I've tested 25+ air fryer toaster ovens — the Ninja Foodi XL Pro is easily my top pick

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After testing 25 models for our best air fryer toaster oven guide, my all-time favorite is the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven (DT201). It works like a standard oven but emits less heat in your kitchen while using less energy. It's ideal for people living in small rental homes or apartments, anyone who hates heating the kitchen during warm months, and families who need extra cooking space during holiday meals.

While the Ninja toaster oven handles most daily cooking tasks well, it won't replace your full-sized oven for big roasts. Plus, air fryer toaster ovens don't compare to the classic basket air fryers when it comes to cooking speed. If you're just cooking for one or two people and don't need the capacity of a toaster oven, check out our guide to the best air fryers for recommendations.

Read on to see if our top-rated air fryer toaster oven deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Getting started

Setting up the Ninja Foodi XL Pro is a breeze. All you need to do is unbox it, plug it in, and choose a cooking function. The interface is clearly labeled so you can adjust the time and temperature or scroll through the 10 presets.

I especially liked that I could get it up and running without any mis-presses, a testament to the thoughtful design. One pro tip from extensive appliance testing: operate the unit empty at maximum temperature for at least 10 minutes before first use to eliminate the chemical odor common to new toaster ovens. This tempering of the appliance will ensure your food is untainted by ghastly aromas.

Cooking performance

Fries

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro took 18 minutes to turn frozen fries into fast-food-quality eats. The fries had a satisfying crispiness and a fluffy interior. The results were fairly uniform: no burned edges or underdone centers.

Pizza

We also made great frozen pizza in 12 minutes, which is about average for countertop ovens. The convection cooking created perfectly melted cheese and a beautifully crisp crust, though with too quick browning around the edges. The Ninja has an impressive capacity, accommodating two 12-inch pizzas.

Chicken

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro did an outstanding job roasting a whole chicken, finishing a five-pound bird in 70 minutes — notably faster than most models. It cooked remarkably even throughout both white and dark meat portions. The finished chicken was textbook: impressive juiciness and perfectly crispy skin with consistent golden coloration. Most importantly, my family gobbled it up.

Heating speed and consistency

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro's preheating speeds were average: about eight minutes to reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit and just over nine to reach 425 degrees. However, it maintained precise temperatures. We set the oven to 350 degrees and measured the temperature every 15 minutes for two hours. The Ninja stayed between 349 and 352 degrees throughout our testing period, which is among the lowest variance we've seen. This precise temperature control makes the oven an excellent choice for following recipes and baking temperature-sensitive foods.

Accessories, presets, and cleaning

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro comes with two sheet pans and wire racks that allow you to cook multiple levels of food. The air fry basket is designed for maximum air circulation, and a dedicated roasting tray collects juices while preparing roasts.

The oven has 10 preset cooking modes: whole roast, air roast, air fry, bake, dehydrate, broil, toast, pizza, and reheat. While most units only come with one wire rack, the Ninja has two, so you can dehydrate two layers of food simultaneously.

Cleaning is mildly annoying. Only the air fry basket is dishwasher safe, and the remaining components should be washed by hand. The crumb tray is easily accessible to facilitate regular cleaning after every couple of uses, which we recommend to avoid grease buildup.

Cons to consider

Despite its impressive performance, the Ninja DT201 has a few drawbacks. It requires significant kitchen space — potentially problematic for space-starved apartments.

Hand-washing most accessories (excluding the air fryer basket) is more time-consuming. I recommend placing your food on air fryer liners, foil, or parchment paper to speed up cleaning.

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro is expensive for a toaster oven, retailing for $300, but we think the capacity and performance warrant the price. Plus, it's often marked down to $230 and sometimes as low as $200 on deal days.

What are your alternatives?

If your budget is tight, you might prefer the Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven. It will save you over $100 while providing solid performance in a smaller package. Its special rotisserie basket makes outstanding fries, but it can't fit pizzas larger than 9 inches, and its temperature fluctuates more than the Ninja's, potentially affecting your cooking results.

The Ninja Foodi SP101 provides a clever space-saving design for small kitchens: It can be stored vertically when not in use while still accommodating large frozen pizzas. This model has proven its worth in real-world testing — our kitchen editor continues to use the Ninja Foodi Digital Oven in her small Brooklyn apartment, appreciating its time and energy efficiency in limited space.

Check out our best air fryer toaster oven guide for more recommendations.

The bottom line

My full-size oven got lonely while I was testing the Ninja Foodi XL Pro. I could cook everything in this toaster oven without consuming as much energy or putting out as much heat. It's your best bet when you don't have room for a standard oven, or you want an extra appliance for cooking sides when entertaining.