Ninja AF150AMZ vs Ninja AF161 Air Fryer: Real Cooking Differences You’ll Notice Every Day

The 30-Second Verdict: The Ninja AF161 is the better choice for most households because it reaches 450°F, producing faster cook times and noticeably crispier results than the AF150AMZ, which maxes out at 400°F. Capacity, cleaning, and counter space are otherwise very similar.

The One Difference That Changes How Food Turns Out

The main difference between the Ninja AF150AMZ and Ninja AF161 is maximum heat output. The AF161 can reach 450°F, while the AF150AMZ tops out at 400°F. That 50-degree gap directly affects browning, crispiness, and how long food needs to stay in the basket.

If you mostly cook frozen foods, wings, or breaded items, this difference shows up immediately. If you cook gentler foods like vegetables or baked items, the gap is smaller—but still noticeable.

Design, Build Quality, and Counter Fit

Both air fryers share Ninja’s compact, upright design that works well in most kitchens. They don’t sprawl across the counter, and they fit under standard cabinets without needing to pull them forward.

The AF150AMZ feels sturdy but clearly positioned as a value model. The plastics are solid, the handle is comfortable, and the controls respond quickly. It feels dependable, just not luxurious.

The AF161 feels slightly heavier and more refined. The basket coating feels thicker, the handle has a firmer grip, and the overall construction inspires more confidence if you use your air fryer daily.

Dimensions and Power Requirements

Both models are almost identical in size, which is helpful if counter space is limited.

• Dimensions: Approximately 14″ L × 11″ W × 14.75″ H
• Cord Length: About 2.6 feet
• Wattage: 1750 watts

They both require a standard kitchen outlet and heat up quickly thanks to the high wattage.

Basket Size and What Actually Fits

Both the Ninja AF150AMZ and Ninja AF161 use a 5.5-quart basket, which hits a sweet spot for most households.

In real cooking tests, both can comfortably handle:

• Up to four chicken breasts
• 1.5 pounds of frozen fries
• A whole chicken up to roughly 5 pounds

The difference isn’t how much food fits—it’s how evenly and quickly that food cooks when the basket is full.

Cooking Performance and Temperature Control

The Ninja AF150AMZ delivers consistent, even cooking at temperatures up to 400°F. Fries brown nicely, chicken cooks through without drying out, and reheated leftovers don’t turn rubbery. It’s reliable and predictable.

The Ninja AF161 pushes performance further. At 450°F, food crisps faster and develops deeper browning. Frozen fries finish sooner, wings render skin more effectively, and breaded foods achieve a crunch that’s harder to get at lower temperatures.

In side-by-side testing, frozen fries finished about three minutes faster in the AF161 with a noticeably firmer exterior.

Presets and Cooking Functions Explained

This is an area where Google users often compare models closely, and the difference here is meaningful.

Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer Presets:

• Air Fry
• Air Roast
• Bake
• Reheat
• Dehydrate
  

Ninja AF161 Air Fryer Presets:

• Max Crisp
• Air Fry
• Air Roast
• Air Broil
• Bake
• Reheat
• Dehydrate
  

The extra Broil and Max Crisp functions on the AF161 add flexibility, especially for finishing foods or cooking at very high heat.

Ceramic Coating and Food Safety

Both models use Ninja’s ceramic nonstick coating, which is PTFE- and PFOA-free. This matters for buyers concerned about food safety and long-term durability.

Food releases easily, even with sticky marinades, and cleanup doesn’t require scraping or aggressive scrubbing.

Noise Levels During Cooking

Neither model is silent, but both are reasonable for home use.

The AF150AMZ runs slightly quieter due to lower airflow demands.

The AF161 is a bit louder when operating at maximum heat, which is expected given the higher temperature and stronger fan.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is straightforward on both models.

The baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe, and hand washing takes only a few minutes. After greasy foods like wings, a short soak makes cleanup effortless.

Comparison Table

Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer Pros and Cons

• Pro: More affordable while keeping the large 5.5-quart capacity
• Pro: Simple interface that’s easy for beginners
• Con: Maxes out at 400°F, so crispiness takes longer
• Con: Fewer cooking modes and no Broil option

Ninja AF161 Air Fryer Pros and Cons

• Pro: 450°F Max Crisp delivers faster, crunchier results
• Pro: Seven presets offer greater versatility
• Con: Usually costs $20–$40 more
• Con: Slightly louder at peak heat

Who the Ninja AF150AMZ  Air FryerIs Best For

The AF150AMZ makes sense if you want dependable performance, a lower price, and straightforward cooking without extra modes you may not use.

Who the Ninja AF161 Air Fryer Is Best For

The AF161 is the better choice if frozen foods, wings, or crispy textures are a regular part of your meals and you want faster results.

Common Buyer Questions

Does the Ninja AF150AMZ  Air Fryer include Max Crisp?

No. Only the AF160 and AF161 series reach 450°F.

Are the baskets dishwasher safe?

Yes. Both models include dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates.

Can you cook a whole chicken?

Yes. Both can handle a whole chicken up to about 5 pounds.

Final Thoughts

The Ninja AF150AMZ is a solid, no-nonsense air fryer that performs well for everyday meals and often becomes the better deal during sales events.

The Ninja AF161 justifies its higher price by cooking faster and delivering better texture. If the price difference is reasonable, it’s the model most people will be happier owning long-term.