On trial: Ninja DualZone XL DZ901UK Air Fryer 9.5L

Faster than a fan oven and completely faff-free, Ninja’s new XL air fryer gives the best first impression

I have always been apprehensive about using an air fryer, rather than an oven, to cook – is this piece of kitchen kit really any better than the proven option I already have? And do I actually need to take up more counter space with another piece of tech? But now, enough people have told me their compelling reasons for using an air fryer – from ease of use to speed and a slick clean-up – so I gave the new DualZone XL 9.5L Air Fryer from the UK’s number one air fryer brand, Ninja, a go. Here’s how I got on.

Quick and easy really is the best way to describe using this air fryer. You don’t need to overthink settings or timings; it heats up fast, cooks quicker than your traditional oven, and doesn’t require constant checking. What surprised me most is how compact it feels for something with such a large capacity. The 9.5L size easily handles a full meal (or the components of one) for you, your partner or family, but it still sits tidily on the counter, without taking over the space. It also offers flexibility in how you cook your meals – you’re not locked into ‘Air Fry’ mode alone, as there are six cooking functions, including Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate and Reheat. Because it’s so quick, I actually had time to try different meals during the week, instead of sticking to the same routine.

The dual drawers mean you have the option to cook your protein on one side and vegetables or sides (chips, please) on the other, and – as you can set each drawer to a separate temperature and timer – everything finishes right when you need it to. 

As someone who can find it stressful preparing a meal in stages, the fact the Ninja DualZone XL DZ901UK Air Fryer allows you to do everything at once makes the overall cooking experience much smoother and far more enjoyable.

I’m surprised just how simple this Ninja is to use. The controls aren’t overly complicated, all you need to do is pick a setting, hit ‘Sync’, and the machine handles the timing so that both trays finish cooking at the same time. The buttons are completely self-explanatory. 

I normally dread cleaning, but Ninja’s non-stick coating means nothing sticks to the bottom of the trays. I just gave the drawers a quick soak after use, then they were ready to wash up in the sink – or if you have the luxury of a dishwasher, you can just put them straight in there after use. It’s zero stress from start to finish.

Honestly, yes. Especially if you want to prepare proper meals but don’t want to spend your entire evening cooking. You’re saving time, using less energy than an oven, and making cooking feel less like a chore; if this isn’t a practical investment, what is?

This particular air fryer style has made my life so much easier. It’s fast, versatile and with an aesthetically pleasing modern design it makes my kitchen feel neat and tidy. If you want a stress-free cooking experience, without compromising on quality, this is an easy recommendation.

★★★★★