I’ll admit it—air fryers changed the way I cook. What started as a curiosity has now turned into an everyday kitchen essential. But when I had the chance to use both the Ninja AF101 and the Ninja AF161 Max XL, the decision wasn’t as simple as picking the newer or larger model. Each has its own strengths, and depending on your cooking style (and your kitchen space), one may suit you better than the other.
In this article, I’ll break down both models in detail, share my hands-on impressions, and hopefully help you figure out which one deserves a spot on your counter.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja AF101 vs AF161 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is compact and perfect for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space, offering 4 cooking functions with a 4-quart capacity. The Ninja AF161 Max XL, on the other hand, ups the game with a larger 5.5-quart basket, hotter Max Crisp technology, and 7 cooking programs, making it better suited for bigger families or those who want more cooking flexibility.
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against...
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
Comparison Table: Ninja AF101 vs AF161 Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF161 Max XL |
| Capacity | 4 Quarts (fits 2 lbs of fries) | 5.5 Quarts (fits 3 lbs of fries/chicken wings) |
| Cooking Functions | 4-in-1: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 7-in-1: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Temperature Range | 105°F – 400°F | Up to 450°F with Max Crisp |
| Design Finish | Matte Grey, Compact | Glossy Grey, Larger |
| Dimensions | 13.6″D x 11″W x 13.3″H | 14.92″D x 11.3″W x 12.01″H |
| Material | Ceramic-coated basket | Ceramic-coated basket |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher safe basket & crisper plate | Dishwasher safe basket & crisper plate |
| Included Accessories | 4-qt basket, crisper plate, 20-recipe booklet | 5.5-qt basket, crisper plate, 20-recipe booklet |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build
When I first placed both fryers on my counter, the size difference was obvious but not overwhelming. The AF101 has a compact footprint, making it the better choice for tight kitchens or if you don’t want an appliance that dominates the counter.
The AF161 has a glossy finish that looks more premium, but it does take up slightly more space. It’s wider and a bit heavier, but the payoff is its larger basket. I found the AF101 easier to tuck away in a cupboard, while the AF161 became more of a permanent fixture on my counter.
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against...
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
Ease of Use
Both models are straightforward with simple digital controls. The AF101 gives you four main cooking functions, and honestly, they cover most of the basics. If you mostly want to fry, roast veggies, or reheat leftovers, it’s a breeze.
The AF161, however, felt like the “big sibling” with more options. The Max Crisp button alone was a game-changer when I wanted extra crunch on fries or wings. That said, I did notice that if you’re new to air fryers, the extra options might feel like overkill at first but once you start experimenting, they become very handy.
Cooking Functions and Performance
Here’s where the difference really shows.
- AF101: It’s reliable and consistent. I used it for frozen fries, chicken strips, and reheating pizza, everything turned out evenly cooked with a nice crisp. The dehydrator function is a fun bonus if you like making apple chips or beef jerky.
- AF161: The 450°F Max Crisp mode is the standout feature. Compared to the AF101, fries came out noticeably crunchier in less time. Larger batches of chicken wings cooked faster and more evenly. With its 7 functions, I could also bake small cakes and broil salmon, things I didn’t find as practical in the AF101.
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against...
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
Space Considerations
If counter space is at a premium, the AF101 wins. Its compact frame and slightly smaller height fit better under cabinets. The AF161 isn’t massive, but its bulk is noticeable if you have a small kitchen.
For larger families, the AF161’s bigger basket is worth it, you won’t have to cook in multiple batches as often. For one or two people, the AF101’s size feels just right.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both models are equally easy to clean. The ceramic-coated baskets and crisper plates popped right into the dishwasher, and even when I hand-washed, food didn’t stick stubbornly.
The glossy finish of the AF161 did show smudges and fingerprints a bit more, whereas the matte AF101 looked cleaner longer. A small detail, but noticeable over time.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against...
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- 4 useful cooking programs
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F)
- Budget-friendly compared to AF161
- Great for singles or small families
Cons:
- Smaller 4-quart capacity
- No Max Crisp function
- Fewer cooking presets
- Slightly longer cook times for bigger portions
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
Pros:
- Larger 5.5-quart basket (fits 3 lbs of fries or wings)
- 7 cooking functions for versatility
- Max Crisp mode for hotter, crispier results
- Faster cooking compared to AF101
- Premium glossy finish
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space
- Higher price point
- Glossy surface shows smudges easily
My Recommendation / Conclusion
After weeks of swapping between the two, here’s my honest take:
If you’re cooking for one to two people, or you prefer something compact and budget-friendly, the Ninja AF101 is more than enough. It does the basics beautifully, fits into smaller kitchens, and still gives you healthier, crispy results without fuss.
But if you have a family of three or more, or you’re someone who loves experimenting with different cooking styles, the Ninja AF161 Max XL is the smarter choice. The larger basket saves time, the Max Crisp mode takes crispiness to another level, and the extra presets give you flexibility that’s worth the upgrade.
Personally, I found myself reaching for the AF161 more often, it just handled larger portions and tougher recipes with ease. That said, when I cooked just for myself, I appreciated the simplicity and smaller footprint of the AF101.
At the end of the day, it comes down to kitchen space and household size: AF101 for compact simplicity, AF161 for versatile family cooking.
