Quick take: Both cook the same. The AF101 is easier to find and accessorize.
I live in the US, near Austin, and I cook fast weeknight meals a lot. I wanted a compact air fryer that stays under budget, crisps evenly, and cleans fast. If you’re deciding between the ninja 4 qt air fryer af100 vs af101, you’re likely in the same boat. I tested both side by side to see if there’s any real difference that matters in daily use. Here’s my plain-English breakdown to help you pick the right one.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja AF101 Good?
Yes. The Ninja AF101 is a safe bet for most homes. It’s reliable, consistent, and widely available in 2025.
It’s great if you want a proven 4‑quart that handles fries, wings, veggies, and reheats leftovers better than a microwave.
I air-fried frozen nuggets for my niece in 10 minutes, and they were crispy outside and juicy inside. I also dehydrated orange slices overnight; they came out evenly dried without sticking.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 4‑quart capacity fits 1–2 lbs of fries or 6–8 wings
- 1550W heater for fast preheat and even browning
- Temp range 105–400°F for air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
- Ceramic‑coated, nonstick basket and crisper plate
- Dishwasher‑safe parts for quick cleanup
- Compact footprint for small counters and apartments
- Consistent availability and replacement parts in 2025
What I Like
- Crisps evenly without flipping every minute
- Simple controls I can use without a manual
- Dehydrate mode works for fruit chips and herbs
- Basket coating resists sticking and cleans in minutes
- Preheats fast, so dinner is on time
- Solid build quality that feels sturdy
What Could Be Better
- Single zone only; no dual cooking
- 4‑quart may be tight for families of 4+
- Exterior can get warm during long roasts
- No shake reminder beep
- Cord could be a bit longer
My Recommendation
Pick the AF101 if you want the mainstream ninja 4 qt air fryer experience with easy 2025 availability, proven performance, and simple cleaning. It’s the safer buy when you want parts and support on demand.
Is Ninja AF100 Good?
It depends. The Ninja AF100 cooks the same as the AF101 in my tests. It’s best if you find it at a better price or it’s the only model in stock.
I used the AF100 to reheat pizza slices. The crust came back crisp in 3–4 minutes, better than my toaster oven. I also roasted Brussels sprouts; they browned evenly at 390°F with a quick shake halfway.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 4‑quart capacity with the same basket design
- 1550W heater and 105–400°F range
- Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate modes
- Ceramic‑coated, dishwasher‑safe parts
- Lightweight and easy to move or store
- Often priced competitively when available
What I Like
- Identical cooking results to AF101 in real use
- Fast preheat and strong air circulation
- Simple presets that actually help
- Nonstick that holds up with routine care
- Good value when discounted
What Could Be Better
- Harder to find in the US in 2025
- Fewer color/finish options at retailers
- Accessories availability can vary by region
- Packaging sometimes differs, which can confuse buyers
- Resale and support info is less common than AF101
My Recommendation
Choose the AF100 if you get a clear price win or your store carries it. It matches the AF101 in cooking but can be tougher to source in some US regions.
ninja 4 qt air fryer af100 vs af101: Side-by-Side Test
I cooked frozen fries, wings, veggies, and reheated pizza in both models. I also tested dehydration and cleanup. Here’s how the ninja 4 qt air fryer af100 vs af101 compare point by point.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Category | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fry | Yes | Yes |
| Roast | Yes | Yes |
| Reheat | Yes | Yes |
| Dehydrate | Yes | Yes |
Rating: AF101 – 9.5/10 | AF100 – 9.5/10
Edge: Tie. Both offer the same modes.
Temperature Range And Power
| Spec | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1550W | 1550W |
| Temp Range | 105–400°F | 105–400°F |
| Preheat Speed | Fast | Fast |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF100 – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Same heating hardware on paper and in use.
Capacity And Footprint
| Spec | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Basket Size | 4 qt | 4 qt |
| Typical Batch | 1–2 lbs fries | 1–2 lbs fries |
| Counter Space | Compact | Compact |
Rating: AF101 – 8.8/10 | AF100 – 8.8/10
Edge: Tie. Same capacity and feel.
Build And Materials
| Aspect | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Basket Coating | Ceramic, nonstick | Ceramic, nonstick |
| Crisper Plate | Included | Included |
| Finish | Common US finish | Varies by region |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF100 – 8.8/10
Edge: AF101. Finish options and parts are more consistent.
Controls And Ease Of Use
| Aspect | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Preset Buttons | Air Fry/Roast/Reheat/Dehydrate | Air Fry/Roast/Reheat/Dehydrate |
| Display | Clear | Clear |
| Learning Curve | Very low | Very low |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF100 – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Same interface experience.
Cooking Performance And Evenness
| Test | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Fries | Crisp, even | Crisp, even |
| Chicken Wings | Well-rendered skin | Well-rendered skin |
| Veggies | Good browning | Good browning |
Rating: AF101 – 9.2/10 | AF100 – 9.2/10
Edge: Tie. No real-world difference.
Cleanup And Care
| Aspect | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Coating Durability | Strong with soft tools | Strong with soft tools |
| Grease Management | Easy with crisper plate | Easy with crisper plate |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF100 – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Equal ease of cleaning.
Noise And Heat
| Aspect | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Noise | Moderate | Moderate |
| Exterior Heat | Warm to touch | Warm to touch |
| Kitchen Heat Spill | Low | Low |
Rating: AF101 – 8.5/10 | AF100 – 8.5/10
Edge: Tie. Similar airflow and insulation.
Availability And Accessories (2025)
| Aspect | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| US Availability | High | Limited/Varies |
| Replacement Parts | Easy to source | Occasional |
| Colors/Finishes | More consistent | Depends on retailer |
Rating: AF101 – 9.3/10 | AF100 – 8.6/10
Edge: AF101. Easier to buy and accessorize in the US.
Price And Value
| Aspect | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF100 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Price | Stable | Can be lower on sale |
| Value For Money | High | High if discounted |
| Warranty Support | Straightforward | Varies by channel |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF100 – 8.8/10
Edge: Slight AF101, unless AF100 is notably cheaper.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the simplest choice in the ninja 4 qt air fryer af100 vs af101 debate, get the AF101. It’s easier to find in 2025, has steady accessory support, and delivers excellent results.
Pick the AF100 only if it’s meaningfully cheaper or your retailer stocks it. Cooking performance is the same, so price and availability decide it.
FAQs Of ninja 4 qt air fryer af100 vs af101
Are the AF100 and AF101 the same inside?
Yes. In my tests and according to current specs, both use a 1550W heater, 4‑qt basket, and the same cooking modes.
Which is better for US buyers in 2025?
The AF101. It’s easier to find, and parts and accessories are more consistent in the US.
Does one get hotter or cook faster?
No. Both reach 105–400°F and cook at similar speeds with similar crisping.
Is there any taste or texture difference?
No meaningful difference. Fries, wings, veggies, and reheats came out the same for me.
Which should I buy if prices are equal?
Choose the AF101. In the ninja 4 qt air fryer af100 vs af101 matchup, it wins on availability and support with the same results.
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