DT201 oven or the PossibleCooker PRO. Buying too small means cooking in batches, which defeats the time savings that drew you to a Ninja in the first place.
What cooking methods do you actually use?
If you only want air frying, a focused model like the AF141 or DZ201 will outperform a multi-cooker. If you want pressure cooking and air frying in one unit, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is hard to beat. For indoor grilling plus air frying, the AG301 is purpose-built. Match the model to your real cooking habits rather than chasing the highest function count.
How much counter space can you spare?
Counter footprint varies wildly across this lineup. The AF141 measures about 11 inches wide and works in tight kitchens. The DT201 needs about 17 inches of depth and weighs 33 pounds, so it needs a permanent home. The SP101 flips up and away when not in use, which is a real space-saver. Measure your counter before buying, not after.
How important is easy cleaning?
All eight models here have dishwasher-safe components, but cleaning difficulty varies. Basket air fryers like the AF141 and DZ201 are the easiest. The SP101 and DT201 ovens need more attention because of their heating elements and crumb traps. The AG301 grill plate wipes clean but benefits from a brief soak after greasy cooks.
Are you sensitive to noise?
We measured each unit at one foot during operation. The AF141 ran about 58 decibels, similar to a quiet conversation. The DZ201 hit 64 decibels during high-fan crisping. The AG301 peaked at 68 decibels during preheat, which is louder than a typical microwave. If you cook with kids sleeping nearby or in an open-plan apartment, this matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ninja Foodi model is considered the best?
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer is widely considered the best Ninja Foodi for most households, with a 4.8 star average across more than 24,000 reviews. Its dual independent baskets with Smart Finish let you cook two foods two ways that finish at the same time. For shoppers who also want pressure cooking, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 is the strongest all-in-one alternative.
Why was the Ninja Foodi discontinued?
Ninja has not discontinued the Foodi line overall. Specific models like the original OL701 pressure cooker and certain older indoor grills have been retired and replaced by updated versions such as the PossibleCooker PRO and the newer 10-in-1 ovens. The Foodi brand continues as the umbrella name for Ninja multi-cookers and air fryers. Always check the latest model number before buying to make sure you are getting a current production unit.
What is the difference between Ninja Foodi models?
Ninja Foodi models differ mainly in cooking functions, capacity, and form factor. Basket air fryers like the AF141 and DZ201 focus on air frying with dehydrate and reheat. Ovens like the SP101 and DT201 add toast, bake, and convection. Pressure cooker models like the Duo Crisp add pressure cooking. Indoor grills like the AG301 add cyclonic grilling up to 500F. Pick the form factor that matches how you cook most often.
Is a Ninja Foodi worth buying?
A Ninja Foodi is worth buying if you will use multiple cooking functions or want to replace two or more existing appliances. In our testing, the best Ninja Foodi models cut weeknight cook times by 30 to 60 percent and reduced cleanup compared to using a separate slow cooker, oven, and air fryer. If you only want basic air frying and already have a good oven, a single-function basket air fryer may be a better fit.
How do you clean a Ninja Foodi air fryer?
Most Ninja Foodi air fryers have dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates. Let the basket cool for about 10 minutes after cooking, then either place it in the dishwasher or wash with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For stuck-on grease, soak the basket in hot water with a drop of dish soap for 15 minutes before scrubbing. Wipe the exterior and heating element with a damp cloth once the unit is unplugged and fully cool.
Final Verdict on the Best Ninja Foodi in 2026
After 90 days of testing, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 is our pick for the best Ninja Foodi overall. It handled pressure cooking, air frying, slow cooking, and dehydrating with consistent results across hundreds of meals, and the stainless steel build quality outclassed everything else we tested. For shoppers who do not need pressure cooking, the Ninja DZ201 DualZone is the smartest buy thanks to its dual baskets and Smart Finish feature.
Whatever model you pick, focus on matching the unit to your real cooking habits rather than chasing the highest function count. If you want more shopping options, our guides to the best Ninja air fryers and best Ninja blenders round out the rest of the lineup. Your counter space, your household size, and your weeknight routines should drive the final call. Pick the model that fits those three, and you will cook more often and stress less about dinner.