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Sometimes—but it depends on the exact Ninja model and what you cook. A basket-style Ninja 5-in-1 can likely take the place of a separate air fryer, but that does not make it a full-size oven or a universal replacement for countertop appliances. Check the model number, its verified functions, capacity, and cooking format before deciding.
First, identify which Ninja 5-in-1 you mean
“Ninja 5-in-1” is not enough to identify a single appliance. One plausible match in Ninja’s product listings is the Foodi DZ090C, described as a 6-quart, two-basket air fryer. The accessible listing identifies it as 5-in-1 but does not enumerate all five functions, so verify the functions in the manual for your exact model rather than assuming a mode list.
Other Ninja appliances have different formats and capabilities. The Flip SP151 is an oven-style countertop appliance with an air fryer, toaster, and convection oven format. Ninja lists eight functions: air fry, roast, broil, bake, pizza, toast, bagel, and dehydrate; its stated capacity includes a 12-inch pizza. Ninja also sells the SP351 Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Oven with 13 functions and the Combi SFP701C, described as a 14-function multicooker, oven, and air fryer. Those are comparisons, not evidence that the DZ090C has the same features.
What it can replace depends on the job
A separate air fryer: likely, if capacity fits
If your appliance is the DZ090C, Ninja describes it as a two-basket air fryer, so it can likely replace a separate air fryer for the portions and foods that fit its baskets. Whether it handles your usual batch size is a practical capacity question, not something the “5-in-1” label settles.
#1 Best Overall
- 5-IN-1 INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER: The Ninja Foodi AG301 grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, and dehydrates — 5 versatile functions in one countertop appliance for real char-grilled flavor indoors, any day of the year.
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: 500°F rapid cyclonic air delivers Surround Searing — circulating superhot air around every side of your food while the 500°F grill grate brands authentic char-grilled marks directly onto proteins and vegetables.
- OUTDOOR GRILLING POWER: Engineered with the BTU cooking power of a full-size outdoor grill, the AG301 replicates the high-heat sear and char-grilled flavor of a gas or charcoal grill — right from your countertop, year-round.
- COOK FROM FROZEN — CHAR-GRILLED IN UNDER 25 MINUTES: The AG301 takes frozen steaks, chicken breasts, burgers, and fish fillets straight from frozen to perfectly char-grilled in under 25 minutes — no thawing required.
- AIR FRY WITH UP TO 75% LESS FAT: The 4-qt crisper basket air fries wings, fries, and more with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying* — crispy results with little to no oil. *vs. hand-cut deep-fried French fries.
Some oven cooking: possibly, but not full-size oven equivalence
Ninja’s air-fryer guidance says air fryers circulate heated air like a fan oven, while emphasizing that their cooking area is much smaller than a standard-size oven. That makes some oven tasks possible in an air fryer, but it does not establish that a basket model can replace a full-size oven for large dishes, multiple trays, or routine family-sized cooking.
A countertop toaster oven: only if the model has an oven cavity
The SP151 is explicitly an oven-and-air-fryer format, with a cavity and listed baking, broiling, pizza, and toast functions. By contrast, the DZ090C listing identifies a two-basket air fryer. Do not treat the two appliances as interchangeable simply because both are Ninja products or use an “air fry” label.
Rank #2
- THE ULTIMATE GLASS AIR FRYER SYSTEM — 3 SIZES, ONE POWERPOD: Everything you need for personal meals to family-sized feasts — includes the Crispi PowerPod plus 6-cup, 2.5-QT, and 4-QT TempWare glass containers, 3 crisper plates, and 3 leak-proof storage lids. One system that does it all.
- FULL-SIZED AIR FRYER POWER IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND: The compact Crispi PowerPod packs the wattage of a full-sized air fryer into a portable, handheld design.* Cook crispy, golden results anywhere on your counter — no bulky appliance footprint required. *Based on wattage vs. Ninja AF100.
- COOK FOR ONE OR THE WHOLE FAMILY — THREE CONTAINER SIZES: The 6-cup container cooks a personal-sized meal in as little as 7 minutes. The 2.5-QT holds up to 1.5 lbs of French fries. The 4-QT fits a full 4-lb chicken with veggies. Right-size your cooking every time.
- NON-TOXIC BOROSILICATE GLASS — PFAS-FREE, PTFE-FREE, BPA-FREE: Cook directly in thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass that goes straight from frozen to crispy in minutes — no nonstick coatings, no chemicals, no compromise. Watch your food cook through the transparent vessel for total peace of mind.
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: MAX CRISP, AIR FRY, BAKE, RECRISP & KEEP WARM: Five versatile cooking modes cover everything from crisping fresh-cooked meals to reviving leftovers as if they just came out of the oven — all in one glass air fryer system.
Other countertop appliances: assess each use separately
A multifunction label does not prove that a unit replaces a toaster, small oven, multicooker, or another appliance. Compare the cooking job with the exact model’s listed modes, the shape and size of its cooking space, and whether you need baskets, oven racks, or another cooking setup.
Compare the details that determine whether it fits your kitchen
- Format: Is it a basket air fryer, an oven cavity with trays or racks, or a multicooker?
- Functions: Check the exact mode names in the manual for the specific model; do not borrow functions from another Ninja appliance.
- Capacity and shape: Make sure it fits the foods, cookware, and batch sizes you actually prepare. A stated 12-inch pizza capacity applies to the SP151, not automatically to a basket model.
- Workflow: Decide whether two baskets, one oven cavity, or a multicooker setup better suits how you cook.
- Counter and storage space: Check the model’s dimensions and storage configuration against your available space. Ninja says the SP151 flips upright for storage, while the DZ090C is a two-basket design; these are different space arrangements.
If faster cooking is a consideration, follow the manual for your exact appliance. Ninja’s DT200-series guide advises monitoring food to prevent overcooking, but that guidance is specific to the DT200 series and should not be treated as the DZ090C’s instruction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SMART COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button, with the Foodi Smart Thermometer monitoring your food's internal temperature for you.
- 5-IN-1 VERSATILITY: One appliance does it all—Grill, Air Crisp, Bake, Roast, and Dehydrate for endless meal possibilities indoors.
- 500°F CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Grill indoors year-round with 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology that delivers authentic char-grilled results.
- FROZEN TO CHAR-GRILLED IN 25 MINUTES: Go straight from freezer to perfectly char-grilled in just 25 minutes—no thawing necessary.
- 4-QT AIR FRY CRISPER: Enjoy crispy, guilt-free fried favorites using the 4-qt air fry crisper basket with little to no oil.
Rank #4
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 6-Cup, 4-Quart & 2.5-Quart CleanCrisp TempWare Containers with lids.
Rank #3
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- 5-IN-1 MULTI-FUNCTION AIR FRYER: Features 5 customizable cooking functions—Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate for maximum versatility. A powerful1750-watt air fryer that’s BPA-free and built for everyday use.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
