Quick take: AF161 cooks faster and hotter; AF101 is cheaper and smaller.
I live in the US, in Dallas, where summer heat makes oven cooking rough. I wanted crispy wings, fries, and veggies without heating my kitchen. That’s why I tested the two most asked-about models: ninja af101 vs af161. If you want quick, healthy meals with less oil, both work. But they fit different needs. I verified specs against manufacturer documentation and major retailer listings (updated 2025). Below, I share my hands-on take to help you pick between ninja af101 vs af161 for your family, space, and budget.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja AF101 Good?
It depends. The **Ninja AF101** is great if you want a compact, budget-friendly air fryer for 1–3 people. It’s easy to use, heats to 400°F, and cleans fast. For basic air frying, reheating, and dehydrating, it works well. If you cook for a bigger family or want 450°F Max Crisp speed, the AF161 wins.
I used the AF101 to reheat pizza after a long day. The crust came out crisp in 4 minutes, not soggy. I also made sweet potato fries on game night. They browned evenly with a light spray of oil.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Capacity: 4 QT nonstick basket with crisper plate
- Power: ~1550W for efficient cooking
- Temperature range: about 105–400°F
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Coating: Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe basket and plate
- Footprint: compact for small counters or dorms
- Great for 1–3 servings of wings, fries, veggies
What I Like
- Small footprint fits tight kitchens
- Simple controls and quick preheat
- Even crisping with the crisper plate
- Parts clean fast in the dishwasher
- Good value for basic air frying
What Could Be Better
- Max temp stops at 400°F (no 450°F Max Crisp)
- 4 QT capacity can feel tight for 4+ servings
- No dedicated “Max Crisp” button
- Batch cooking needed for large meals
- Less power than AF161 for frozen foods
My Recommendation
If you’re comparing ninja af101 vs af161 for small households, the AF101 is a smart buy. It’s affordable, compact, and covers the basics well. Availability is strong and pricing often dips during sales.
Is Ninja AF161 Good?
Yes. The **Ninja AF161 (Max XL)** is the better pick if you want faster results, higher heat, and more room. It reaches 450°F with **Max Crisp**, has more power, and fits family-size batches. If you cook lots of frozen snacks or big protein, it shines.
I air-fried frozen breaded shrimp in the AF161 at 450°F. They came out extra crisp in under 8 minutes. I also cooked 2 pounds of chicken thighs and avoided crowding, which helped keep the skin crackly.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Capacity: about 5.5 QT basket (Max XL)
- Power: ~1750W for quicker cook times
- Temperature range: about 105–450°F with Max Crisp
- Functions: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate (varies by model batch)
- Coating: Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts
- Ideal for family-size batches and frozen foods
What I Like
- 450°F Max Crisp locks in crunch fast
- More space for family meals
- Hotter and faster than AF101
- Consistent browning on fries and wings
- Sturdy build and easy cleanup
What Could Be Better
- Larger footprint takes more counter space
- Costs more than AF101
- Runs louder at high heat
- Heavier to move or store
- More heat means a learning curve for timing
My Recommendation
If you lean AF161 in the ninja af101 vs af161 debate, pick it for speed, capacity, and 450°F crisping. It’s the better long-term value for busy families and frozen snacks lovers.
ninja af101 vs af161: Side-by-Side Test
Both air fryers make crispy, low-oil meals. I tested common recipes and checked official specs. Here’s how ninja af101 vs af161 compare in the areas that matter.
Capacity and Size: How Much Can You Cook?
| Model | Capacity | Ideal Household |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | 4 QT | 1–3 people |
| AF161 | ~5.5 QT | 3–5 people |
Rating: AF101 – 7.5/10 | AF161 – 9/10
Summary: AF161 wins for family-size batches.
Heat and Speed: Which Cooks Faster?
| Model | Max Temp | Power (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | 400°F | ~1550W |
| AF161 | 450°F (Max Crisp) | ~1750W |
Rating: AF101 – 7/10 | AF161 – 9.5/10
Summary: AF161 is faster and crispier at 450°F.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
| Model | Functions |
|---|---|
| AF101 | Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| AF161 | Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
Rating: AF101 – 8/10 | AF161 – 9/10
Summary: AF161 adds Max Crisp for better frozen results.
Crisping Quality: Fries, Wings, and Frozen Foods
| Model | Frozen Fries (Batch) | Wings (Skin) |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Good, may need extra minutes | Crispy, best in smaller loads |
| AF161 | Excellent at 450°F | Very crispy, larger batches |
Rating: AF101 – 8/10 | AF161 – 9.5/10
Summary: AF161 wins on crunch and speed.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
| Model | Controls | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Simple buttons | Basket/plate dishwasher-safe |
| AF161 | Simple buttons + Max Crisp | Basket/plate dishwasher-safe |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF161 – 9/10
Summary: Tie on ease; both clean up fast.
Footprint and Storage
| Model | Counter Space | Weight Feel |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Compact | Lighter |
| AF161 | Larger | Heavier |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF161 – 7.5/10
Summary: AF101 is better for small kitchens.
Noise and Heat Output
| Model | Fan Noise | Heat Spill |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Moderate | Lower |
| AF161 | Moderate-High at 450°F | Higher |
Rating: AF101 – 8.5/10 | AF161 – 7.5/10
Summary: AF101 is quieter and cooler.
Price and Value
| Model | Typical Price Tier | Value |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Lower | Great for basics |
| AF161 | Higher | Strong for families |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF161 – 8.5/10
Summary: AF101 is the budget pick; AF161 justifies cost for capacity.
Versatility: Snacks to Proteins
| Model | Small Snacks | Large Proteins |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Great | Okay in batches |
| AF161 | Great | Better, more room |
Rating: AF101 – 8/10 | AF161 – 9/10
Summary: AF161 fits bigger meals without crowding.
Health and Coating Safety
| Model | Coating | Oil Use |
|---|---|---|
| AF101 | Ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free basket | Very low oil needed |
| AF161 | Ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free basket | Very low oil needed |
Rating: AF101 – 9/10 | AF161 – 9/10
Summary: Tie; both use durable ceramic coatings.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you’re choosing between ninja af101 vs af161, here’s my short take.
Pick AF101 if you want a compact, affordable air fryer for 1–3 people. It’s simple, cleans fast, and handles daily snacks and sides well.
Pick AF161 if you want more space, 450°F Max Crisp, and faster results for family meals and frozen foods. It’s the performance winner in ninja af101 vs af161.
FAQs Of ninja af101 vs af161
Which cooks faster in the ninja af101 vs af161 matchup?
AF161. It has higher power and reaches 450°F with Max Crisp, so it cooks and crisps faster.
Is the AF101 big enough for a family of four?
It can work, but you’ll likely cook in batches. For full meals, AF161’s larger basket is better.
Does AF161 make a big difference for frozen fries?
Yes. At 450°F Max Crisp, AF161 gives extra crunch and shorter cook times vs AF101.
Are both baskets dishwasher-safe?
Yes. Both AF101 and AF161 have ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates.
If I only reheat and make small snacks, which should I buy?
AF101. For basic reheating and small batches, it’s cheaper and easier to store in the ninja af101 vs af161 choice.
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