Ninja Foodi DZ090C (6 qt DualZone)

Ninja Foodi DZ090C Review: DualZone Flexibility in a Compact 6qt Format

Looking for a dual-drawer air fryer that fits small kitchens? Read our detailed review of the Ninja DZ090C DualZone 6qt air fryer — features, performance, pros and cons.

The Ninja Foodi DZ090C brings the power of dual-basket cooking to a more compact form factor. With two independent 3-quart baskets, this 6qt DualZone air fryer is ideal for small families, couples, or anyone who wants to cook two dishes at once without using a full-size oven. With 5 versatile cooking functions and Ninja’s trademark EvenCrisp technology, the DZ090C is perfect for multitasking mealtimes — and it doesn’t take up too much space.

What Is the Ninja Foodi DZ090C Air Fryer?

The Ninja Foodi DZ090C is a 6-quart (5.7L) DualZone air fryer designed for versatility and space-saving convenience. It features two separate 3-quart baskets, allowing users to cook two different meals at once — with different temperatures, cook times, or functions. The magic lies in Ninja’s Smart Finish and Match Cook features, which ensure both dishes finish at the same time even if they need different settings. Whether you're preparing crispy chicken wings and roasted veg or reheating leftovers and air frying chips, this compact dual-basket model handles it with ease.

Key Features of the Ninja DZ090C DualZone Air Fryer

  • 🟢 Two 3qt Baskets: Cook mains and sides together — or two different meals — at once.
  • 🟢 5-in-1 Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Air Broil.
  • 🟢 Smart Finish: Automatically syncs different cook times so meals finish simultaneously.
  • 🟢 Match Cook: Easily copy settings across both baskets with a single touch.
  • 🟢 Compact Footprint: Fits smaller kitchens while still offering dual-basket convenience.

Design & Build Quality of the DZ090C

The DZ090C maintains the iconic Ninja Foodi look — matte black casing with silver accents and intuitive digital controls. The basket handles are sturdy and ergonomic, and the drawers glide in smoothly. Compared to its larger siblings like the AF400UK, this model is more compact and lightweight, making it a better fit for small kitchens. The control panel is bright, responsive, and easy to understand, even for beginners.

How Big Is the Ninja DZ090C and What Can It Cook?

Each basket offers 3 quarts of cooking space — that’s about enough for 2 chicken breasts or a tray of fries per side. Combined, you get a total of 5.7L — smaller than the AF300UK (7.6L) but still practical for daily cooking. Its exterior dimensions are roughly 35cm wide by 32cm deep, meaning it fits comfortably on most kitchen counters without dominating the space.

How Does the DZ090C Cook?

Performance is impressive for its size. Chicken wings come out crispy on the outside, juicy inside. Chips are golden in under 20 minutes. The Smart Finish function ensures that you can cook chicken in one basket and veg in the other — and have both ready to plate at the same time. Air Broil adds a bit more caramelisation for finishing touches. Even with both baskets running, the temperature is steady and noise levels remain low.

How Easy Is the DZ090C to Use?

Performance is impressive for its size. Chicken wings come out crispy on the outside, juicy inside. Chips are golden in under 20 minutes. The Smart Finish function ensures that you can cook chicken in one basket and veg in the other — and have both ready to plate at the same time. Air Broil adds a bit more caramelisation for finishing touches. Even with both baskets running, the temperature is steady and noise levels remain low.

Cleaning the Ninja DZ090C Air Fryer

Cleaning is straightforward. Both baskets and their crisper plates are dishwasher-safe. The non-stick surfaces also allow for easy manual cleaning with a soft sponge. Just make sure the unit is unplugged and fully cooled before cleaning the control panel or outer casing. For a deep clean, remove the plates to get into the corners.

Where to Buy the Ninja DZ090C

Available via ninjakitchen.com, ninjakitchen.ca, and occasionally from UK retailers like The Sun Shop. Price typically ranges between £129–£159 depending on retailer and season. Look out for bundle deals that include recipe guides or accessory packs.

Pros and Cons of the DZ090C DualZone

  • ✅ DualZone flexibility in a compact format
  • ✅ Five useful cooking modes
  • ✅ Smart Finish for timed syncing
  • ❌ Not large enough for big families
  • ❌ Lacks some advanced features like cooking probe

How the DZ090C Stacks Up Against Other Ninja Models

Smaller than the AF300UK and AF400UK, the DZ090C is ideal for users who want Ninja’s DualZone benefits but don’t need huge capacity. It offers the same core functions but saves on counter space. It lacks smart thermometers or sync-to-app options seen in premium models, but for most everyday uses, it performs just as well.

Final Verdict: Is the DZ090C Worth It?

If you're short on space but love the idea of dual-basket air frying, the DZ090C is one of the most compact and capable options available. It’s perfect for couples or small households looking to cook balanced meals faster and cleaner. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of larger Foodi models, but its efficiency, size, and performance make it a great value buy.

Ninja DZ090C FAQs

Can I use both baskets with different cooking times?

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Yes — use Smart Finish to sync them so both meals finish together.

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Is it noisy when running both baskets?

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It’s relatively quiet, comparable to a microwave. Both fans are efficient and low-volume.

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Can I cook for four people with this model?

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You can, but it depends on portion size. It’s best for two adults or two adults plus one child.

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Does the DZ090C have a preheat function?

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Yes — it heats up fast, typically within 2–3 minutes.

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Best Recipes for the Ninja DZ090C DualZone