Ninja Air Fryers: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for You

Last updated: October 8, 2026 · Electroselecció Team

Is a Ninja air fryer worth it? If you’re looking to cook crispy food with very little oil, in less time, and using less energy than an oven, then yes. The key is to choose the right model (a drawer, dual-zone, vertical, glass-fronted, or with a door) and the right capacity based on how many people eat at home. Ninja offers capacities ranging from about 2 liters to over 12 liters and temperatures up to 240 ºC.

In this guide, we explain how they work, what types are available, and what to look for before buying—without getting into specific models—so you can make an informed decision when you see the full lineup.

 

Quick Overview: Which Ninja Air Fryer Is Right for You?

 

• Whether you live alone or with a partner: a single-drawer unit or a compact glass cabinet.
• Families of 3 to 5 people: a dual-zone model, for preparing the main dish and side dishes at the same time.
• Kitchen with limited counter space: a narrower, vertical layout with two stacked zones.
• If you want to avoid nonstick coatings, use glass containers.
• You want to replace your everyday oven: one with a door and a steam function.

 

How does a Ninja air fryer work?

 

An air fryer is, essentially, a compact convection oven. A heating element heats the air, and a fan circulates it at high speed around the food. This flow of hot air dehydrates the surface and triggers the Maillard reaction—which is responsible for browning and crispiness—without the need to submerge the food in oil.

Since its cavity is much smaller than that of an oven, it heats up faster and concentrates the heat. That’s why it cooks faster and uses less energy for typical portions.

 

Common Cooking Functions

 

Ninja air fryers do more than just fry. Depending on the model, they include between 4 and 12 cooking modes. The most common ones in the lineup are:

• Air Fry: the star feature, for fries, battered foods, chicken wings, or crispy vegetables.
• Max Crisp: maximum temperature for frozen foods and extra-crispy results.
• Roast: oven-roasted meats, fish, and vegetables.
• Bake: cakes, muffins, quiches, or bread.
• Reheat: Restores the crispiness to leftovers—something the microwave can’t do.
• Dehydrate: at a low temperature, starting at 40 °C, for dried fruit, vegetables, or herbs.

Models with a door also feature steam cooking combined with hot air, which keeps the inside juicy and browns the outside.

 

Types of Ninja Air Fryers

 

Ninja organizes its product line into several formats. Choosing the right format is more important than focusing on the number of features.

 

Single drawer

 

The classic model: a single, spacious basket, with a capacity of about 6 liters in family-size models. It’s the simplest option and takes up the least space widthwise. Ideal for households of one to four people who cook one dish at a time.

 

Dual Zone (DualZone)

 

Two separate drawers, each with its own heating element. They allow you to cook two different foods at different temperatures and for different lengths of time, and—thanks to synchronized cooking—ensure that both are ready at the same time. Total capacities range from about 7.6 to 10.4 liters. Some models feature a removable divider to combine the two zones into one large space, which is useful for cooking a whole chicken or long cuts of meat.

 

Vertical, two stacked zones

 

It retains the benefits of both zones, but with them stacked one on top of the other. According to Ninja, it takes up 30% less width than a model with two side drawers. It’s the perfect solution for small kitchens or countertops that are already full.

 

Glass containers

 

Instead of a metal basket, cook in glass containers with lids that go directly from the air fryer to the table, the fridge, or the dishwasher. The manufacturer states that its cooking surface is PFAS-free, a plus for those who prefer to avoid nonstick coatings. Ninja also offers a portable version of this model.

 

With door and steam

 

A countertop oven-style appliance with a capacity of more than 12 liters that combines hot air and steam. Ninja claims it cooks up to 50% faster than a traditional oven and allows you to prepare a full meal in just a few minutes. It’s the closest thing to a replacement for a traditional oven for everyday use.

 

Table: Ninja Air Fryer Models

 

Format	Approximate capacity	Main Advantage	Ideal for
Single drawer	About 6 l	Simplicity and affordability	1 to 4 people
Dual-zone	7.6 to 10.4 L	Two dishes at once, finished at the same time	Families
Vertical stacking	7.6 to 9.5 L	Takes up less width	Small kitchens
Glass	2.3 to 5.7 liters per container	PFAS-free, goes straight from the air fryer to the table	For those who avoid nonstick cookware
With door and steam	Over 12 L	Replaces the oven for everyday use	Families who cook a lot

Specifications taken from the official Ninja Spain air fryer catalog (October 2026). May vary by model.

 

How much oil and energy is saved?

 

Fat: Ninja states that its air fryers allow you to cook with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. It’s important to note the caveat: this figure comes from a test comparing hand-cut potatoes to French fries cooked in a deep fryer. In practice, just one tablespoon of oil is enough—or even none at all for pre-cooked products.

Energy: According to the manufacturer, the Air Fry function can use up to 60% less energy than a conventional oven, based on a test using the recommended cooking times for sausages. Actual savings depend on the food and the quantity, but for typical portions, heating a few liters always uses less energy than heating a 60- or 70-liter oven. If you’re interested in reducing your energy consumption at home, check out our guide on energy efficiency to save energy.

 

Air fryer or oven with an air fry function?

 

If you’re planning to replace your oven, another option is to choose one that already includes an air-fry function, such as Miele’s ovens with the AirFry feature. The difference lies in how they’re used: a built-in oven has a larger capacity and doesn’t take up counter space, while an air fryer heats up faster, uses less energy for small portions, and can be moved or stored away. Many families use both.

 

How to Choose Your Ninja Air Fryer: 5 Criteria

 

1. Capacity based on the number of guests. Como referencia: hasta 4 litros para una o dos personas, de 5 a 7 litros para tres o cuatro, y a partir de 8 litros (o doble zona) para familias de cinco o más.
2. One or two areas. If you usually prepare the main course and side dish at the same time, the dual cooking zone really saves time. If you cook one dish at a time, a single drawer is enough.
3. Space available. Measure the countertop, including the depth. Leave space behind and above it for hot air to escape.
4. Container material. Metal basket with a nonstick coating or glass. The glass one weighs more, but it lets you watch the food cook and serve it directly from the basket.
5. Features you’ll actually use. Air frying, roasting, and reheating account for 90% of its use. Dehydrating, steaming, and the smart thermometer are extras that are only worth it if you cook a lot.

 

Tips for Use to Achieve the Best Results

 

• Don’t overfill the basket. El aire necesita circular: mejor dos tandas que una amontonada.
• Stir or turn halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Use cooking spray or a brush. Una capa fina basta para el crujiente.
• Preheat for a few minutes if the recipe calls for it: the result will be more uniform.
• Clean it after each use. Accumulated grease produces smoke and odors. Many drawers and racks are dishwasher-safe; check the manual for your model.

 

A small appliance that adds value to your kitchen

 

The air fryer has become one of the most commonly used small appliances in everyday life. If you’re updating your kitchen countertop, you might also be interested in the Ninja Foodi blender and electric soup maker or the Ariete Positano 155 toaster, which combines style with everyday practicality.

At Electroselecció, we’ll help you choose the air fryer that’s right for your kitchen, your family, and your cooking style. Stop by the store or contact our team, and we’ll give you advice with no obligation.

 

Sources

 

• SharkNinja Spain, official catalog: Ninja air fryers (models, capacities, maximum temperature, PFAS-free glass, upright design, and steam cooking).
• Ninja Kitchen, official product page for the single-drawer air fryer: cooking functions, fat reduction, and energy consumption, along with test conditions.