Simple, sleek, and built for quick, no-fuss meals. Great for folks cooking for one or two
Deal Score0
VS
Built to handle the big stuff, whether that’s dinner for the whole fam or crispy perfection for a crowd.
Deal Score0

Alright, so you’re torn between the Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101) and the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161), huh? Totally get it, feels like trying to choose the MVP for your kitchen lineup. Both of these basket-style air fryers from Ninja are awesome little machines that’ll crisp up your faves (fries, wings, veggies, you name it) with way less oil and way more crunch.

 

Here’s the deal: the 4 Quart is your go-to if you’re cooking for one or two people, or just want something compact that won’t take over your counter. Super handy, super chill. But if you’ve got a hungry crew to feed, or you’re just someone who loves batch cooking or leftovers, the 5.5 Quart Max XL gives you that extra space and cranks up the heat a bit more for even crispier results.

 

So, which one’s vibing with your kitchen style? Let’s break down the details and help you pick the perfect fit!

Compare Specifications

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101) vs Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161) Which is better?
VS
Capacity
4 Quart
VS
5.5 Quart
Wattage
1550W
VS
1750W
Max Temperature
400°F
VS
450°F
Cooking Functions
4: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
VS
7: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Broil
Basket Dimensions
9 x 9 x 4.5 inches (approx.)
VS
10 x 10 x 5 inches (approx.)
Weight
10.6 lbs
VS
11 lbs
Overall Dimensions
13.6 x 11 x 13.3 inches
VS
14 x 11 x 14.75 inches
Cord Length
2.6 ft
VS
2.6 ft
Max Fries Capacity
2 lbs
VS
3 lbs
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
VS
Yes
Nonstick Coating
Ceramic
VS
Ceramic
Included Accessories
Crisper Plate
VS
Crisper Plate, Multi-Layer Rack
Control Type
Digital Buttons
VS
Digital Buttons
Color Options
Black/Grey
VS
Black/Grey
Preheat Time
~3 minutes to 400°F
VS
~3 minutes to 400°F (Max Crisp skips preheat)
Warranty
1 Year
VS
1 Year
Temperature Range
105°F to 400°F
VS
105°F to 450°F

Compare Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101) vs Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

Specs & Price Comparison

Capacity

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161) Capacity

Let’s talk size, because when it comes to air fryers, capacity totally matters. The Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart can handle about 2 lbs of fries, which is perfect if you’re cooking for just yourself or maybe one other person. It’s great for quick meals or small sides without going overboard.

Now, if you’ve got a few more mouths to feed (or just like having leftovers, no judgment, I’m the same), the Ninja Max XL 5.5 Quart steps it up. It fits around 3 lbs of fries or even a whole chicken. Yeah, a whole chicken! So if you’ve got a family dinner on the regular or love hosting, the Max XL’s your new best friend.

Bottom line? The 4 Quart is solid for smaller portions, but the Max XL takes the crown if you’re all about that extra space.

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101)
Portion-perfect for 1–2 people 75%
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)
Feeding-the-crew approved 85%

🏆 Winner: Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

Temperature & Cooking Functions

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161) Functions

 

Alright, let’s talk heat and versatility, because that’s where the magic (aka crispy perfection) happens. The Ninja 4 Quart goes up to 400°F and comes with four solid functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. It’s great if you’re sticking to the classics, think crispy fries, reheated pizza, or dried fruit if you’re feeling fancy.

Now, the 5.5 Quart Max XL? That one kicks it up a notch, literally. It cranks all the way to 450°F and gives you seven functions. On top of the basics, you also get Max Crisp, Bake, and Broil. That Max Crisp mode is no joke, it blasts food with high heat for that extra crunch. Think frozen fries straight to perfection, no soggy middle in sight.

So if you’re all about having options and want your food crispy crispy, the Max XL totally takes the win here.

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101
Everyday essentials, no fuss 80%
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)
Big on functions, big on flavor 90%

🏆 Winner: Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

Power & Size

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101) Size

Let’s get into the nuts and bolts, power and size. These two might not sound exciting, but they definitely count when it comes to kitchen space and cooking speed.

The Ninja 4 Quart runs at 1550 watts and measures in at a chill 13.6 x 11 x 13.3 inches. Translation? It’s compact, efficient, and won’t take over your counter. If your kitchen’s on the smaller side or you’re just not trying to clutter things up, this one’s a solid win.

Now, the Ninja Max XL 5.5 Quart brings a bit more muscle with 1750 watts. It’s slightly bigger, 14 x 11 x 14.75 inches. So yeah, it’ll need a little more breathing room. But with that comes more cooking power and the ability to tackle bigger meals without breaking a sweat.

Bottom line? The 4 Quart is a small-space superstar, while the Max XL is a bit of a counter hog, but hey, it earns its space with extra performance.

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101)
Counter-friendly companion 85%
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)
Bigger build, bigger results 80%

🏆 Winner: Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101)

Ease of Use & Cleaning

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161) Clean

Let’s be real. If an appliance is a pain to use or clean, it’s just gonna sit there collecting dust. Thankfully, both of these Ninjas are super user-friendly. You get digital controls that are easy to figure out (no head-scratching involved), and both come with ceramic-coated, nonstick baskets that are dishwasher safe. Translation: less scrubbing, more snacking.

The 4 Quart throws in a little bonus, a multi-layer rack. It’s great for cooking multiple things at once or just giving your food some extra airflow. The 5.5 Quart doesn’t come with the rack, but it makes up for it with a bigger crisper plate that holds more food at once.

Honestly, both are a breeze to use and clean, but if you’re into multitasking or want to crisp things evenly on two levels, that little rack gives the 4 Quart a tiny win in this round.

Perfect for multitaskers
Decent Quality 85%
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)
Roomy and ready to roll 85%

🏆 Winner: Tie

7.8Expert Score
Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101)

Perfect for one or two, Perfect for quick bites, Doesn’t hog the counter

Capacity
7
Versatility
8
Size
8.5
Positive
  • Compact for small kitchens
  • Affordable and efficient
  • Multi-layer rack for stacking
  • Solid for 1-2 people
Negatives
  • Limited to 400°F
  • Smaller capacity

Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals,...

$89.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: April 24, 2025 12:00 pm
8.6Expert Score
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

Great for feeding the crew, A little extra but in a good way, More heat, more options

Capacity
9
Versatility
9
Size
8
Positive
  • Bigger 5.5-quart capacity
  • 450°F Max Crisp for extra crunch
  • More cooking functions
  • Great for 3-4 servings
Negatives
  • Takes up more counter space
  • No multi-layer rack

Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish, Grey

$129.99 $169.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: April 24, 2025 12:00 pm

Our Pick

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

After weighing the specs, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161) takes the win for us. With its larger capacity, higher 450°F temp, and bonus cooking functions like Max Crisp and Broil, it’s basically a crispy food powerhouse. Perfect if you’re cooking for a family, love hosting, or just want that next-level, restaurant-style crunch at home.

 

That said, the 4 Quart is still a total gem. It’s compact, efficient, and awesome for solo meals or smaller kitchens. If you’re tight on space or mainly making quick bites, it’s a strong pick.

 

But if you’re all about options, cooking for a crew, or just want to max out your air frying game, the 5.5 Quart is absolutely worth the extra counter space. Crispy wins all around!

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)
Highest Price
$129.99 Amazon.com
April 20, 2025
Lowest Price
$119.96 Amazon.com
April 9, 2025
Current Price
$129.99 Amazon.com
April 24, 2025
Since April 7, 2025

Buy if...

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101)

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101) Review

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161) Review

Latest User Reviews

See what real customers say about these products:

Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart (AF101)

The Ninja Air Fryer has made cooking so much easier and healthier! I love the 4-in-1 functionality, which allows me to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate all in one compact machine. Whether I’m making crispy fries, frozen foods, veggies, or juicy meat, the 4 QT capacity is perfect for preparing meals for my family without taking up too much space in the kitchen. The air frying feature is a game-changer, delivering the same crispy texture as deep-frying, but with much less oil. It’s the perfect solution for making healthier meals without compromising on flavor or texture. The machine heats up quickly, and the easy-to-use controls make it a breeze to cook meals with just the right settings. Cleaning is super simple, as the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe. Plus, the compact design means it’s easy to store in my kitchen when not in use. This product offers great value for money, excellent functionality, and is easy to use. If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-use air fryer for healthier, quick meals, I highly recommend the Ninja Air Fryer AF101! Highly recommend!
igomesf
5/5
Bought this as a gift for someone to help them stop eating fast food every day. It has been a game changer for them. It is easy to use and easy to clean. It takes up a little space on the counter but not bad compared to others I have seen.
AS Amazonorder
5/5
Been having this fryer for 2 weeks now and it has NOT rested yet. I LOVE IT & wonder how I've gone this long w/out one. Before I start bragging on this thing, I am by no way endorsed by Ninja or getting paid by them. I've owned a few Ninja products blenders and still have one that's over 10 years old. They make quality machines. This fryer is a life & time saver...especially if you're a lazy cook. I have been researching air fryers for the past few months and nothing comes close to the Ninja. The basket size isn't the large 5+ quart capacity like the bigger fryers, (Ninja is only 4qt), but this thing cooks so fast you won't miss the extra 1 qt. It comes w/ a crisper that works perfectly, a recipe book and a multi-layer rack. The first night I had it I made wings and I tell you that I will NEVER buy fried chicken again!!! Yes, they were that crispy and tasted much better. I bought the Louisiana fried chicken flour from Walmart, battered the wings, spritzed w/ a little olive oil and had fried chicken in 10 minutes. No greasy mess, no 3rd degree burns from hot oil, and your house doesn't smell like a chicken joint for 4 days afterward. Because the Ninja uses a ceramic coating on their fryers the clean up is very easy. Next, I made sweet potato fries! Had a bag of frozen ones in the freezer and popped those babies in for 10 min. They were crispier than McDonald's. I tried homemade fries but the procedure takes too long. You have to peel, slice, soak potatoes, dry them...I'm just ready to pop them in the fryer and eat! It has been nonstop air fryer cooking in this house! I hit youtube to get a few recipes and it's been on ever since. What I like best about this fryer is it has a dehydrator feature and how fast it cooks. Frozen chicken wings? No problem! Throw them in the fryer for 10 minutes and they're defrosted. I've cooked pizza, fries, wings, reheated food, fried zucchini, and tonight I baked a chocolate cake. Everything came out perfect! Next up is donuts! The only thing I don't like about this fryer is 30 seconds after it finishes cooking it shuts off. I know this is a safety feature but I always have more items to cook. In 2 weeks, I have used my microwave twice, and that was to reheat coffee. Before I forget, I did cinnamon rolls too! I used the canned Pillsbury ones and it normally takes 20 min in the oven. In the Ninja? 8 minutes and that's if you like them brown. I actually could have stopped it at 5 min and they would be perfect. My house smelled like a Cinnabon factory!😛 I have used every feature on this fryer except the dehydrator but I'll be making beef jerky soon. Overall, I am VERY pleased! The best selling feature was the price & the size. The Ninja is much slimmer than some of the bulkier fryers and fits under my cabinet nicely. I'm also happy it only used 1500W unlike some of the larger fryers that burn 1800 which could kill your light bill. The outside of the fryer doesn't get hot so you won't have to worry about getting burned but do take caution when taking your food out. Is it loud? My exhaust fan on my stove is louder than the Ninja. The extension cord on it is long so you don't have to worry about being limited on where you can place it. I think I've covered everything? This thing is THE BOMB! If you're wondering what cookware you can use, just about anything you place in a microwave you can put in the Ninja. I went to the Dollar Tree and bought a few 7" foil pans I use to reheat food & bake in. Also, grab you some silicone tongs while you're there so you don't scratch the surface of your fryer. This thing has been almost as good as a kid getting a new bike for Christmas. You will NOT be disappointed w/ this purchase. Happy & healthy cooking!
C. Martin
5/5
Don’t know why I waited so long to buy one of these. The price was right. We use it daily. It’s not big enough for a 3 person meal but is sufficient for 3 people on different work/meal schedules. Easy to operate. Cons: The airfry setting is preset to 20’. I don’t see anything in the manual on how to change this. We NEVER need to cook anything that long. A preheat of 3 mins is required each time you air fry, which means you must press “air fry” and set the time to 3 mins. Then you have to press airfry again and set desired time, again adjusting from 20’. Why can’t the preset time be something useful, like 5’? You have to check/shake most foods around that time anyway… Quality is good, easy to clean non stick surface. Buy parchment paper liners to make cleanup easier, but they do reduce crispness somewhat.
None
4/5

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 Quart (AF161)

My mom is notoriously difficult to shop for presents for. Like nearly impossible. She never asks for anything, never wants anything and rarely uses the things I do get her, even if she likes them. But I'd been thinking about how great an air fryer would be for her since she wouldn't have to take all of the pans out of the oven to cook, pre-heat the oven, wait for it to cool down before putting the pans back in while also using extra grease and oil to cook with. My husband I got her this, half expecting her to never use it, but she finally opened it up (we were starting to get a little worried she wouldn't even try it) and was immediately hooked! She finds it very easy to use (she's not tech-savvy at all, but it really is VERY easy and straightforward), versatile (you can make so many things in it including bread!) and easy to clean and put away. It doesn't take up a lot of countertop footprint space, but it can easily cook meals for the whole family (even one thing after another since we have differing tastes in our household) within minutes. It's completely changed the cooking experience for her for the better. She's not hot and sweaty from the oven and doesn't have to haul around pots and pans or add extra calories and fats to the food she's cooking. Since she got it, she's bought herself three air-fryer cookbooks and has made dinner in it at least 3-4 times a week! She's never shown this much interest or excitement out of using something I've given her. It was worth ever penny and more, both because it's an amazing piece of kitchen equipment but also to see her smile when she realized how much it helped her. We still have uses to discover with it since it does so many things, but literally nothing she's tried in it has turned out badly so I'm sure anything else that gets made is going to be amazing, too!
H.M.
5/5
Bought this product along with an electronic 2 ring convection hob, we love both products so much we are getting rid of our gas cooker, why keep it? The air fryer cooks beef, lamb, steaks, chicken in a third of the time the meat succulent and juicy, melts in your mouth. Our gas oven takes much longer, saving money on gas bills, we have got rid of our deep fat fryer as well...win/win. Highly recommend this product!! I have written a review on Amazon about the hob hope my reviews are helpful to others who may be considering to purchase either product?
Alan Jarvis
5/5
Cooks clean and fast, easily stored, no spattered grease or spilt grease. Easy to wash, large enough to cook a full main dish, easier to use than an oven. Of course it does not have the full capability of a full size oven, but we are feeding usually between 2 and 4 people, and the volume is not usually need unless its a special occasion. My favorite things are, chicken wings, chicken fingers, ribs and baked potato, but there are hundreds of different foods that can be cooked in it. Unlike a microwave, it can brown the food and add extra flavor to the food.
grg nite
5/5
We just received our Ninja Air Fryer (AF) today. Woot!! After researching, watching YouTubes on AF’s & combo AF’s & toaster ovens we decided to go with a straight Air Fryer. So glad we did! Smell: Many of the reviews commented on the smell when first running. We put ours on the patio & ran it about 1-1/2 hours going thru the different settings. It did have a smell which my husband related to a new car engine smell. Smile! It smells like plastic. Bird: We have a pet ring neck dove, Buddy, so we wanted a safe AF without Teflon. We were assured the basket & plate are ceramic. The plate does come out of the basket. Cleaning: It does clean up nice & quick. We hand washed to protect the ceramic coating. Testing/Cooking: Hubby did fish sticks & he was so happy! Crisper than the oven!! He followed the directions on the Trident fish stick bag. These are from Costco. In sale now. So… I eat low carb but had to try a bite of that crispy fish & it was truly crispy & tasty! Without a recipe I jumped right in & used the AF button to air fry a bell pepper seeded & cut in half. I added cut up turkey & turkey bacon & tomato & did the AF button for a few minutes. I believe that defaults to 390 degrees. Don’t quote me. 😱 Did that for 2-3 minutes. All the while checking to make sure not burning. NOTE: When you pull out the basket it continues to run unless you pause & then hit start again. Also, it doesn’t beep half way thru for you to shake or stir. Next I added fresh Parmesan cheese. Yummo. The exciting thing is I just threw a good amount in there & it spilled onto the basket along with the tomato. Cooked on AF & it browned!! Yay, nothing stuck & it cleaned up beautifully. I just didn’t want to baby it, you know. Time & Temp: These can be adjusted while it’s running. No need to pause it. I adjusted the time or temp & with a small delay it changed over & kept going without a hiccup. Heat: The top is not not but the back has some heat. The handle is fine to touch. The sides & front are a bit warm. I would move fresh veggies off the counter when using this as the area does get a bit warm but not like the stove! I believe this will be great to use in the summer PLUS you can make meals fresh daily at a moments notice. Basket: I believe this is around 8-1/4”. Not huge but not small either. It is round. We would have liked it to be square but this is great. ENJOY shopping & learning about this Ninja. I hope this review helps. We would recommend this addition to your family. Smile! Blessings. 🌸🥑🌸🥑🌸 Update: this Air Fryer is amazing. We use this a lot. I just had to do another post. We would buy this again & would recommend to anyone. We also got silicone liner baskets for cooking something not solid. These work great but the ones we got are no longer available. This cleans easy, too! Enjoy!! 🤗 One year anniversary update. We love this Air Fryer. It’s truly amazing. While it doesn’t hold a lot it is doable. We made thick ground beef patties 14oz. Shaped them with thumb print in the middle so they don’t puff up. Cooked 5 minutes on Air Fry & flipped. Cooked 5 more minutes & checked temperature. 145 was perfect. No link in the middle. Could cook maybe 9 minutes! We are very happy with this! Just had to share update!!!! 😉 We also have a pet Dove and the AF is no issue as it’s PFOE & more free!!
Leslie
5/5

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