The Real Question: Is the Ninja EG201 XL Worth It?
I’ve been using the Ninja EG201 XL 6-in-1 air fryer for several months now, and I want to give you my honest take. If you’re considering this model, you’re probably wondering: Is it actually worth the investment?
Short answer: Yes. But let me explain why—and what you need to know before buying.
What Is the Ninja EG201 XL?
The Ninja EG201 XL is a 6-in-1 air fryer that goes beyond just air frying. It air fries, roasts, bakes, reheats, dehydrates, and more. The XL capacity (5.2 quarts) is significantly larger than most standard air fryers, which means you can cook for a family or batch-prep without multiple rounds.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 5.2-quart basket (XL size)
- Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, certify
- Temperature Range: 105°F to 400°F
- Wattage: 1550W
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: ~$99-149 (varies by retailer)
Video: See It In Action
Why This Air Fryer Actually Works
1. The XL Size Actually Matters
Most basic air fryers have 4-quart baskets. The Ninja EG201 XL jumps to 5.2 quarts. Here’s what that means in real life:
- Family dinners: Cook for 4-5 people in one batch
- Meal prep: Make multiple servings at once
- Batch cooking: Crispy fries AND chicken wings simultaneously
- No more waiting: Done cooking in 15-20 minutes instead of 45+
I cook for two people, and this size is perfect. No cramping food together.
2. Six Functions Actually Replace Kitchen Tools
Unlike single-function air fryers, the 6-in-1 aspect means:
- Air fry: Crispy fries, wings, popcorn chicken (100% works)
- Roast: Whole chicken, vegetables, salmon (surprisingly good)
- Bake: Frozen pizza, cookies, biscuits (underrated feature)
- Reheat: Leftovers that don’t dry out (game changer)
- Dehydrate: Jerky, fruit chips, veggie chips (takes 6-8 hours but works)
The dehydrate function alone justifies the price if you meal prep.
3. Actual Cooking Performance
What I’ve cooked (and results):
- Frozen fries: Crispy outside, fluffy inside (better than deep fried)
- Chicken breast: Moist, takes 14 minutes
- Vegetables: Perfectly roasted in 12 minutes
- Frozen pizza: Crispy crust, melted cheese
- Leftover pizza: Tastes fresh again (not dried out)
- Salmon: Cooks evenly, doesn’t stick
Honest negatives:
- Doesn’t brown as evenly as a real oven (still good, just not perfect)
- Can’t fit a whole large pizza
- Preheating takes about 3 minutes
- Cleanup is easy but the basket is large
4. The Price vs. Performance
At $99-149, this is not a budget air fryer. But compare it to:
- Standard air fryer ($50-80): Single function, 4-quart basket
- Ninja EG201 XL ($99-149): Six functions, 5.2-quart basket
- Premium multi-cooker ($200+): Instant Pot style
The Ninja EG201 XL is in the sweet spot: More functions and capacity than basic models, cheaper than premium brands.
Real cost analysis:
- Cost per function: ~$17-25 per function
- Cost per meal: ~$0.50-1.00 per serving
- Time saved per week: ~2-3 hours
- Energy cost: ~$0.15-0.25 per use
It pays for itself in about 4-6 months through time and energy savings.
Who Should Buy This Air Fryer?
✅ Perfect for:
- Families (the XL size is necessary)
- People who eat fried/roasted foods regularly
- Anyone meal-prepping
- People with limited oven space
- Those wanting multiple kitchen functions in one
❌ Not ideal for:
- Single-person households (standard size is enough)
- People who rarely cook
- Those with a full-size oven they love
- Budget shoppers (there are cheaper options)
Ninja EG201 XL vs. Competitors
| Feature | Ninja EG201 XL | Cosori Pro | Instant Pot Vortex | Ninja AF101 |
| Capacity | 5.2 Qt | 5.8 Qt | 4 Qt | 4 Qt |
| Functions | 6 | 2 | 7 | 1 |
| Price | $99-149 | $120-160 | $100-130 | $60-80 |
| Cook Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Easy | Medium | Very Easy |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
The verdict: The Ninja EG201 XL is best if you want simplicity + multiple functions. Go Cosori if you want slightly bigger capacity. Go Instant Pot if you want maximum flexibility. Go Ninja AF101 if you’re budget-conscious.
Common Questions About the Ninja EG201 XL
Is it loud?
Moderately loud. Similar to a microwave or toaster. Not quiet, but not aggressively loud either. You can have a conversation nearby.
Does it get hot on the outside?
Yes, the exterior gets warm during cooking. Don’t touch it. The basket handle gets very hot—use the mitt they provide.
Can I cook multiple foods at once?
No separate compartments. But the 5.2-quart capacity is so large you can fit multiple items (fries + chicken, vegetables + salmon, etc.). Just make sure you shake/rotate halfway through if cooking foods with different textures.
How long does it take to cook?
Most foods: 12-18 minutes. Frozen items: 15-20 minutes. Whole chicken: 25-30 minutes. Much faster than a traditional oven.
Is it worth upgrading from a standard air fryer?
Yes, if:
- You cook for 3+ people regularly
- You want multiple functions
- You do meal prep
- You have limited kitchen space
No, if:
- You live alone
- You only air fry occasionally
- You already have a good oven
Can you use it for baking?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. It bakes, but not as evenly as an oven. Still works for quick items (cookies, biscuits, frozen pizza).
The Bottom Line: Should You Buy It?
Rating: 9/10
The Ninja EG201 XL is an excellent air fryer that does what it promises. It’s reliable, versatile, and the XL capacity is genuinely useful for families and people who cook regularly.
Best for: Families, meal preppers, people who want multiple functions in one appliance.
Worth the price: Yes, especially if you replace your oven usage with it.
Biggest advantage: The 6-in-1 functionality means fewer appliances taking up counter space.
Only downside: It’s larger than standard air fryers, so you need counter space.
Where to Buy & Current Pricing
You can find the Ninja EG201 XL on:
- Amazon: Check current price and availability
- Target: Usually in stock
- Walmart: Often has sales
- Best Buy: Occasionally on sale
- Bed Bath & Beyond: If you have coupons
Prices range: $99-149 depending on sales and retailer.
Pro tip: Set a price alert on Amazon. This model goes on sale regularly, especially during Prime Day and Black Friday.
My Final Verdict
After months of use, I’m keeping the Ninja EG201 XL. It simplifies my cooking, saves time, and actually replaces multiple appliances. The 6-in-1 functionality isn’t just a gimmick—it’s genuinely useful.
If you’re in the market for an air fryer and want something that does more than just air fry, this is my top recommendation.
Ready to buy? Check current pricing and read customer reviews below before making your decision.
FAQ Section
Q: Is the Ninja EG201 XL bigger than the AF101?
A: Yes. The EG201 XL has a 5.2-quart capacity vs. the AF101’s 4-quart capacity. The XL is noticeably larger and fits more food.
Q: How long does preheating take?
A: About 3 minutes on average. Some foods don’t require preheating at all.
Q: Can you wash the basket in the dishwasher?
A: Check your manual. Many Ninja baskets are dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends their life.
Q: Does it use a lot of electricity?
A: No. Air fryers are energy-efficient. You’ll use less electricity than a traditional oven.
Q: What’s the warranty?
A: 1-year limited warranty from Ninja. Extended warranty available for purchase.
Q: Is it worth buying on sale vs. full price?
A: Absolutely wait for sales if possible. This model goes on sale regularly.