Ninja AF101 vs AF161: Complete Comparison to Help You Choose the Best Air Fryer

In my testing, frozen fries cooked in the AF161 came out golden and crisp in just 12 minutes, whereas the AF101 took 16 minutes for the same batch. Beyond frozen foods, raw proteins like steaks and salmon reveal an even bigger difference thanks to the AF161’s 450°F Broil and Max Crisp functions.

The Main Difference Between AF101 and AF161 Max XL: Frozen Foods & Max Crisp

• AF101: Max temperature 400°F, suitable for vegetables, reheating pizza, or small meals. No Max Crisp function.
• AF161 Max XL: Max 450°F with Max Crisp technology. Ideal for frozen fries, nuggets, wings, and other foods that benefit from a deep-fried texture without oil.

That extra 50°F makes a noticeable difference: you get faster browning and a crisp exterior while keeping the interior moist. In my tests, a batch of frozen fries cooked in the AF161 at 450°F Max Crisp achieved golden crispiness in 12 minutes, while the AF101 required 16 minutes and still had slightly uneven results.

Power & Cooking Speed

The main difference in power comes from wattage and recovery time. The AF101 runs at 1550 Watts—adequate for small meals. The AF161 Max XL runs at 1750 Watts, allowing the basket to recover temperature quickly after opening, which maintains consistent cooking for multiple batches or larger meals.

• AF101: 1550W, slower recovery, ideal for 1-2 servings
• AF161: 1750W, faster recovery, cooks roughly 20-30% faster for frozen foods

The Main Difference Between AF101 and AF161: Raw Protein & Broil Function

Both air fryers excel at frozen foods, but the AF161 shines when cooking raw proteins. The 450°F Broil function acts like a top-down sear. During testing:

• AF161: 1-inch ribeye achieved a restaurant-style sear without overcooking the interior. Salmon fillets developed a golden crust in under 10 minutes.
• AF101: Max 400°F allows internal doneness but lacks that dark, caramelized crust.
  

This makes a noticeable difference for users who want more than just reheated frozen snacks.

Basket & Ceramic Coating

The main difference in basket design lies in capacity and coating. Both baskets are PTFE/PFOA-free and feature ceramic coating, which is more durable than traditional non-stick and easier to clean. Notes from testing:

• AF101: 4-quart basket, compact and easy to store
• AF161: 5.5-quart basket, deeper for better airflow and larger proteins like a 3lb chicken
• Ceramic coating: requires non-metal utensils to avoid scratching, but cleaning burnt-on cheese or baked-on food is easier than competitors

Footprint & Cabinet Clearance

The main difference in size affects kitchen placement. The AF101 is compact and fits most standard cabinets. The AF161 is taller (approx. 14.8 inches) and may not fit under lower cabinets during use, especially when cooking for longer periods due to steam release. Counter space should be considered before purchasing.

Technical Comparison Table Air Fryer

Real-World Test & Experience

Cooking frozen fries at 400°F in the AF101 produced uneven crisping, whereas the AF161’s 450°F Max Crisp delivered perfectly golden fries in 12 minutes. Airflow and higher wattage maintained consistent temperature even when cooking multiple batches. Cooking a 1-inch ribeye or salmon fillets on Broil created a restaurant-style sear without overcooking the interior.

Both baskets feature Ninja’s ceramic coating, making them PTFE/PFOA-free and dishwasher safe. The AF161’s deeper basket allows better airflow for larger items like a 3lb chicken, whereas the AF101 is best for small meals and reheating.

Pros & Cons

AF161 Max XL Pros:

• Larger 5.5-quart basket fits a 3lb chicken
• Max Crisp 450°F technology for extra crunchy frozen foods
• Higher wattage (1750W) for faster, more consistent cooking
• 7-in-1 digital controls including Broil and Dehydrate
• Ceramic non-stick coating for easy cleaning

AF161 Max XL Cons:

• Larger footprint, requires more counter space
• Higher price than AF101
• Needs non-metal utensils to protect ceramic coating

AF101 Pros:

• Compact 4-quart basket ideal for small kitchens
• Lower price point
• Easy to store and move
• Ceramic coating for easy cleaning

AF101 Cons:

• Max temperature 400°F, cannot use Max Crisp or Broil
• Smaller capacity, slower cooking for family meals

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose AF101 if:

• You live alone or cook for 1-2 people
• You want a compact, budget-friendly option
• Mostly reheating or small meals
  

Choose AF161 Max XL if:

• You cook for a family of 3 or more
• You often prepare frozen foods and want extra crispiness
• You want faster cooking times and a larger basket
• You want to sear steaks or salmon with Broil function
  

FAQs

Does the AF161 fit a whole chicken?

Yes, the 5.5-quart basket fits a 3lb chicken comfortably.

Is Max Crisp worth it?

Absolutely. It delivers deep-fried crispiness on frozen foods without oil.

Which model is quieter?

The AF161 is slightly quieter (~50-53 dBA) due to higher wattage fan and improved airflow design.

Is the AF161 faster than the AF101?

Yes, higher wattage and Max Crisp reduce overall cooking time by 20-30% for frozen foods.

Does the ceramic coating really make a difference?

Yes. The ceramic coating is more durable than traditional Teflon, resists peeling, and makes cleaning easy. Just avoid metal utensils.

Final Verdict

The main difference between the Ninja AF101 and AF161 Max XL is experience and versatility. The AF101 is perfect for small kitchens or single-person households, offering reliable performance for reheating or small meals. The AF161 Max XL, with 450°F Max Crisp, Broil, larger basket, and higher wattage, is ideal for families, frozen foods, and searing proteins. If you want crispier, faster results and more cooking options, the AF161 is worth the upgrade.

Ready to buy?

• Buy AF101
• Buy AF161 Max XL

Ninja AF161 Max XL air fryer cooking frozen fries with Max Crisp