SL200 Series Ninja® DoubleStack™ 8 QT 2-Basket Air Fryer - FAQs

SL401/SL401C: The air fryer has 6 different cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate. 

SL400: The air fryer has 4 cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate. 

SL200: The air fryer has 4 different cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate.

SL201: The air fryer has 6 different cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate.

Each has a different range of temperatures and fan speed which are tailored to get the best cooking results. Our helpful recipe guide gives advice on which program is best for different ingredients and recipes.  

These are the temperature ranges for each cooking function:

• Air Fry: 300°F - 450°F
• Roast: 250°F - 400°F
• Dehydrate: 80°F - 195°F
• Reheat: 300°F - 400°F
• Bake: 250°F - 400°F
• Air Broil (not available on all models): 450°F only

The timer increments vary depending on the function: 

• Air Fry: 1-minute increments up to 1 hour
• Roast: 1-minute increments for the first hour, followed by 5-minute increments for the next 3 hours
• Dehydrate: 15-minute increments up to 12 hours
• Reheat: 1-minute increments up to 1 hour
• Bake: 1-minute increments for the first 30 minutes, followed by 5-minute increments for the next 3 1/2 hour
• Air Broil  (not included on all models): 1-minute increments up to 30 minutes

The SL401/SL400/SL401C models offer a cooking capacity of 10 quarts (5 qt per drawer), the SL200/sl201 models provide an 8-quart capacity (4 qt per drawer), and the DZ401 also provides a 10-quart cooking capacity.

The drawers are made with a PTFE coating and the crisper plates are non-stick aluminum with a nano ceramic coating. The unit's exterior is BPA free.

Yes, the entire unit is BPA free.

The exterior dimensions for the SL400 are L:11.25 x W:19.22 (including control panel) x H:15.94 inches.

The internal drawer dimensions are: 8.25 inches x 6.5 inches x 5 inches

When the air fryer is in use, allow for adequate space above and on all sides for air circulation. 

When the unit is powered on, the digital display will show 0:00.

To change functions for specific zone, press the corresponding number of the desired zone (either 1 or 2) and then turn the dial left and right to change function or use  the arrows to select a cook functions. 

This means you're already at the max temperature for that setting. 

The display shows in HH:MM (hours, minutes).

The timer is actually at 1 hour. The time display should be read as HH:MM.

Although the outside of the unit will heat up during the cooking process, the control panel and air fry drawer handle will remain safe to touch.

The air fryer does not need to be preheated. 

The countdown timer will pause automatically when you remove the drawers from the unit. Reinsert drawer within 10 minutes to resume cooking or the zone with the drawer open will be cancelled.

It's normal for some steam to release through either the vents or the baskets. 

The unit is in Standby mode. Press the power button to turn it back on.

Either the food is done cooking or the other zone has started cooking.

The air fryer is not functioning properly. Please contact Customer Service. 

The exhaust vent is located on the right side of the unit. 

The wire rack and crisper plates share the same dimensions - 8.25 inches x 6.5 inches

The Stacked Meal Racks will be hot after cooking. Use oven mitts or silicone-tipped tongs to remove them from the baskets.

Although oil is not essential, we recommend starting with 1 tablespoon and adjusting for personal preference, or referencing the recipe for recommended oil amounts.  

Yes, both zones are self-contained with separate heating elements and fans.

Yes, but use the proper breading technique. It is important to coat foods first with flour, then with egg, and then with bread crumbs. Press breading firmly onto the battered ingredients, so crumbs won’t be blown off by the fan.

It depends on the food. Follow package instructions.

Yes. It is safe to use parchment paper and aluminum foil in the drawer. The use of aluminum foil is suggested in some recipes.

Select the active zone, then press TEMP and use the dial to adjust the temperature or press TIME and use the dial to adjust the time. 

Select the desired zone, press TEMP and use the dial to adjust the temperature or press TIME and use the dial to adjust the time

To stop one zone, first press the zone button then press START/STOP. To stop both zones simply press START/STOP. 

Yes, it is important to shake or rotate your food for consistent browning and crispiness. For the best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to find out how often you should shake or rotate ingredients while cooking. 

Note: When using the Double Stack Pro function, you do not need to shake or toss as the function is designed to cook food without requiring shaking.

Yes. We recommend checking on your food regularly throughout the cooking process. Simply pull out the drawer and shake or rotate the food. The timer will pause automatically and the heater and fan will shut off when the drawer is removed. When you are done, slide the drawer back into place. The timer will start and the unit will automatically resume cooking.

Yes. you can adjust the cook time or temperature at any point throughout the cooking process by selecting the desired zone, then pressing TEMP and use the dial to adjust the temperature. 

To achieve an even amount of crisping/browning, it is important to shake or flip your food throughout cooking. For best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to find out how often you should shake or flip ingredients while cooking. 

You may also increase the cook time or add additional oil to the recipe in 1-tablespoon increments. Continue to flip or shake food to ensure even browning/crisping.

Make sure the drawer is fully inserted during cooking. For consistent browning, make sure ingredients are arranged in an even layer on the bottom of the drawer with no overlapping. Shake drawer to toss ingredients for even crispiness. Cook temperature and time can be adjusted at any time during cooking. Simply select the desired zone, press TEMP and use the dial to adjust the temperature or press TIME and use the dial to adjust the time. 

For best results, check progress throughout cooking and remove food when desired level of brownness has been achieved. Remove food immediately after the cook time is complete to avoid overcooking.

Occasionally, the fan from the air fryer will blow lightweight foods around. Use wooden cocktail stick to secure loose lightweight food, like the top slice of bread on a sandwich.

Yes, you can use multi-layer coking to cook two veggies or sides. To cook 2 veggies at once, place one on a crisper plate and the other on a rack. For heartier veggies

(e.g., potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), set time to 45–50 mins. For more delicate ones (e.g., green beans, asparagus), set time to 35–40 mins. If cooking both hearty and delicate veggies, add delicate one to rack after 10 mins of cooking.

• AIR FRY: Use this function to give your food crispiness and crunch with little to no oil
• AIR BROIL: Add the crispy finishing touch to meals, or melt toppings to create the perfect finish.
• BAKE: Create decadent baked treats and desserts.
• ROAST: Use the unit as an oven for tender meats and more.
• REHEAT: Revive leftovers by gently warming them, leaving you with crispy results.
• DEHYDRATE: Dehydrate meats, fruits and vegetables for healthy snacks.

Note: Not all functions are included on all models.

The baskets will heat up during cooking, so use caution when handling. Place them on heat-resistant surfaces only.

Smart Finish is recommended when cooking 2 foods using 2 different functions, temperatures or cook times. This feature allows you to cook two different foods two different ways and finish at the same time. 

Follow the steps below when using the SMART FINISH function:

First, place the ingredients in Zone 1 and in Zone 2. After powering on the unit, you’ll notice the settings automatically default to Zone 1, so start by setting Zone 1. 

Zone 1: Select the desired cooking function. Then set the temperature by pressing the Temp button. Then select the Time button to set the cook time. 

Zone 2: Select Zone 2. Select the desired cooking function. Then set the temperature by pressing the Temp button. Then select the Time button to set the cook time. 

Once both zones are set, press the SMART FINISH button so that both baskets finish cooking at the same time and press the START/STOP button to begin the cooking cycle. The zone with the shorter cook time will display HOLD until the time matches the other zone.

Be sure to use the Quick Start Guide included with your air fryer as it’s a great resource for looking up Ninja’s recommended cook times, function instructions, or finding delicious recipes to try out. 

The Match feature easily copies settings across baskets for full 10-qt capacity, meaning both baskets will automatically use the same setting, cooking time and temperature while distributing the heat evenly across the baskets. 

To use Match, select Zone 1, then select the desired cooking function. Press the TEMP button, to set the temperature, and press the TIME button, to set the time. Press the MATCH button to copy the zone 1 settings to zone 2. Then Press START/STOP to begin cooking in both zones. 

Be sure to use the Quick Start Guide included with your air fryer as it’s a great resource for looking up Ninja’s recommended cook times, function instructions, or finding delicious recipes to try out. 

Ninja’s DoubleStack air fryer is equipped with DoubleStack Air Frying technology, that optimizes air flow and even heating to cook 4 foods at once.  The Double Stack Pro function is to be used when cooking multi-layered foods. 

For best cooking results when using the Ninja DoubleStack function, follow the steps below. 

1.To start, insert the crisper plates with the feet facing down to the bottom of each basket. It’s important these crisper plates are installed into the baskets every time you cook, no matter what function you use, as these help the rapid hot air surround the food to cook it to perfection. Then place the veggies or sides onto the crisper plate.

2.Next, insert the Stacked Meal Rack inside over the veggies with the handles facing up. These stacked meal racks should fit snuggly into the side notches in the baskets. Then, place the proteins gently onto the Stacked Meal Rack.

 Note: Something important to note is that these Stacked Meal Racks should only be used when using the Double Stack Pro function or multi-layer cooking. 

3.Next, power the air fryer on, insert both baskets into the air fryer. The unit defaults to Zone 1. 

4.Zone 1: Next, select your desired cooking function - for example, select Air Fry. Then set the time and temperature for Zone 1 by selecting the TEMP button  to set the desired temperature and selecting the TIME button to set the desired cook time.

5.Zone 2: Then select Zone 2 to program the air fryer. Following the same steps as for Zone 1, select the desired function, temperature, and time. 

4.Then select the Double Stack Pro button. Then all you have to do is press the START/STOP button to begin cooking.  

The drawers and crisper plates can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. If handwashed, air-dry or towel-dry all parts after use. To extend the life of the drawers we recommend hand-washing them. 

To clean the main unit and the control panel, wipe them clean with a damp cloth after unplugging from the wall. Never submerge main unit in water. 

The drawers and crisper plates can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. If handwashed, air-dry or towel-dry all parts after use. To extend the life of the drawers, we recommend hand-washing them. 

If food residue is stuck on the crisper plates or drawers, place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and allow to soak. 

The unit, drawers and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Before cleaning, unplug the unit from the socket. To clean the main unit and control panel, wipe them with a damp cloth. The drawers are hand wash only. The crisper plates are dishwasher safe. If there is food residue stuck on the drawer or crisper plate, place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and allow them to soak. Use a soft sponge to help remove any remaining residue. Thoroughly air-dry or towel-dry all parts after cleaning.

• The crisper plate should always be used regardless of the cooking function selected. The plate elevates the food in the drawer so that air can flow under and around it to cook ingredients evenly.
• The crisper plate can be inserted in the drawer in two different positions:  the lower position or the upper position.
• Lower position (bottom of basket): Allows air to surround food for even cooking and crisping. For proper placement, make sure the cutouts are aligned on the left and right sides of the basket.
• Upper position (elevated in basket): For better browning and broiling results, we suggest using the upper position. Place the crisper plate in the basket with the cutouts facing the back of the basket.
• When cooking multi-layered food, the crisper plate should be inserted in the lower position.

Use the stacked meal racks when you want to cook two layers of food in one drawer. For the best cooking results, we recommend using the Double Stack Pro function when cooking multi-layered food.

There is no fill line. Make sure that the drawer can close properly in the unit. For best results don't over fill the drawers so that hot air can evenly circulate and ingredients can be shaken often.

The drawers will heat up during cooking. Use caution when handling, and place them on heat-safe surfaces only. DO NOT place the drawers on the top of the unit.

When removing the crisper plate, wait for the unit to cool, then remove the entire drawer from the unit. To speed up the cooling process, remove the drawer from the unit and run under cold water. Then reach into the drawer and grab the small handle located in the center of the crisper plate. Pull up firmly to remove the crisper plate from the drawer.  

The Stacked Meal Racks will be hot after cooking.

Use oven mitts or silicone-tipped tongs to remove them from the baskets. The racks have also handles that can be used to remove them once the rack and the drawer cooled.