If you’re torn between the Ninja AF101 and the Ninja AF150AMZ, this review breaks down everything you need to know: capacity, wattage, cooking performance, basket design, and even the subtle differences that make the Amazon-exclusive AF150AMZ a sleeper hit. I’ve spent weeks testing both air fryers in real-world cooking situations, from fries to whole chickens, and I’ll give you my honest take so you can decide which one fits your kitchen and lifestyle.
Quick Comparison: Ninja AF101 vs AF150AMZ Air Fryer
The main difference between the Ninja AF101 and AF150AMZ is size and power. The AF150AMZ has a larger 5.5-quart basket and a 1750W motor, compared to the AF101’s 4-quart basket and 1550W motor. This translates into faster cooking, better crisping, and the ability to cook a whole chicken or larger batches of food at once.
| Feature | Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 Quarts | 5.5 Quarts |
| Real-World Capacity | ~2 lbs fries (2 servings) | ~3 lbs fries or 3–4 lb whole chicken |
| Wattage | 1550 Watts | 1750 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 105°F – 400°F | 105°F – 400°F |
| Fan Speeds | 2 Speeds | 3 Speeds (optimized for Bake) |
| Presets | 4 (No Bake) | 5 (Includes Bake) |
| Basket Coating | Ceramic-Coated (PTFE/PFAS-Free) | Ceramic-Coated (PTFE/PFAS-Free) |
| Height | 13.3 inches | 14.75 inches |
| Whole Chicken? | No | Yes, fits 3–4 lb |
| Amazon Exclusive | No | Yes (AMZ SKU) |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited | 1-Year (Amazon-Supported) |
Cooking Capacity in Real Kitchens
The main difference between the AF101 and AF150AMZ becomes obvious when you’re cooking for more than two people. I tested both with fries, chicken wings, and whole chickens:
- AF101: Handles up to 2 lbs of fries or about 2 servings. Perfect for singles or couples.
- AF150AMZ: Fits 3 lbs of fries, 3–4 lb whole chicken, or multiple servings of wings. If you regularly cook for 3–4 people, the extra capacity is a huge time-saver.
Pro tip: For crowded baskets like wings, the AF150AMZ’s 1750W motor ensures even heat distribution, so nothing comes out soggy or undercooked in the middle.
Performance: Heat, Crisping, and Speed
The main difference in performance is wattage. Both models max out at 400°F, but the AF150AMZ cooks faster and recovers heat more quickly after opening the basket. I timed fries and wings side-by-side: the AF150AMZ finished cooking roughly 10–15% faster.
Extra wattage doesn’t just speed things up—it improves browning, especially in denser foods like chicken drumsticks or potato wedges. And if you use the Bake preset, the fan speed is slightly lower, preventing muffins or cakes from toppling over or browning too quickly.
Ceramic Basket Advantages
Both models feature PTFE/PFAS-free ceramic-coated baskets. The main difference is size, but cleaning both is effortless. Even after cooking greasy wings, the basket wipes clean with minimal soap and water.
Under-Cabinet Fit and Kitchen Footprint
The main difference here is height: the AF101 is 13.3 inches tall, while the AF150AMZ is 14.75 inches. Standard cabinets are 18 inches above the counter, so both fit easily. For the taller AF150AMZ, I recommend pulling it slightly forward to vent steam safely.
AMZ SKU: What You Need to Know
The “AMZ” in AF150AMZ means it’s an Amazon-exclusive SKU. The main difference here is that this model often comes at better pricing than the base AF101, yet delivers more capacity and higher wattage, making it the “Goldilocks” option between compact and XL models.
Pros & Cons
Ninja AF101 Pros
- Compact, perfect for small kitchens
- Affordable entry-level option
- Energy efficient
- Lightweight and easy to move
Ninja AF150AMZ Pros
- Much larger basket capacity
- 1750W power cooks faster and evenly
- Fits a 3–4 lb whole chicken
- Extra Bake preset adds versatility
- Amazon-exclusive pricing sometimes beats AF101
Noise Level
The main difference is subtle: both operate around 60–65 dB, similar to a normal conversation. The AF150AMZ has a slightly deeper tone because of the more powerful motor, but it’s not disruptive during cooking.
Baking and Dehydrating Features
The AF150AMZ wins here. With a lower temperature range down to 105°F and an extra Bake preset, you can make muffins, cakes, or even dehydrated fruits. The AF101 can’t go as low, so it’s less versatile for delicate tasks.
Quick FAQ
Which is quieter?
Both are similar. The AF150AMZ is slightly deeper in tone.
Is the AF150AMZ basket the same as the Max XL?
No. The AF150AMZ maxes out at 400°F. The AF161 Max XL goes to 450°F and adds Max Crisp mode.
Can I fit a whole chicken?
Yes — AF150AMZ fits 3–4 lb chickens. The AF101 generally cannot.
Buying Advice
If you cook for 1–2 people and want a compact, energy-efficient air fryer, go with the AF101. But for larger portions, faster cooking, and extra versatility, the AF150AMZ is the clear winner. During Amazon sales, the AMZ SKU may even be cheaper than the AF101.
Final Verdict
Both are excellent air fryers, but the AF150AMZ’s higher wattage, expanded capacity, and additional presets make it a smarter choice for most kitchens. In my personal testing, it consistently outperformed the AF101 in speed, crisping, and flexibility.
Pro tip: Watch for Prime Day deals. The AF150AMZ often sees deeper discounts because it’s Amazon-exclusive, making it an even better value than the smaller AF101.
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