Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, but sometimes you want quick, crispy, and flavorful side dishes without the fuss of outdoor cooking. The Ninja Foodi XL Air Fryer makes it easy to prepare delicious summer sides right in your kitchen, saving space and time.
With its large capacity and dual baskets, you can cook two different sides simultaneously for a family feast or summer gathering. Here’s a simple, step-by-step recipe to make crispy sweet potato fries and roasted veggie medley — perfect accompaniments for your summer meals.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fry
- ✔ Weight: 20 pounds
- ✔ Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 14 inches
- ✔ Power: 1800 watts
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate for Quick, Easy Family-Sized Meals, Grey
- DualZone Technology: Cook two foods simultaneously with Smart Finish or Match Cook
- 6-in-1 Functionality: Air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
- Two Independent Baskets: Cook two different foods at once
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Preparing Your Summer Sides
Start by gathering your ingredients: sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings.
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into even-sized fries. For the veggie medley, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking the Sweet Potato Fries
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi XL Air Fryer to 400°F using the air fry setting.
- Place the sweet potato fries in one of the baskets. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or garlic powder.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Roasting the Veggie Medley
- While the fries cook, place the chopped vegetables in the second basket.
- Spray lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Set the air fryer to roast at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serving Your Summer Sides
Once both baskets have finished cooking, serve the crispy sweet potato fries alongside the roasted vegetables. They pair perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or as a vegetarian main.
Enjoy your summer feast with minimal cleanup thanks to the dishwasher-safe crisper plates!
Tips for Success
- Use uniform-sized cuts to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baskets — leave space for air to circulate.
- Adjust cooking times based on your preferred level of crispiness.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fry
The Ninja Foodi 10 Quart XL Air Fryer is perfect for preparing quick, crispy, and healthy summer sides. Its dual baskets allow simultaneous cooking of different dishes, making meal prep more efficient and enjoyable.
Pros:
- Large capacity for family meals
- Dual-zone technology for simultaneous cooking
- Multiple functions including roast and dehydrate
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Bulky size may not fit small kitchens
- Features might require some learning curve
- Higher price point than basic models
Best for: Families or entertainers looking for quick, versatile summer side dishes
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or those seeking a budget-friendly simple air fryer
Bottom line: A spacious, versatile air fryer ideal for summer meal prep and sides.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
