The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Choose a Dual Zone Air Fryer?
Dual zone air fryers have become a game-changer for home cooks who want to prepare multiple dishes at once without sacrificing flavor or countertop space. Unlike single-basket models, dual zone air fryers feature two independent cooking compartments, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures and times simultaneously. This versatility makes them ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves hosting dinner parties. Whether you’re crisping up chicken wings in one basket while roasting vegetables in the other, these appliances streamline meal preparation while delivering the crispy, delicious results air fryers are known for. Plus, they use little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
The appeal lies in their ability to save time and energy. With sync functions, you can ensure both baskets finish cooking at the same time, even if one dish requires a longer cook time. Many models also come with features like viewing windows, smart controls, and preset programs to make cooking intuitive, even for beginners. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the six best dual zone air fryers for 2025, based on performance, ease of use, and value for money.
Top 6 Dual Zone Air Fryers for 2025
After extensive research and testing, we’ve selected the following dual zone air fryers for their outstanding performance, innovative features, and user-friendly designs. Each model has been evaluated for cooking consistency, capacity, ease of cleaning, and additional functionalities that enhance the cooking experience.
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Smart 10-Qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer (DZ550)
The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Smart 10-Qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer stands out for its robust build and smart features, making it a top pick for families and avid home cooks. With a total capacity of 10 quarts split into two 5-quart baskets, this model offers ample space for cooking mains and sides simultaneously. It includes six cooking modes—air fry, max crisp, bake, roast, dehydrate, and reheat—along with a smart cooking probe for precise meat and fish temperatures. The sync and match functions ensure both baskets finish cooking at the same time, even with different settings. Testers praise its intuitive digital control panel and consistent cooking results, producing crispy fries and juicy chicken without flavor crossover between baskets.
Real User Review from Amazon: “I absolutely love this air fryer! I can cook a full meal for my family of four without using the oven. The baskets are easy to clean, and the sync feature is a lifesaver when I’m juggling multiple dishes.”
Shop the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 on Amazon
Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer
The Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer is a favorite for its uneven basket sizes—a 6-liter main basket and a 3-liter side basket—offering flexibility for cooking larger mains alongside smaller sides. With 1,700 watts of power, it delivers crispy results across both baskets, from cauliflower to chicken wings, without inconsistencies. The nonstick interior makes cleanup a breeze, and the preset programs simplify cooking for beginners. While it lacks a viewing window, its powerful performance and thoughtful design make it a standout choice for those who value versatility.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is fantastic for family meals. I can roast a whole chicken in one side and veggies in the other, and everything comes out perfect. It’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny!”
Shop the Philips 3000 Series on Amazon
Instant Vortex Plus 8-Qt. Dual Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 8-Qt. Dual Air Fryer is a reliable choice for those who want a balance of performance and affordability. Featuring two 4-quart baskets, it offers six cooking modes: air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. The viewing windows and internal lights let you monitor food without opening the baskets, and the sync function ensures everything finishes at once. Testers found it excelled at producing evenly cooked fries and tender chicken, though the baskets are slightly smaller than some competitors.
Real User Review from Amazon: “The viewing windows are a game-changer! I love that I can check on my food without losing heat. It’s super easy to use and cleans up well in the dishwasher.”
Shop the Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
Cosori Dual Blaze Twinfry Air Fryer
The Cosori Dual Blaze Twinfry offers a 9-quart capacity split into two equal baskets, making it ideal for larger households. Its dual heating elements (top and bottom) ensure even cooking without the need to shake or flip food. With smart features like Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, you can control it via voice commands or a phone app, which even scans barcodes on frozen foods to suggest optimal cooking settings. The included baking and skewer racks add versatility for toasting and grilling.
Real User Review from Amazon: “The smart features are amazing! I can start it from my phone when I’m busy, and the food always comes out crispy and delicious. The baskets are a bit heavy, but they’re well-made.”
Shop the Cosori Dual Blaze on Amazon
Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Dual Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Dual Air Fryer is perfect for those who want flexibility. Its 7-quart capacity can be used as two baskets or a single large basket by removing the divider. This makes it great for cooking a whole roast or smaller portions. With six cooking modes and a sync function, it delivers consistent results, though it’s slightly noisier than other models. Testers loved its compact footprint and eco-friendly cardboard packaging.
Real User Review from Amazon: “I love the option to switch between one big basket or two smaller ones. It’s perfect for both family dinners and quick snacks. Cleans up easily too!”
Shop the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket on Amazon
Instant VersaZone Dual Air Fryer
The Instant VersaZone Dual Air Fryer offers a unique feature: a removable divider that transforms two baskets into a single cooking space. This makes it ideal for large roasts or family-sized meals. It includes eight preset programs and a shake function to ensure even cooking. Testers noted its ease of use but found the baskets tricky to empty since they aren’t fully removable.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is so versatile! I can cook a whole chicken in the big basket or do two different foods at once. It’s become my go-to kitchen appliance.”
Shop the Instant VersaZone on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dual Zone Air Fryer
Selecting the right dual zone air fryer depends on your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. Here are the key factors to consider to ensure you pick a model that fits your lifestyle.
Capacity and Basket Size
Dual zone air fryers typically range from 6 to 10 quarts in total capacity, split between two baskets. If you’re cooking for a family of four or more, opt for a model with at least 8 quarts, like the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Smart 10-Qt. For smaller households, a 6-quart model like the Instant Vortex Plus may suffice. Consider whether you prefer equal-sized baskets or uneven ones (e.g., Philips 3000 Series’ 6L/3L split) for mains and sides. Some models, like the Instant VersaZone, offer a removable divider for added flexibility.
Cooking Modes and Features
Most dual zone air fryers offer multiple cooking modes, such as air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate. Look for sync and match functions to coordinate cooking times across baskets. Smart features, like those in the Cosori Dual Blaze, allow for app or voice control, which can be a bonus for tech-savvy cooks. Viewing windows and internal lights, as seen in the Instant Vortex Plus, make it easier to monitor food without disrupting the cooking process.
For more insights on air fryer features, check out Food Network’s guide to air fryer features.
Ease of Cleaning
Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup easier. Models like the Philips 3000 Series and Ninja Foodi FlexBasket are praised for their easy-to-clean interiors. Avoid models with sharp edges or non-removable trays, as these can complicate cleaning.
Size and Countertop Space
Dual zone air fryers tend to be larger than single-basket models, so measure your countertop space before buying. Compact options like the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket are great for smaller kitchens, while larger models like the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 require more space but offer greater capacity.
For tips on optimizing kitchen space, visit Good Housekeeping’s air fryer reviews.
Price and Value
Dual zone air fryers range from $100 to $ options like the Instant Vortex Plus offer solid performance, while premium models like the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 include advanced features like smart probes. Look for sales, especially during events like Amazon Prime Day, to get the best value.
Additional Considerations
Check for safety features like cool-touch handles or auto-shutoff. Some models, like the Cosori Dual Blaze, offer PFAS-free coatings for healthier cooking. Noise levels can also vary—testers noted the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket is slightly louder than others. If sustainability matters to you, look for brands using eco-friendly packaging, like Ninja’s cardboard-based designs.
For a deeper dive into air fryer safety and sustainability, see BBC Good Food’s air fryer guide.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
