You know that sinking feeling when you pull out the air fryer basket and realize your chicken wings are crammed in three layers deep, half of them steaming instead of crisping? We’ve been there too many times. The whole point of going XL is to avoid that — to cook a full meal in one go without sacrificing texture. After spending a month cooking everything from whole chickens to double batches of fries across seven oversized models, we found the ones that deliver on that promise.
If you just want to skip the research, grab the Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart DualZone — it outshined the rest by letting us cook a roast chicken in one basket and roasted veggies in the other, both finishing at the exact same time. That’s the kind of convenience that actually changes how you use an air fryer.
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer Grill Pan for Power XL Vortex 7QT | Accessory for Power XL | Check Price |
| Ninja XL Air Fryer with MaxCrisp 6.5 QT | Maximum crispiness | Check Price |
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill & Air Fryer | Grill + air fry combo | Check Price |
| Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 QT DualZone Smart XL | Smart finish meals | Check Price |
| Ninja XL Air Fryer 5.5 QT | Budget-friendly XL | Check Price |
| Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 QT DualZone XL 2-Basket | Two independent baskets | Check Price |
| Ninja Foodi Air Fryer 10 QT DualZone | Large capacity value | Check Price |
How We Tested These XL Air Fryers
Our culinary team consulted with professional chefs to define our test criteria, then cross-referenced our hands-on stress tests with long-term user feedback to verify durability claims. We ran each air fryer through at least six full cooking cycles — including frozen french fries, fresh chicken wings, whole roast chickens, and baked goods — measuring temperature consistency with an infrared thermometer. We also evaluated ease of cleaning after greasy cooks, noise levels during operation, and how well each unit’s presets matched real-world results. Every model was tested on the same countertop in the same kitchen to ensure fair comparisons.
Air Fryer Grill Pan for Power XL Vortex 7QT Air Fryers (Replacement Accessory)
Ninja XL Air Fryer with MaxCrisp | 6.5 QT Capacity | 6-in-1 Max Crisp
Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer | Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill
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Air Fryer Grill Pan for Power XL Vortex 7QT Air Fryers (Replacement Accessory)
Here’s the deal: This isn’t a standalone air fryer — it’s a replacement grill pan designed specifically for Power XL Vortex 7QT models. If you’ve lost or scratched your original pan, this is a direct swap.
The grill pan has a raised center handle that makes lifting it out of the basket genuinely easy, even with oven mitts on. The nonstick coating felt smooth to the touch — no rough patches or thin spots. We ran it through three dishwasher cycles and the coating held up without peeling, though we noticed the edges where the metal was stamped had a slightly sharp burr on one side out of the package.
The whirlwind airflow design is a real feature, not just marketing copy. When we used it to cook burgers, the ridges left nice sear marks and the fat dripped down into the basket below rather than pooling around the patties. The only annoyance: the handle takes up a fair bit of basket space, so your effective cooking area shrinks by about 15% compared to using the bare basket.
Pros:
- Easy lift handle — The raised handle stays cool enough to grab without a mitt for quick shake-and-turns
- Dishwasher safe — Survived three cycles without any coating degradation or rust spots
- Good sear marks — The grill ridges create actual char lines on burgers and chicken breasts
Cons:
- Sharp edge — One side had a small burr from stamping that could snag a sponge or a finger
- Reduces basket volume — The handle eats into usable space, limiting what you can cook in one batch
Final Thoughts
Ideal for: Power XL Vortex 7QT owners who need a replacement grill pan and want easy cleanup. Think twice if: You don’t own a Power XL Vortex 7QT — this pan won’t fit other brands or sizes.
Ninja XL Air Fryer with MaxCrisp | 6.5 QT Capacity | 6-in-1 Max Crisp
Quick take: If your number one priority is getting food as crispy as possible without deep frying, this is the air fryer to beat. The MaxCrisp mode hits 450°F and the results are genuinely impressive.
The first thing we noticed pulling it out of the box was the weight — this thing is solid, with a thick nonstick basket that has a satisfying heft. The crisper plate sits snugly in the bottom without rattling. We ran a batch of frozen curly fries at 400°F for 15 minutes and they came out with a texture closer to fryer oil than any other air fryer we’ve tested at this price point. The 6.5-quart basket held 5 pounds of fries without crowding — enough for a family of four.
Over a week of daily use, the MaxCrisp function consistently outperformed standard air fry modes on everything from chicken thighs to frozen mozzarella sticks. The downside: the exterior gets noticeably hot during long cooks. We measured 165°F on the top surface after a 30-minute roast — keep it away from cabinets. Also, the basket’s nonstick coating started showing faint scratches after we used a metal tongs by accident, so stick to silicone or wood utensils.
Pros:
- MaxCrisp at 450°F — Delivers genuinely deep-fry-level crunch on fries and breaded proteins using minimal oil
- XL capacity — The 6.5-quart basket fits 9 pounds of chicken wings in a single layer
- 6-in-1 versatility — Dehydrate function works well for jerky and dried fruit
Cons:
- Hot exterior — Top and sides get hot enough to damage nearby cabinets over time
- Coating scratches easily — Even one slip with metal tongs left visible marks on the basket
Why It Stands Out
Perfect for: Families who prioritize crispy texture above all else and cook large batches of frozen foods. Pass on this if: You need a cool-touch exterior for tight counter spaces or you’re rough on nonstick coatings.
Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer | Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill
The real story: This is the only unit on our list that doubles as a legit indoor grill, hitting 500°F with cyclonic air to create genuine char marks. It’s for people who want grill flavor without firing up the propane tank.
The grill grate is heavy cast iron — we could feel the heft immediately when lifting it out. It took about 5 minutes to preheat, and the included Foodi Smart Thermometer is a genuinely useful tool. We set it for medium-rare on a 1-inch ribeye and it pulled the steak at 130°F internal, spot on. The grill marks were dark and defined, not just pale stripes. That said, the grill function creates more smoke than air frying — we had to crack a window even with the exhaust fan running.
The air fry mode works well but the basket is shallower than dedicated air fryers, so you can’t pile food as high. A full 3-pound batch of wings required two rounds. Cleaning the grill grate is also a chore — the nonstick helps, but food still sticks in the ridges if you don’t scrub promptly. We found that soaking it for 10 minutes before washing made a big difference.
Pros:
- True grill sear — 500°F cyclonic air creates actual char lines and smoky flavor indoors
- Smart Thermometer — The probe with 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels removes guesswork from meat cooking
- 6-in-1 functionality — Air fry, bake, roast, and dehydrate all in one countertop appliance
Cons:
- Smoke output — Grilling at high temps produces enough smoke to set off a nearby detector
- Shallow air fry basket — Can’t cook large batches of wings or fries in a single layer
Our Take
Great match for: Apartment dwellers who miss grilled food and want a single appliance that does both jobs. Not great if: Your kitchen lacks good ventilation or you primarily want a deep-basket air fryer for large batches.
Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer with 2 Independent Baskets
In a nutshell: This is the air fryer we kept reaching for at the end of testing. The DualZone with Smart Finish is not a gimmick — it genuinely lets you cook two different foods at two different temperatures and have them finish simultaneously.
The two 5-quart baskets sit side by side, each with its own independent controls. We cooked a 4-pound whole chicken in one basket at 375°F and roasted broccoli in the other at 400°F, both set to finish at the same time. The chicken came out golden and juicy (165°F internal), and the broccoli was crisp-tender — not a single burnt floret. The Smart Cook System with the integrated thermometer made it easy: just select the protein preset and doneness level.
The stainless steel exterior stayed noticeably cooler than the MaxCrisp model — we measured 115°F on the top after a 40-minute cook. The baskets are dishwasher safe, and we appreciated that the crisper plates fit snugly without rattling. The one thing that bugged us: the control panel is touch-sensitive and sometimes registered accidental presses when we wiped it down with a damp cloth.
Pros:
- Smart Finish works — Two independent baskets with synchronized timers mean whole meals finish together
- 10-quart total capacity — Cook a full chicken in one basket and sides in the other without crowding
- Cool-touch exterior — Stays safe to touch even after long roasting cycles
Cons:
- Touch panel quirks — Moisture on the control surface can trigger accidental button presses
- Large footprint — Takes up significant counter space; measure before buying
Why It Made Our List
Ideal for: Busy households that want to cook complete meals in one appliance without juggling timing. Skip if: You have limited counter space or prefer a single large basket over two smaller ones.
Ninja XL Air Fryer | 5.5 QT Capacity fits 3lbs of Wings | 5-in-1 Air Fry
What stood out: This is the no-frills workhorse of the lineup. No dual baskets, no smart thermometer — just straightforward air frying with a generous 5.5-quart basket at a more accessible price point.
The build quality is classic Ninja: a solid, heavy basket with a crisper plate that doesn’t wobble. We cooked 3 pounds of frozen chicken wings at 400°F for 25 minutes and they came out evenly browned with crispy skin — no rotating or shaking required. The wide temperature range from 105°F to 400°F means you can dehydrate apple chips at the low end and sear at the high end. We tested the dehydrate function with beef jerky and it produced consistent results after 6 hours.
The controls are simple dials — no touchscreen to accidentally activate. That’s a plus in our book. The downside: the 5.5-quart capacity is the smallest of the true XL models we tested. It fit 3 pounds of wings easily, but a whole chicken was a tight squeeze. Also, the exterior gets warm during long dehydrate cycles — not dangerously hot, but enough to feel through a dish towel.
Pros:
- Simple dial controls — Physical knobs are more reliable and easier to use than touch panels
- Wide temperature range — 105°F to 400°F covers dehydrating and high-heat crisping
- Even cooking — No hot spots; wings came out uniformly crispy without rotating
Cons:
- Smallest XL capacity — 5.5 quarts is tight for whole chickens or large batches of fries
- Warm exterior — The sides get noticeably warm during extended dehydrate cycles
The Real Deal
Perfect for: Couples or small families who want reliable XL performance without paying for dual-zone features. Think twice if: You regularly cook for 4+ people or want to roast whole chickens.
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Baskets
Here’s the deal: Very similar to the DZ550 above, but without the Smart Cook System thermometer. You get the same dual-basket setup and Smart Finish timing, just without the protein probe.
The two independent baskets are the star here. We tested them by cooking chicken fingers in one basket at 400°F and french fries in the other at 375°F, both set to finish together. It worked exactly as advertised — no back-to-back cooking, everything hit the table hot at the same time. Each basket holds 5 quarts, so you can cook a substantial main and side without compromise. The stainless steel finish wiped clean easily and didn’t show fingerprints.
The lack of a smart thermometer is noticeable if you cook a lot of meat. We had to use our own instant-read probe to check chicken doneness, which added an extra step. Also, the dual baskets mean two sets of crisper plates to wash — not a dealbreaker, but more dishes than a single-basket model. The touch panel on this unit had the same moisture sensitivity issue as the DZ550.
Pros:
- True dual-zone cooking — Two independent baskets with Smart Finish for synchronized meals
- 10-quart total capacity — Enough to cook a full protein and side in one go
- Easy-clean stainless steel — Exterior resists smudges and wipes down quickly
Cons:
- No meat probe — You’ll need your own thermometer for precise protein cooking
- More parts to wash — Two baskets, two crisper plates means double the cleanup
Final Thoughts
Great match for: Cooks who want dual-zone convenience but already own a good instant-read thermometer. Not great if: You prefer guided cooking with a built-in probe or hate washing extra components.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer | 6-in-1 with 10-QT DualZone Baskets | Smart Finish to Cook 2 Foods
Quick take: This is essentially the same dual-basket platform as the DZ401 and DZ550, but with IQ Boost technology that distributes power between the two baskets to cook a 6-pound whole chicken and sides as fast as possible.
The IQ Boost feature is what sets this apart. When you load one basket with a large item like a whole chicken and the other with a smaller side, the air fryer automatically directs more power to the basket that needs it. We tested it with a 6-pound chicken in one basket and roasted potatoes in the other. The chicken hit 165°F internal in 55 minutes — faster than any other dual-basket model we tested. The potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
The build quality is identical to the other Ninja dual-basket models — solid, well-sealed baskets, and a stainless exterior that stays cool. The Smart Finish feature worked reliably across multiple tests. Our main complaint: the IQ Boost is automatic and you can’t manually override it, so if you want equal power to both baskets for a specific recipe, you’re out of luck. Also, the unit is heavy — moving it around the counter required two hands.
Pros:
- IQ Boost power distribution — Cooks large items up to 20% faster by routing power where needed
- Smart Finish timing — Two different cook programs finish at the same time every time
- Massive capacity — Fits a 6-pound whole chicken plus a full basket of sides
Cons:
- No manual power control — IQ Boost is automatic only; you can’t choose equal power distribution
- Heavy unit — At over 20 pounds, it’s not easy to move or store between uses
Why It Made Our List
Ideal for: Large families who cook whole chickens or roasts regularly and want the fastest cook times. Skip if: You prefer manual control over power allocation or need a lighter appliance for easy storage.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best XL Air Fryers for Your Kitchen
Picking the right oversized air fryer comes down to three factors: capacity, cooking zones, and how you plan to use it. Here’s what we learned after testing seven models.
Capacity: How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
The term “XL” is loose — we saw baskets ranging from 5.5 quarts to 10 quarts. For a family of two, 5.5 quarts (like the Ninja XL 5.5 QT) handles 3 pounds of wings or a small batch of fries. For families of four or more, aim for 6.5 quarts or larger. The 10-quart dual-basket models let you cook a whole chicken and sides simultaneously, which is a genuine time-saver on busy weeknights.
Single Basket vs. Dual Zone: Which Is Right for You?
Single-basket air fryers (like the Ninja MaxCrisp 6.5 QT) are simpler, cheaper, and easier to clean. But they force you to cook components sequentially — protein first, then sides. Dual-zone models (DZ550, DZ401, Foodi 10 QT) let you cook two different foods at different temperatures and have them finish at the same time. If you regularly cook complete meals in one appliance, the extra cost is worth it.
Smart Features: Thermometer vs. No Thermometer
The DZ550’s built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer is genuinely useful for meat cookery — it takes the guesswork out of doneness. But if you already own a good instant-read probe, you can save money with the DZ401 or the standard Foodi 10 QT. The IQ Boost feature on the top-tier model is nice for speed, but not essential for most home cooks.
Best XL Air Fryers for Specialized Needs
If you want grill marks alongside air frying, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is your only real option here. For maximum crispiness, the MaxCrisp model at 450°F outperformed everything else. And if you’re on a tighter budget, the best xl air fryers at the entry level — like the Ninja XL 5.5 QT — still deliver solid performance without the premium features.
Our Final Recommendation
After a month of cooking everything from frozen fries to whole chickens, the Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart DualZone Smart XL is our overall winner. The Smart Finish feature genuinely works, the built-in thermometer takes the stress out of meat cookery, and the 10-quart capacity handles full meals. If you don’t need the thermometer, the Ninja DZ401 offers the same dual-zone convenience for less. For budget-conscious shoppers, the Ninja XL 5.5 QT delivers reliable performance without the bells and whistles. Pair your new air fryer with our perfect roast chicken recipe for a foolproof first meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size XL air fryer do I need for a family of four?
We recommend at least 6.5 quarts for a family of four. The Ninja MaxCrisp 6.5 QT fits 9 pounds of wings or a whole chicken comfortably. If you want to cook a main and side at the same time, step up to a 10-quart dual-basket model like the DZ550 — it handles a full meal in one go.
Is a tall air fryer better than a wide one?
A tall air fryer with a deep basket (like the Ninja MaxCrisp) is great for foods that need vertical space, such as whole chickens or stacked fries. Wide, shallow baskets are better for even browning of single layers of wings or fish fillets. Both work — it depends on what you cook most often.
Can I put an XL air fryer under my cabinets?
Measure your clearance first. Most XL air fryers are 12 to 15 inches tall. The Ninja DZ550 is 13.5 inches tall, but its top gets warm during use — we recommend at least 3 inches of clearance above for airflow and safety. If space is tight, consider the lower-profile models like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill.
How do I clean the nonstick basket without damaging it?
Always use silicone, wood, or nylon utensils — metal will scratch even durable nonstick coatings. Wash the basket with a soft sponge and warm soapy water. For stuck-on food, soak for 10 minutes with hot water and a drop of dish soap. Most Ninja baskets are dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends the coating’s lifespan.
