Is the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer Good?.jpg)
Yes. The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a solid choice if you want quick, easy, and healthy meals. I use it almost daily. It cooks frozen salmon, fries, and tater tots with no fuss. The results are crispy, evenly cooked, and done with little to no oil.
The 4-quart basket holds about 2 pounds of food. That’s enough for two people, or a small family. It runs on 1550 watts of power and offers four modes: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The heat range is 105°F to 400°F, which covers slow drying snacks to high-heat crisping.
I also love that the basket and crisper plate are ceramic-coated and dishwasher safe. After cooking, I can rinse or load them straight into the dishwasher. No scrubbing, no stress.
In my U.S. kitchen, the compact size matters. At just 10.58 lbs and about 13 inches tall, it fits neatly under cabinets. I can move it without strain.
What I Like.jpg)
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Easy to use: The control panel is simple. I press power, set time and heat, and it’s ready.
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Even cooking: Food comes out crispy on the outside and soft inside. Fries, fish, and veggies all cook evenly.
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Versatile: I’ve roasted chicken, reheated pizza, and even made apple chips. All worked well.
What Could Be Better.jpg)
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Small capacity: The basket is fine for one or two people. Cooking for four or more feels cramped.
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Preheat needed: It takes a few minutes to warm up. Not a deal breaker, but slower than expected.
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Beep alerts: The sound is loud. A softer or adjustable tone would be nicer.
Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja AF101 if you cook for yourself, a partner, or a small family. It’s great for U.S. homes that want healthier meals fast, without a big fryer taking over the counter. Students, apartment renters, and busy parents will like the size and price.
If you cook large meals often, look at the Ninja AF161 Max XL. It has more space and higher power.
For me, the AF101 hits the sweet spot. It’s affordable, compact, and delivers reliable results. It has earned a permanent spot on my counter.
Is the Ninja AF161 Air Fryer Good?.jpg)
Yes. The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer is a powerful upgrade if you need more space and higher heat. I’ve cooked French fries, roasted veggies, and even homemade croutons in it. The food came out crisp, golden, and evenly cooked.
The 5.5-quart basket holds about 3 pounds of fries or chicken wings. That’s enough for a family meal. It runs on 1,750 watts of power and offers a temperature range from 105°F to 450°F. With 7 cooking functions, including Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate, it covers almost anything I want to make.
Max Crisp is the standout. At 450°F, it blasts food with superheated air. My fries finished in under 15 minutes and came out crunchy without extra oil. The ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is fast and painless.
For me, the AF161 feels like a great fit in a U.S. kitchen where family meals are common. It’s a bit larger than the AF101, but it balances size with function well.
What I Like
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Stronger power with Max Crisp: The 1,750-watt heating system cooks faster and hotter. Fries and wings come out extra crispy. I noticed the texture difference compared to smaller models.
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Large capacity: The 5.5-quart basket is roomy. I once cooked enough fries for four people without needing a second batch.
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Versatile functions: I’ve used Air Roast for chicken, Bake for croutons, and Dehydrate for apple slices. Each setting did its job well.
What Could Be Better
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Takes counter space: At almost 15 inches tall, it’s bigger than the AF101. In smaller kitchens, it may feel bulky.
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Noisy fan at high heat: On Max Crisp, the fan gets louder than expected. It’s not overwhelming, but noticeable.
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Learning curve: With seven functions, it can feel tricky at first. A clearer guide with quick recipes would help new users.
Recommendation.jpg)
I recommend the Ninja AF161 Max XL if you often cook for three or more people. It’s great for U.S. families who want faster, crispier meals without deep frying. If you host game nights, love wings, or cook big side dishes, this model makes sense.
But if you live alone or only cook small meals, the AF101 is more practical. It takes less space and costs less.
For me, the AF161 shines when cooking for the family. It turns out crispy food in less time, and cleanup is still quick. If you want an air fryer with more power and more room, this one is worth it.
Detailed Comparison: Ninja AF101 vs AF161
I’ve used both the Ninja AF101 and the Ninja AF161 Max XL, and they each have their place in the kitchen. Let’s break them down side by side to see where each shines.
Cooking Capacity: Ninja AF101 vs AF161.jpg)
The Ninja AF101 has a 4-quart basket, which fits about 2 pounds of fries or chicken. It’s perfect for one or two people. The Ninja AF161 steps up with a 5.5-quart basket, holding about 3 pounds of food. I found it much better for family meals.
👉 My take: The AF161 feels more flexible if you cook larger portions, while the AF101 is just right for smaller meals.
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AF101 Rating: 7/10
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AF161 Rating: 9/10
Temperature Control: Ninja AF101 vs AF161.jpg)
The AF101 ranges from 105°F to 400°F. It works well for roasting, reheating, and even dehydrating. The AF161 pushes higher, going up to 450°F with Max Crisp. When I tested fries, the AF161 gave a crunchier finish in less time.
👉 My take: Both are accurate, but the AF161’s higher range gives it an edge for crispy results.
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AF101 Rating: 8/10
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AF161 Rating: 9/10
Basket Material: Ninja AF101 vs AF161.jpg)
Both models use a ceramic-coated nonstick basket with a crisper plate. I’ve never had food stick badly on either, and cleanup is simple with the dishwasher. After months of use, the coating on both still looks solid.
👉 My take: No big difference here—both are easy to clean and durable.
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AF101 Rating: 9/10
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AF161 Rating: 9/10
Preheating Time: Ninja AF101 vs AF161
The AF101 takes a few minutes to preheat. It’s not long, but I noticed it when cooking quick snacks. The AF161 seems faster on Max Crisp. I could drop fries in, and the heat ramped up quickly.
👉 My take: Both need preheating, but the AF161 saves a little time.
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AF101 Rating: 7/10
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AF161 Rating: 8/10
Cooking Consistency: Ninja AF101 vs AF161
The AF101 cooks evenly. My salmon and veggies came out soft inside and crisp outside. With the AF161, I got even results too, but with extra crunch when using Max Crisp. I noticed less need to shake fries halfway.
👉 My take: Both deliver good consistency, but the AF161 feels more reliable for larger batches.
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AF101 Rating: 8/10
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AF161 Rating: 9/10
Performance: Ninja AF101 vs AF161.jpg)
The AF101 runs on 1,550 watts, which is plenty for most meals. The AF161 jumps to 1,750 watts, which I noticed during longer cooks. Foods browned quicker, and batches finished faster.
👉 My take: If you want speed and crunch, the AF161 edges ahead. The AF101 still does a great job for small meals.
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AF101 Rating: 8/10
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AF161 Rating: 9/10
Ease of Use: Ninja AF101 vs AF161
Both have simple controls. The AF101 feels straightforward with fewer functions. The AF161 has seven cooking modes, which adds versatility but also a small learning curve. Once I got used to it, switching modes was second nature.
👉 My take: AF101 is simpler for beginners. AF161 gives more options once you learn the buttons.
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AF101 Rating: 9/10
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AF161 Rating: 8/10
Value for Money: Ninja AF101 vs AF161.jpg)
The AF101 costs less and offers great performance for its price. The AF161 is more expensive but gives higher heat, more space, and extra functions. For me, the value depends on kitchen size and how much food I cook.
👉 My take: The AF101 wins for budget buyers. The AF161 is worth it if you need the upgrade.
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AF101 Rating: 9/10
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AF161 Rating: 8/10
Overall: Ninja AF101 vs AF161
Both are excellent air fryers. The AF101 shines for smaller households, while the AF161 fits bigger families or people who love crisp food fast. I like the AF101 for simple, quick meals. I like the AF161 when cooking for the family.
👉 My take: Pick the AF101 if space and cost matter most. Go with the AF161 if you want power and capacity.
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AF101 Rating: 8/10
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AF161 Rating: 9/10
FAQ for Ninja AF101 vs AF161
Q1. What is the main difference between the Ninja AF101 vs AF161?
The Ninja AF101 has a 4-quart basket and 400°F max heat. The AF161 has a 5.5-quart basket and 450°F Max Crisp for faster, crispier cooking.
Q2. Which is better for families: Ninja AF101 or AF161?
The Ninja AF161 is better for families. Its 5.5-quart size can hold up to 3 pounds of food, while the AF101’s 4-quart basket fits smaller meals.
Q3. Does the Ninja AF161 cook faster than the AF101?
Yes. The Ninja AF161 runs at 1,750 watts with Max Crisp at 450°F. It cooks fries and wings faster and crispier than the 1,550-watt Ninja AF101.
Q4. Which is easier to use: Ninja AF101 vs AF161?
The Ninja AF101 is simpler with fewer settings. The AF161 has 7 cooking functions, so it takes time to learn but gives more flexibility.
Q5. Which is more budget-friendly: Ninja AF101 or AF161?
The Ninja AF101 costs less and suits smaller kitchens. The Ninja AF161 is pricier but offers more space, higher heat, and extra cooking features.
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