This article contains the DZ550 Series Ninja™ Foodi Smart XL 2-Basket Air Fryer FAQs.
How to Operate
What are the different functions?
Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Air Broil, Dehydrate
Please note that the probe is not compatible with Dehydrate or Broil.
How do I change functions on the unit?
To change functions for a specific zone, press the corresponding number of the desired zone (either 1 or 2), and then press the desired function. Set your temperature and time using the arrows and press START/PAUSE to start cooking.
What are the temperature ranges for each function?
Bake: 250°F–400°F, default at 325°F
Reheat: 270°F–400°F, default at 350°F
Air Fry: 300°F–400°F, default at 390°F
Roast: 250°F–400°F, default at 375°F
Air Broil: 400°F–450°F, default at 450°F
Dehydrate: 105°F–195°F, default at 150°F
Why won't the temperature go any higher?
The air fryer has reached the max temperature for that setting.
When does IQ Boost initiate?
When Smart Finish or Match Cook are not selected, technology is integrated into the unit's design to automatically optimize the distribution of power when manually selecting two zones with different cook times. This means the food in the zone with the longer cook time may cook faster than expected when the first zone stops cooking. Check food frequently to avoid overcooking.
Where is the power button located?
The power button is located on the front of the unit on the left-hand side of the control panel.
How do I start a cook function?
To select a cooking function, press the power button to turn the unit on, and then select the desired cooking function. Use the left and right arrows to adjust temperature and time. Press the START/PAUSE button to begin cooking.
Do I have to let the unit preheat before I use a function?
Preheating is not required.
How do I cancel a cooking function?
Press the START/PAUSE button at any time during cooking to pause a cooking function. Press the power button to end cooking and turn off the unit.
Can I change the cooking function during cooking?
When using a single zone, there are two options: 1. Turn the unit off and back on. 2. Adjust the time down to zero, wait a few seconds, and the unit will stop cooking.
When using both zones, select the zone number you want to change, press the START/PAUSE button, and you can select a new cooking function.
Does the unit pause when I remove a basket?
No. Press the START/PAUSE button to temporarily pause cooking.
What do the different cooking functions do?
Air Fry: Use to give food crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
Bake: Create decadent baked treats and desserts.
Roast: Roast meats to tenderize and more.
Air Broil: Add a crispy finishing touch to meals, or melt a topping to create the perfect finish.
Reheat: Warm leftovers with crispy results.
Dehydrate: Dehydrate meats, fruits, and vegetables for healthy snacks.
How do I adjust the temperature or time while cooking?
You can adjust the cook time at any point during cooking. To do so, select the zone number you want to change, and then press the UP/DOWN arrows on the left and right to adjust TEMP or TIME.
This is not available when pairing the Foodi smart thermometer with Smart Finish or Match Cook.
How do I pause or stop one zone when using both zones?
Select the zone you want to pause or stop, and then press the START/PAUSE button. When using the Smart Finish feature, we recommend that you to pause both zones to ensure synchronized finish times. To pause both zones, press the START PAUSE button.
Why is the unit beeping?
The cook time is complete or cooking has started in another zone.
How do I know if the unit is on?
When the unit is powered on, the digital display shows 00:00.
Why can't I change the temperature for Air Broil?
Air Broil can be set to 400˚F, 425˚F, and 450˚F only.
Product Related
Are the basket and crisper plate nonstick?
The baskets are made of aluminum with a PTFE nonstick coating. The crisper plate has a PTFE-free ceramic nonstick coating.
Both are PFOA-free.
Will the outside of the unit get hot?
Yes, the outside of the unit heats up during cooking, but the control panel and basket handles remain safe to touch. Note that your unit must be placed at least 6 inches away from all walls/appliances/obstructions to ensure proper air flow and cooling of the unit.
How many watts is the unit?
1690 watts
Why is there steam coming from the unit during cooking?
It’s normal for some steam to release through either the vents or the baskets.
Are the baskets safe to put on my countertop?
The baskets heat up during cooking. Use caution when handling, and place them on heat-safe surfaces only. DO NOT place the baskets on top of the unit.
When should I use the crisper plate?
For best cooking results, use the crisper plate when you want food to come out crispy and evenly cooked. The plate elevates the food in the basket so that air can flow under and around it to cook ingredients evenly.
Why did a circuit breaker trip while using the unit?
The unit uses 1690 watts of power, so it must be plugged into an outlet on a 15-amp circuit breaker. Using an outlet on a 10-amp breaker will cause the breaker to trip. It is also important that the unit be the only appliance plugged into an outlet when in use. To avoid tripping a breaker, make sure the unit is the only appliance plugged into an outlet on a 15-amp breaker.
What are the dimensions of DZ550?
17.1 inches (L), 13.9 inches (W), 12.8 inches (H), 19.8 (lbs), 3.0 (cubic feet)
How large is each basket?
Each basket holds 5 qts.
Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil in the baskets?
Yes. It is safe to use parchment paper and aluminum foil in the baskets. The use of aluminum foil is suggested in some recipes.
What materials are the baskets and crisper plates made with?
The cooking baskets are made of steel with a PTFE nonstick coating. The crisper plate is aluminum with a nano-ceramic nonstick coating.
The crisper plate won't come out of the basket.
When removing the crisper plate, wait for the unit to cool, then remove the entire basket from the unit. To speed up the cooling process, remove the basket from the unit and run under cold water. Then reach into the basket and grab the small handle located in the center of the crisper plate. Pull up firmly to remove the crisper plate from the basket.
Can I use this around birds?
This unit contains PTFE which can be toxic to birds at high temperatures.
Can I put this unit on my stove to store?
No, do not place this unit on any potentially hot surface.
Can I put the baskets in the oven?
No, the baskets cannot be used in any oven. Do no place on hot surfaces.
How much does the unit weigh?
The unit weights about 20 lbs .
Where is the exhaust located on the unit?
The exhaust vent is located on the back side of the unit. This area will heat up during cooking. Be sure to keep the unit at least 6 inches away from any other surfaces.
Cleaning
How do I clean the unit?
The unit, baskets, probe and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Before cleaning, unplug the unit and allow cool. To clean the main unit and control panel, wipe them with a damp cloth. The baskets*, crisper plates, and other accessories are dishwasher safe EXCEPT for the thermometer. The thermometer should be wiped with a damp cloth only. Never immerse the smart thermometer in water or liquid or place in dishwasher. If there is food residue stuck on the basket or crisper plate, place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and allow them to soak. Use a soft sponge to remove any remaining residue. Thoroughly air-dry or towel-dry all parts after cleaning.
*To extend the life of the baskets, we recommend hand-washing them.
How often should the unit, baskets, and crisper plates be cleaned?
The unit, baskets, probe, and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use or when residue is noticed.
Can I use oven cleaner on my unit?
No, harsh cleaners such as conventional oven or grill cleaners can ruin the non-stick coating.
Cooking
Why is the unit taking so long to cook?
When both zones are in use, the air fryer distributes power to both zones during cooking. When only a single zone is in use, the unit allocates all the power to that single zone. So, if you are using both zones to cook, it may take longer than using a single zone.
Do I need to defrost frozen foods before air frying them?
It depends on the food. Follow package instructions. For food without instructions, refer to our cooking charts for more information.
NOTE: you must thaw proteins before using the probe
Can I remove the baskets at any time during cooking?
Yes. We recommend that you remove the baskets a few times during cooking to shake/stir your ingredients to ensure even browning. Press the START/PAUSE button to properly pause the unit before removing the baskets. Reinsert baskets then press START/PAUSE again to resume cooking.
Can I cook different foods in each zone and not worry about cross contamination?
Yes, both zones are self-contained with separate heating elements and fans.
Why is my food undercooked?
Make sure the basket is fully inserted during cooking. For consistent browning, make sure ingredients are arranged in an even layer on the bottom of the crisper plate with no overlapping.
Shake basket to toss ingredients for even crispiness periodically throughout the cook cycle.
Cook temperature and time can be adjusted at any time during cooking.
Simply use the right and left arrows to adjust the temperature or temperature.
When using the probe, consult the owner's guide to ensure proper insertion into proteins to avoid over or under cooking. Reference charts can be found in the Quick Start Guide for recommended times and temperature for each food load.
Why is my food overcooked?
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.
Why do some ingredients blow around when air frying?
Occasionally, the fan from the air fryer will blow lightweight foods around. Use wooden toothpicks to secure loose lightweight food, like the top slice of bread on a sandwich.
Can I air fry wet, battered ingredients?
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.
Do I have to shake the basket while cooking?
Yes. It is important to shake or rotate your food for consistent browning and crispiness. For best results, follow the recipe or cooking chart to find out how often you should shake or rotate ingredients while cooking.
Do I need to use oil when air frying?
Although oil is not required, we recommend starting with one tablespoon and adjusting for personal preference, or referencing the recipe for recommended oil amounts.
My food is not crispy/brown enough.
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 in 1-tablespoon increments. Continue to flip or shake food to ensure even browning/crisping.
Can I use this unit to boil water?
Due to the strong convection fan, we do not recommend boiling water in the baskets.
How do I convert conventional oven temperature to the air fryer?
Reduce the cook temperature by 25 degrees F.
Thermometer Questions
When and how do I use Smart Finish with or without probe?
Use Smart Finish when cooking 2 foods using 2 different functions, temperatures, or cook times.
To set up, program each zone as usual and select SMART FINISH so both zones finish at the same time.
Smart Finish with Probe: smart finish is available when pairing with probe. Set up probe in zone 1 first, make zone 2 selections, select smart finish, and press START/PAUSE to begin cook cycle. The zone with the shorter expected cook time displays HOLD until there is the same amount of time remaining in each zone. The unit will displays the progress bars in zone 2 and current/target temperature of the protein in zone 1.
When and how do I use Match Cook with or without probe?
Match Cook sets both zones to the same time and temperature so both finish at the same time. To use Match Cook, turn the unit on, and select MATCH COOK. Select the desired cook function. Adjust the time and temperature accordingly using the left and right arrows (Note: This will adjust both zones). Press START/PAUSE to begin cooking.
Match Cook with Probe: To use with probe, set up the probe with the protein in zone 1, ensuring that you have selected your desired function and temperature. Then select "match cook" to mirror selections in zone 2 and press START/PAUSE to begin cooking.
Where is the Probe?
The Probe is located in the clip-in probe holder on the left side of the unit. Press the clips in to remove the holder and the probe should be wrapped inside.
General Questions
Why does the display show an "ERR" code?
The unit is not functioning properly. Contact Customer Service. So we may better assist you, please register your product online and have the product when you call.