It’s amazing how quickly air fryers have gone from a novelty appliance to a must-have kitchen tool. I’ve tested quite a few over the years, but recently, I found myself torn between two very similar models: the Ninja AF141 and the Ninja AF142. At first glance, they look almost identical, same size, same design, and even the same cooking capacity. But once I started cooking with them, I noticed small yet important differences that could sway your decision one way or the other.
If you’re trying to decide between the AF141 and AF142, let me share my hands-on experience with both and help you figure out which one fits your kitchen and cooking style better.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja AF141 Vs AF142 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF141 offers 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate), while the Ninja AF142 gives you a slight edge with 5-in-1 functionality, adding a dedicated Bake setting. In short, the AF142 is a little more versatile for anyone who wants to use their air fryer as a mini oven for baked goods, while the AF141 keeps things straightforward and slightly simpler.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil
Comparison Table: Ninja AF141 vs AF142 Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja AF141 | Ninja AF142 |
| Capacity | 5 Quarts (fits 4 lbs fries or 5 lbs wings) | 5 Quarts (fits 4 lbs fries or 5 lbs wings) |
| Cooking Functions | 4-in-1: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5-in-1: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Temperature Range | Up to 400°F | Up to 400°F |
| Design Finish | Black, Compact | Black, Compact |
| Dimensions | 14.84″D x 11.29″W x 10.39″H | 14.84″D x 11.3″W x 10.39″H |
| Material | Metal, Plastic | Metal, Plastic |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher safe nonstick basket & crisper plate | Dishwasher safe nonstick basket & crisper plate |
| Special Features | Automatic Shut-off, Timer, Programmable | Timer, Temperature Control |
| Included Accessories | Basket, crisper plate, 20-recipe booklet | Basket, crisper plate, 20-recipe booklet |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build
Placing the AF141 and AF142 side by side, you’d think they were twins. Both are sleek, compact, and designed with a 5-quart basket that feels just right, not too bulky, but big enough to handle family portions.
The AF141 has a slightly more “functional” look, while the AF142 comes across as just a touch more polished in terms of finish. Both feel sturdy, and the handles are solid, which matters when you’re pulling out a basket full of hot chicken wings.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil
Ease of Use
Using the AF141 felt straightforward. With four cooking functions, the interface is clean and uncluttered. I appreciated the simplicity when I was in a hurry, just hit “Air Fry” or “Reheat” and let it do its thing.
The AF142 added one extra button for Bake, which opened up a bit more flexibility. While the control panel didn’t feel any more complicated, having that extra option made me more inclined to try muffins and banana bread. If you’re someone who wants versatility without over-complicating the interface, the AF142 strikes a good balance.
Cooking Functions and Performance
Both models use Ninja’s Air Crisp Technology, and the results were consistently good: fries came out golden, wings had that perfect crunch, and reheated pizza tasted like it was fresh out of the oven.
- With the AF141, I mostly used Air Fry and Reheat. The Dehydrate function was surprisingly fun, I made apple chips, and they turned out crisp without burning.
- The AF142 gave me everything the AF141 did, plus baking. I baked a small batch of brownies, and while it doesn’t replace a traditional oven, it handled the task well. The bake setting made the AF142 feel more like a multi-purpose cooker rather than just a fryer.
Performance-wise, both heat up quickly, cook evenly, and handle frozen-to-crispy transformations in minutes.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil
Space Considerations
Both are designed with the same dimensions, and both fit nicely on my counter without hogging space. If you live in a smaller apartment or have limited kitchen real estate, either one will work without feeling like a burden.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is where Ninja always shines. The baskets and crisper plates in both models are nonstick and dishwasher safe. Even when I cooked something messy like marinated chicken, a quick rinse was often enough before tossing them in the dishwasher. The exterior wipes down easily too.
Ninja AF141 Pro Air Fryer
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
Pros:
- Compact design with good 5-quart capacity
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- 4-in-1 functionality covers all essentials
- Crispy results with little to no oil
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
Cons:
- No Bake function
- Slightly fewer cooking options than AF142
- Not ideal for those who want to use air fryers as mini ovens
Ninja AF142 Air Fryer Pro
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil
Pros:
- Includes Bake function for more versatility
- Same compact 5-quart design as AF141
- Air Crisp Technology delivers crunchy, evenly cooked results
- Frozen-to-crispy in minutes
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Functions are almost identical to AF141, so the upgrade feels minor
- Slightly more expensive for just one additional function
My Recommendation / Conclusion
After cooking with both, I’d sum it up this way:
- If you want an air fryer for everyday basics – fries, wings, veggies, reheating leftovers, or dehydrating snacks, the Ninja AF141 is a fantastic choice. It’s simple, reliable, and covers everything most people use an air fryer for.
- If you see yourself using the fryer as a mini-oven for small bakes (like muffins, brownies, or casseroles), then the Ninja AF142 is worth the small extra cost. That Bake function does come in handy if you like experimenting.
Personally, I leaned toward the AF142 because I love baking small treats without turning on my big oven. But if I were buying an air fryer purely for crispy fries, wings, and reheating leftovers, I’d happily stick with the AF141 and save a few bucks.
Bottom line: AF141 for straightforward air frying, AF142 for a little more versatility. Both deliver the crispy, guilt-free results Ninja is known for.
