Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings and crispy, flavorful fried foods. The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer makes it easy to prepare delicious fried chicken with less oil and mess, right in your kitchen.
Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to achieve crispy on the outside, tender on the inside fried chicken, ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or quick family dinners.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air F
- ✔ Weight: 16.3 lbs
- ✔ Dimensions: 14.4 x 14.1 x 12.4 inches
- ✔ Warranty: 1-year limited
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
- Dual Independent Baskets: Cook two foods simultaneously
- Smart Finish & Match Cook: Sync cooking times or finish together
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
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Preparing the Chicken
Start by selecting your favorite chicken pieces—drumsticks, thighs, or breasts work well. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season generously with your preferred spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for heat.
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes, but it’s not necessary for a quick summer meal.
Setting Up the Ninja Foodi
Place the two independent baskets into the Ninja Foodi. Use the Match Cook feature if cooking both baskets simultaneously, ensuring they are set to the same temperature and time. For fried chicken, set the temperature to 400°F and the timer for 25 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Cooking the Chicken
Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in each basket without overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate freely, resulting in crispy, even cooking.
Start the air fryer, and halfway through the cooking time, shake the baskets or turn the chicken pieces to ensure uniform browning. Use the Smart Finish feature if you’re cooking different types of food in each basket for perfect timing.
Final Tips and Serving
Once the timer goes off, check if the chicken is cooked through—juices should run clear, and internal temperature should reach 165°F. If needed, add a few extra minutes.
Serve your crispy fried chicken hot with summer sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or fresh salad for a complete summer feast.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air F
The Ninja Foodi DZ201 makes summer frying safer and easier with its dual baskets and versatile features. It’s ideal for quick, delicious meals with less oil and mess.
Pros:
- Two independent baskets for multitasking
- Crispy results with less oil
- Easy to use with Smart Finish and Match Cook features
- Quick cleanup
Cons:
- Takes up counter space
- Learning curve for new users
- Price may be higher than basic fryers
Best for: Home cooks wanting crispy, healthier fried chicken for summer gatherings
Not ideal for: Those looking for a traditional deep fryer or minimal kitchen appliances
Bottom line: A versatile air fryer perfect for quick, crispy summer meals with minimal fuss.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
