If you’ve been eyeing a Ninja air fryer at Argos but weren’t sure which model justified the counter space, you’re not alone. The retailer stocks at least three Dual Zone designs, and prices have swung from £200 down to under £100 in recent promotions. This guide cuts through the specs and sales chatter so you can decide whether to buy now or wait.

4 related posts

Top capacity: 9.5L · Popular model: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L · Sale price example: £119.99 · Original price: £200 · Discount: £80 off

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Argos stocks three Ninja Dual Zone models: AF300UK (7.6L), AF400UK (9.5L), and AF200UK (4-in-1) (Argos)
  • AF300UK has 6 cooking functions; AF200UK has 4 functions (Argos Product Page)
  • All drawers and parts are dishwasher-safe (Argos Product Page)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact stock levels at any given moment (Argos)
  • Whether the Argos Big Red Sale will extend beyond 7 April (The Independent)
  • Long-term reliability data from large user samples (Argos)
3Timeline signal
  • Argos Big Red Sale: AF300UK dropped to £119.99 from £200, ends 7 April (The Independent)
  • November 2025: AF300UK first dipped under £100 at £99.99 (Ideal Home)
4What’s next
  • Ideal Home rates the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone among best Ninja air fryers (Ideal Home)
  • AF400UK (9.5L) remains at £179.99 — no current discount reported (Ideal Home)
Label Value
Retailer Argos
Brand Ninja
Key models AF300UK 7.6L, AF400UK 9.5L, AF200UK 4-in-1
Deal example £80 off select dual zone
AF300UK sale price £119.99 (was £200)
AF400UK standard price £179.99

Which Ninja air fryer is the best?

There is no single “best” Ninja air fryer — it depends on your kitchen space, portion needs, and budget. Argos stocks three Dual Zone models that serve different buyer profiles.

Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK

The AF300UK offers 7.6L of total capacity split across two independent cooking zones. According to Argos (official product listing), it packs 6 cooking functions: Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Air Fry. The two zones can sync to finish at the same time, which is handy when roasting a chicken in one drawer while crisping chips in the other.

Currently available at £119.99 during the Argos Big Red Sale — down from its regular £200. One verified buyer, Laz883 (aged 35–44), called it “an excellent air fryer easy to use and easy to clean out I would definitely recommend.”

The upshot

For a household of three to five people, the AF300UK hits the sweet spot: enough capacity without swallowing valuable counter space.

Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK

The AF400UK is the larger sibling, offering 9.5L of capacity — suitable for 6+ portions or a 2kg chicken per drawer. Argos (official product listing) lists it at £179.99 with dimensions of H32.5 × W41.5 × D27cm and a weight of 8.8kg.

Ideal Home rates it among the best Ninja appliances currently available. Temperature range spans 40°C to 240°C with a 2470-watt power draw. One Argos reviewer noted it “looks good very well built solid and fantastic value for money. Very easy to clean. Very versatile.”

Ninja Foodi AF200UK

The AF200UK is a 4-in-1 model with 7.6L capacity and four functions: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, and Reheat. Argos (official product listing) positions it as a first-time buyer option. One customer who previously owned a Tower air fryer said they were “really very happy with this so far! Much better size than our last one.”

The implication: if you need Dehydrate or Bake functions, you’ll want to step up to the AF300UK or AF400UK.

Can you put foil in a Ninja air fryer?

Using foil in a Ninja air fryer is possible but comes with caveats that many buyers overlook until they read the fine print.

Safety guidelines

According to Argos’s official AF300UK listing, Ninja advises using the appliance as directed and does not specifically recommend lining drawers with foil. The company notes that foil can block airflow if it covers the heating element area, and small pieces can become dislodged during cooking.

Ninja’s safety documentation for the AF400UK includes a safety cut-out feature, which activates if the appliance detects airflow blockage. Placing foil incorrectly could potentially trigger this safeguard.

Best practices for Argos Ninja models

If you must use foil:

  • Poke holes in the foil to allow airflow
  • Never line the bottom of the drawer where the heating element sits
  • Use foil only to shield food from direct heat, not as a full lining

What this means: foil is not forbidden, but using it carelessly risks uneven cooking or triggering the safety cut-out. Stick to the parchment paper that most retailers include.

Do doctors recommend air fryers?

The health angle is one of the most searched questions around air fryers, so it’s worth separating what medical sources actually say from marketing claims.

Health benefits

WebMD notes that air fryers can reduce oil consumption significantly compared to deep frying. Ninja’s own product description highlights that their models “use little to no oil and cook from frozen.” Reducing oil intake is generally associated with lower fat consumption, which aligns with dietary guidance for heart health.

The AF300UK reportedly cooks up to 75% faster than a fan oven, according to The Independent (product review outlet). Faster cooking at lower temperatures may help preserve certain nutrients better than prolonged high-heat methods.

Risks explained

Air fryers are not magic health devices. Ninja’s documentation does not make health claims beyond reduced oil use. Critics note that cooking at high temperatures (particularly above 180°C) can produce acrylamide in starchy foods, regardless of the cooking method.

WebMD’s guidance suggests that air fryers are a better alternative to deep frying but not necessarily healthier than oven baking or steaming. For people managing conditions like diabetes, the reduction in added fat is beneficial, but cooking method alone does not override overall dietary patterns.

Why this matters

Ninja air fryers reduce oil use, which is a genuine benefit for those watching fat intake. However, no air fryer — including Ninja — can claim to be “doctor-recommended” based on current medical guidance.

What air fryer does Jamie Oliver use?

Jamie Oliver has been photographed using a Ninja Dual Zone model in his cooking show, but the exact product differs from what Argos stocks in the UK.

Jamie Oliver model details

According to Ideal Home (home appliances editorial), Jamie Oliver uses a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer on screen. The publication describes it as “the air fryer that Jamie Oliver uses in his cooking show.”

However, Jamie Oliver’s publicly associated model is a Tefal dual drawer model in some contexts. Ideal Home reports he specifically uses the Ninja in his show, but Argos UK does not list this exact celebrity-endorsed variant.

Comparison to Ninja

The Ninja Dual Zone that Argos sells offers similar dual-drawer functionality to what Jamie Oliver reportedly uses on screen. TechRadar (technology review outlet) notes that Ninja’s Dual Zone design is “very similar to a larger version topping our review of the best Ninja air fryers.”

The pattern: Jamie Oliver’s on-screen Ninja use validates the dual-zone concept for everyday cooking, but the Argos range offers comparable or superior specs for UK buyers.

What does Gordon Ramsay think of air fryers?

Gordon Ramsay is famously particular about cooking technique, and his publicly stated views on air fryers are mixed at best.

Gordon Ramsay opinions

Social media commentary has captured Ramsay expressing scepticism about air fryers, with comments suggesting he views them as compromising on texture and flavour compared to traditional high-heat cooking. The Independent notes that air fryers have faced criticism from professional chefs who argue that the rapid air circulation method cannot replicate proper charring or the Maillard reaction achieved in a conventional oven or under a grill.

Chef alternatives

Ramsay has promoted traditional cooking methods and cast-iron cookware. His public stance is consistent with professional culinary philosophy: proper browning, controlled heat, and Maillard chemistry require direct contact with a hot surface or radiant heat.

The trade-off

Gordon Ramsay’s scepticism is legitimate from a chef’s perspective, but it ignores the convenience argument that drives most domestic air fryer purchases. For weeknight dinners and portion control, the Ninja Dual Zone delivers where it matters for everyday cooks.

Argos Ninja air fryer comparison

Three models, three price points, one retailer — here is how they stack up.

Feature AF300UK AF400UK AF200UK
Capacity 7.6L 9.5L 7.6L
Functions 6 6 4
Price £119.99 (sale) £179.99 Lower tier
Best for General households Large families (6+) First-time buyers
Temperature range Standard 40°C–240°C Standard
Dishwasher safe Yes Yes Yes

The catch: the AF200UK saves money but drops two functions (Bake and Dehydrate). For families that batch-cook or want to dehydrate snacks, those missing functions matter.

Technical specifications

Six verified specs that help you decide if the Ninja Dual Zone fits your kitchen physically and functionally.

Specification AF300UK AF400UK
Capacity 7.6L 9.5L
Cooking functions Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Power Not specified on listing 2470W
Temperature range Not listed 40°C–240°C
Dimensions (H×W×D) Not listed 32.5 × 41.5 × 27cm
Weight Not listed 8.8kg
Dishwasher safe All parts All parts
Special features Sync and Match Safety cut-out, sync finish
Bottom line: The AF400UK justifies its price with documented specs including 2470W power and a 40°C–240°C temperature range. The AF300UK represents the best value for most buyers during the current Argos sale — but only if you need the sync-and-match functionality.

Upsides

  • Dual independent zones allow two different foods cooking simultaneously
  • All removable parts are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup
  • Up to 75% faster cooking than a conventional fan oven
  • Sale pricing brings AF300UK down to £119.99 — £80 less than original price
  • No oil or minimal oil required for most recipes
  • Next-day delivery available through Argos

Downsides

  • AF400UK carries a substantial £179.99 price tag with no current discount reported
  • Foil use is restricted and requires caution to avoid safety cut-out
  • Bulkier models like AF400UK (8.8kg) require dedicated counter space
  • Bake and Dehydrate functions missing from cheaper AF200UK
  • Professional chefs like Gordon Ramsay question texture quality versus traditional methods
  • Stock availability fluctuates — exact current levels unclear

What buyers say

Verified customer reviews from Argos product pages reveal consistent themes.

Laz883 (age 35–44) — AF300UK buyer“An excellent air fryer easy to use and easy to clean out I would definitely recommend.” (Argos product review)

Anonymous buyer — AF400UK buyer“It looks good very well built solid and fantastic value for money. Very easy to clean. Very versatile.” (Argos product review)

AF200UK buyer“Really very happy with this so far! Much better size than our last one… We had a Tower one previously.” (Argos product review)

The pattern: customers who previously owned cheaper brands (Tower) consistently upgrade to Ninja and report improved size and performance. The most common praise focuses on ease of cleaning and versatility.

Bottom line: The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK at £119.99 is the smart buy during the Argos Big Red Sale — it delivers the full 6-function range and dual-zone capability at a genuine discount. UK households of three to five people get the best value here. Larger families needing 9.5L of capacity should budget for the AF400UK at £179.99, accepting that no current sale price applies. First-time buyers on a tight budget can settle for the AF200UK but will miss Bake and Dehydrate functions.

Related reading: Air Fryer Conversion Chart

Additional sources

argos.co.uk, argos.co.uk

The Argos 7.6L Dual Zone, slashed to £119.99, mirrors the spacious performance of the AF400UK Dual Zone guide in expert UK tests for family cooking.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Is air frying healthier than deep frying?

Yes, significantly. Ninja’s product guidance notes their air fryers use little to no oil. WebMD confirms that air fryers reduce oil consumption compared to deep frying, which means less fat intake per meal. However, air frying is not necessarily healthier than oven baking or steaming for all food types.

Are Ninja air fryers safe for diabetics?

Ninja air fryers are not marketed as medical devices, but reducing added oil aligns with general dietary guidance for blood sugar management. The convenience of cooking from frozen means less reliance on pre-fried or processed foods that often carry hidden sugars. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised dietary advice.

What size Ninja air fryer for families?

For a household of three to five, the AF300UK (7.6L) is the practical choice. Argos lists the AF400UK as suitable for 6+ portions per drawer. Families of six or more should consider the 9.5L model, accepting its larger footprint and higher price.

How to clean Argos Ninja air fryer?

All drawers and removable parts are dishwasher-safe according to Argos product documentation. For manual cleaning, the non-stick coated drawers wipe clean with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the coating.

Is there an Argos Ninja air fryer warranty?

Ninja appliances typically carry a standard manufacturer warranty. Argos as a retailer offers its own returns policy alongside manufacturer cover. Specific warranty duration varies by model — check the product listing or your receipt for exact terms.

What recipes work best in Ninja air fryer?

Ninja Dual Zone models excel at cooking two different foods simultaneously at different temperatures. Frozen chips and chicken nuggets cook well in one drawer while roasted vegetables finish in the other. The Dehydrate function suits dried fruit and vegetable crisps. The Max Crisp function is designed for coating-based foods that need a fried texture.

Does Argos offer Ninja air fryer delivery?

Yes. Customer unboxing videos document next-day delivery for the AF400UK ordered from Argos. Standard delivery, collection, and same-day options vary by location and stock availability.

Can you cook from frozen in a Ninja air fryer?

Yes. Argos notes that Ninja air fryers “cook from frozen” — no thawing required. This feature suits busy weeknight cooking and is one of the key convenience benefits versus conventional ovens.