Buzz
Air fryers have certainly made their mark in kitchens everywhere. They're cost-effective, save space, and offer a healthier cooking method. However, when you're in the market for one, whether it’s your first or a replacement, the sheer number of available models can be overwhelming. Let me help simplify it: I've been using the Ninja DoubleStack XL air fryer for the past few months, and its unique design could make it the right choice for you.
What Makes This Air Fryer Unique
The Ninja DoubleStack XL stands out with two key features: it has two baskets, and they're arranged vertically. Unlike many air fryers that feature a single basket, or ones that place two baskets side by side, this vertical setup directly addresses a major concern of mine—optimizing counter space.
In apartments, counter space is a luxury from day one, and even some house kitchens feel like an afterthought. Don’t get me wrong, the Ninja DoubleStack isn't exactly small. It measures 11.25 inches by 19.22 inches by 15.14 inches, which is bigger than a carry-on for some domestic airlines. However, the DoubleStack’s design makes it feel like it occupies less space in my kitchen.
You do need to be strategic about where you place it. I have a rather awkward corner of my counter, and this air fryer fits perfectly just under my cabinets without any hassle. I pull it out when in use for better ventilation, but once I'm done, I simply push it back against the wall, and my cats love using it as a springboard to jump onto the fridge.
How the Ninja DoubleStack XL Performs
The advantages
Vertical, compact shape
Two separate cooking zones
User-friendly digital control panel
The stacked baskets are actually overshadowing the more practical feature of this air fryer, which are the dual cooking zones—two baskets, two separate compartments, two distinct fans and heating elements. That’s quite impressive.
One of the main drawbacks of most air fryers is that you can’t cook multiple items with different fan speeds or temperatures at the same time. You end up having to load the basket or tray, cook one item, remove it, and reload with the next. Your roast pork or chicken cutlets might be cold by the time the sides are done.
With the Ninja DoubleStack, you can fill up both baskets, confident that each one will cook the items properly. You can also time things so your dishes finish around the same time. The digital control panel is easy to use, allowing you to start one zone, pause another, adjust cooking time, or modify the fan speed (with settings like air fry, roast, bake, warm, and more). I often give my veggie burgers an extra two minutes to air fry while the buns gently warm in the top compartment.
The downsides
Can be loud
Heating elements located in the back
Baskets are relatively small
Some awkward features
This is a small but real annoyance: Air fryers aren’t exactly quiet, and they all feature a high-powered fan circulating hot air inside the cooking space—but this model has two. Once you get used to the white noise of the appliance, it’s not too bad; that is, until you press a button to pause or restart it. All Ninja air fryers share the same loud 'boo-BOOP,' and I sincerely wish there was a volume control option.
Since this Ninja has dual heating elements and fans, the designers decided it was best to place them at the back of the baskets. For comparison, most air fryers heat from the top down. This method works, but it’s not ideal because the back of the basket receives a more direct blast of heat. I’ve noticed that other air fryers with top-down heating cook and crisp the contents more quickly and evenly.
To save on width, the Ninja features narrower baskets than typical single-basket air fryers. However, Ninja compensates for this with a small wire rack for each basket, allowing you to fit more food inside. The slimmer basket becomes an issue if you enjoy air frying things like cheesecakes or custard pies.
The Ninja model features a control panel located on its right side, which I initially praised as a ‘pro’ for its ease of use. However, this panel extends outward and is fixed in place. This means you can't push it against a wall on the right side, nor can you fold it away when it's not in use. Additionally, the handles are notably large, taking up several inches of space with their bulky design.
Is this the right air fryer for you?
This air fryer is perfect for larger households, those who frequently use their air fryer, or anyone who likes to prepare multiple parts of a meal at the same time—think cooking your entire dinner in one go. You could easily place an entire pork loin in one basket and roast peppers and potatoes in the other. It allows you to whip up a fast and complete meal without touching the stove.
If you're someone who only uses your air fryer once a week to reheat French fries, then the Ninja DoubleStack XL might be too much for you. Similarly, if counter space is at a premium in your kitchen, consider carefully whether you want to sacrifice 15 by 11 inches of it. This isn't an air fryer that you can easily pick up and stow away in a cabinet every day.
