There are moments in the kitchen when you realize how much an air fryer changes the game. Whether you’re reheating last night’s pizza, prepping crispy fries from frozen, or baking small batches of desserts, the right model can save time and deliver healthier meals.
I recently put the Ninja AF181 and Ninja AF182AMZ through their paces, both of which are XL-sized air fryers with Max Crisp Technology. At first glance, they seem nearly identical but after weeks of testing, I discovered subtle yet meaningful differences worth sharing.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja AF181 vs AF182AMZ Air Fryer
While both air fryers share the same 6.5-quart XL capacity, Max Crisp Technology, and a nearly identical design, the AF182 edges ahead with its 7-in-1 functionality, adding Air Broil to the mix. It also introduces a slightly updated design marketed as more space-saving. Meanwhile, the AF181 keeps it simpler with 6-in-1 versatility and a metal construction that feels a bit sturdier in hand.
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 450℉ superheated air surrounds food for hotter, crispy results with little to no oil.
Ninja AF181 vs AF182AMZ: Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja AF181 | Ninja AF182AMZ |
| Capacity | 6.5 Quarts (fits 5 lbs fries or 9 lbs wings) | 6.5 Quarts (fits 5 lbs fries or 9 lbs wings) |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate | 7-in-1: Max Crisp, Air Broil, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Material | Metal | Plastic |
| Max Temperature | 450°F | 450°F |
| Dimensions | 14.92″D x 11.3″W x 12.01″H | 14.92″D x 11.3″W x 12″H |
| Special Features | Programmable, Auto Shut-Off, Timer, Temp Control | Programmable, Auto Shut-Off, Dual Zone Features, Timer, Temp Control |
| Cleaning | Nonstick, Dishwasher-safe basket & plate | Nonstick, Dishwasher-safe basket & plate |
| Design Tone | Sturdier build, matte finish | High-gloss modern look, marketed as more compact |
| Included Accessories | Basket, crisper plate, recipe guide | Basket, crisper plate, recipe guide |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Detailed Experience with Both Models
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Design and Build Quality
Holding the AF181, I immediately noticed its sturdier metal body. It feels more premium compared to the AF182, which uses a plastic shell. While both are sleek black designs that blend into most kitchens, I preferred the heavier feel of the AF181, it just felt like it would last longer.
That said, the AF182 has a slightly sleeker silhouette, and Ninja claims it saves more counter space. In reality, the footprint is nearly the same, but the AF182 does look a touch more modern with its glossy finish. If you’re style-conscious, that detail might matter.
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 450℉ superheated air surrounds food for hotter, crispy results with little to no oil.
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Ease of Use
The controls on both models are intuitive: big buttons, clear labels, and easy-to-understand presets. The AF181’s buttons feel a little firmer when pressed, while the AF182 has a softer, modern touch-button style.
Both heat up quickly, and I could get frozen chicken tenders cooked to crispy perfection in under 10 minutes. However, the AF182’s Air Broil function stood out when cooking steaks and salmon. That higher-intensity top-down heat gave me a more charred finish than I could get from the AF181.
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Cooking Functions & Performance
Here’s where the biggest difference shows:
- AF181 (6-in-1) gave me plenty of versatility for everyday meals. Air frying fries, roasting veggies, baking small cakes, and dehydrating apple chips all worked smoothly. The Max Crisp function really shines for frozen foods, crispy fries in less than 8 minutes without needing to thaw.
- AF182 (7-in-1) has one extra mode: Air Broil. I tested this with chicken wings and ribeye steaks, and the results were excellent. The meat came out with a restaurant-style sear that the AF181 couldn’t quite replicate. If you’re a steak or broil lover, this addition makes a noticeable difference.
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 450℉ superheated air surrounds food for hotter, crispy results with little to no oil.
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Capacity & Family Use
Both fryers are XL-sized with a 6.5-quart basket. To give you perspective, I fit a whole 9 lbs of wings into each during game day. Both handled the load effortlessly, evenly cooking every batch thanks to strong air circulation.
For family-sized meals or batch cooking, the two are equally capable. I meal-prepped roasted veggies and baked chicken for the week in one go, something smaller models like the AF101 or AF161 just can’t match.
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Cleaning Experience
Cleanup was nearly identical for both. The baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. I usually just rinsed them with warm water and a soft sponge, and they came out spotless. The metal exterior of the AF181 wiped down more easily, while the glossy AF182 tends to show fingerprints a bit more.
Ninja AF181 Pro XL Air Fryer
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little...
Pros:
- Solid metal construction feels more premium and durable.
- 6-in-1 versatility covers most cooking needs.
- Excellent Max Crisp performance for frozen foods.
- Sturdier buttons with tactile feedback.
- Dishwasher-safe parts, easy to clean.
Cons:
- Lacks the Air Broil function.
- Slightly bulkier-looking design.
- Doesn’t have dual zone feature mentioned in AF182.
Ninja AF182AMZ Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 450℉ superheated air surrounds food for hotter, crispy results with little to no oil.
Pros:
- 7-in-1 functionality with Air Broil option for better searing.
- Sleeker, more space-saving modern design.
- Equally strong Max Crisp results.
- Large XL capacity fits big batches for families.
- Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
Cons:
- Plastic build feels less premium.
- Glossy finish attracts fingerprints.
- Buttons feel softer, less durable than AF181.
My Final Recommendation:
After weeks of testing, I’d say both air fryers are winners, but your choice depends on what matters most:
- Go with the Ninja AF181 if you value durability, a sturdier build, and a slightly more premium feel. It covers all the core cooking functions you’d realistically need.
- Choose the Ninja AF182 if you want the extra Air Broil function and prefer a modern, space-saving look. For steak and broil lovers, this is the better pick.
Personally, I’d lean toward the AF182 simply because I loved the Air Broil setting. It gave me restaurant-style searing without firing up a grill or stovetop. But if I were buying purely for longevity, I’d grab the AF181.
Either way, you’re getting a powerful, versatile air fryer that handles everything from frozen fries to dehydrated snacks, while keeping your meals healthier and quicker than traditional cooking methods.
Verdict: The AF181 is the sturdier workhorse, while the AF182 is the sleeker, feature-packed upgrade. Both deliver excellent results, and you can’t go wrong with either.
