Make Perfect Summer Fried Chicken with Ninja DZ401 Foodi Air Fryer

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cookouts and light, crispy fried foods that everyone loves. The Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart Air Fryer offers a convenient, healthier way to enjoy fried favorites without the hassle of deep frying.

With its 6-in-1 functionality and dual baskets, you can prepare a batch of crispy chicken while simultaneously roasting vegetables or dehydrating fruit, making your summer meals quick, easy, and family-sized.

Our top pick at a glance

BEST FOR SUMMER FRIED FOODS
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket A

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket A

  • Dimensions: 14 x 16 x 13 inches
  • Weight: 19 pounds
  • Color: Grey
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate for Quick, Easy Family-Sized Meals, Grey

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate for Quick, Easy Family-Sized Meals, Grey

  • DualZone Technology: Cook two foods simultaneously with Smart Finish or Match Cook
  • Versatile 6-in-1 Functions: Air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
  • Two Independent Baskets: Cook two foods in different ways at the same time

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Preparing the Chicken

Start with fresh, high-quality chicken pieces. Pat them dry and season with your favorite spices—paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper work well for a classic flavor. For an even crispier coating, lightly spray the seasoned chicken with a bit of cooking oil.

This prep ensures your fried chicken will be juicy inside and perfectly crispy outside, ideal for summer gatherings.

Setting Up the Ninja Foodi

Place the seasoned chicken in the Air Fryer basket. Use the ‘Match Cook’ feature to set both baskets for simultaneous frying if you’re preparing different foods. Select the ‘Air Fry’ function and set the temperature to 400°F.

Preheat the Ninja Foodi for a few minutes so it’s ready to go. The dual baskets allow you to cook more food at once, making it perfect for family-sized summer meals.

Cooking the Chicken

Cook the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness. Use the ‘Smart Finish’ feature if you want to sync cooking times with other dishes, like roasted veggies or fries.

Check for doneness—juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The Foodi’s rapid air circulation produces crispy results without excess oil.

Serving Tips for Summer

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve with a side of fresh summer salads, grilled corn, or fruit skewers. The crispy texture pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides that keep your meal summer-friendly.

For an extra touch, dehydrate some thin slices of lemon or herbs in the Foodi to add a fragrant, summery aroma to your plate.

More Details on Our Top Picks

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket A

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket A
OUR VERDICT
Crispy, Juicy Summer Fried Chicken Made Easy
VIEW LATEST PRICE

The Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart Air Fryer simplifies summer cooking with its dual baskets and versatile functions. It’s perfect for quick, family-sized fried chicken and more, all with less oil.

Pros:

  • Large 10-quart capacity
  • Dual baskets for simultaneous cooking
  • Multiple functions including roast, broil, dehydrate
  • Easy to use with Smart Finish feature

Cons:

  • Takes up counter space due to size
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Can be noisy during operation

Best for: Families and summer entertainers who want quick, crispy fried favorites

Not ideal for: Small households or those seeking ultra-compact appliances

Capacity:
10 Quarts
Functions:
6-in-1 (air fry, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat, bake)
Baskets:
2 Independent fry baskets
Temperature Range:
Up to 450°F
Display:
Digital touch screen
Power:
1690W

Bottom line: An ideal summer appliance for quick, crispy, family-sized meals with versatile cooking options.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.

You May Also Like

Summer Sweetness: How to Make Perfect Belgian Waffles with the Ninja Waffle Maker Pro

Learn how to make fluffy, golden Belgian waffles this summer using the Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker Pro with our easy step-by-step guide.

Build & Grill With Tyler Smith: The Show DIYers And Foodies Have Been Waiting For

Tyler Smith’s ‘Build & Grill’ is set to premiere soon, combining DIY projects with grilling tips, appealing to foodies and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Master Summer BBQ with Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker

Discover how to create delicious summer barbecues with the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL Grill & Smoker in this step-by-step guide.

Make Refreshing Summer Treats with Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

Learn how to create homemade gelato, sorbet, and smoothies effortlessly with the Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker this summer.