Ninja AF101 vs AF161 Air Fryer Comparison: Key Differences You Need to Know
Ninja air fryers are among the top choices in today’s market, known for their versatility and performance. Regardless of the model or size, all Ninja air fryers use convection technology – circulating hot air around the food to ensure fast, even cooking with consistent results.
While you can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, Ninja air fryers do have some specific features that make them ideal for certain types of foods. In this blog post – in continuation to our previous Ninja air fryer comparison – we are comparing Ninja AF101 vs AF161 side by side and find out the key difference between them.
In-Depth Comparison: Ninja AF101 vs AF161 – Which Air Fryer Is Right for You?
| Features | Ninja AF101 | Ninja AF161 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13x11x13 Inches | 14x11x14.75 Inches |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Color | Black/Grey | Grey – High Gloss Finish |
| Capacity | 4 Quart | 5.5 Quart |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fryer, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate |
| Temperature Range | 400F Max | 450F Max |
| BPA Free | Yes | Yes |
| Nonstick Basket | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Power | 1500W | 1750W |
| Control Panel | One Touch Buttons | One Touch Buttons |
| Amazon Rating | 4.8/5 Stars (#1 Best Seller) | 4.7/5 Stars |
| Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Ninja AF101 vs AF161: Key Difference
The key difference between the Ninja AF101 and AF161 lies in the number of cooking functions each model offers. In addition to that, they also vary in weight, maximum temperature, wattage, and overall size.
Appearance
Ninja AF101 and AF161 feature glossy finish with almost identical design and feel however, Ninja AF161 is slightly bigger than AF101.
The Ninja AF101 measures 13 x 11 x 13 inches, while the Ninja AF161 comes in at 14 x 11 x 14.75 inches—making it slightly wider and taller by about an inch. Despite the size difference, both models remain compact enough for convenient countertop use or easy cupboard storage.
Ninja AF101 weighs about 5 pounds while Ninja AF161 weighs 11 pounds which is pretty heavy in comparison to AF101. Ninja AF101 features black and grey color while Ninja AF161 features a grey (high gloss finish) exterior.
Cooking Capacity
No matter how big or small a family you are, there is an air fryer for everyone. Ninja AF101 features a 4 Quart cooking capacity which is enough to cook for 3-4 people at a time whereas Ninja AF161 is slightly bigger and better with generous 5.5 Quart cooking capacity which is suitable for medium size families.
Cooking Functions
Ninja AF101 and AF161 are versatile appliances capable of doing more than just air frying French fries. Ninja AF101 is packed with 4 cooking functions whereas Ninja AF161 leads the race with 7 cooking functions.
Ninja AF101 Cooking Functions
- Air Fryer
- Roast
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
Ninja AF161 Cooking Functions
- Max Crisp
- Air Fry
- Air Roast
- Air Broil
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
On top of that Ninja Air Fryer AF161 has higher max temperature limit of 450F which lets you cook a wider range of meals with precise doneness as you like.
Last but not least, Ninja AF101 is a 1500W air fryer while Ninja AF161 is 1750W – more power, amazing cooking!
Ninja AF101 Vs AF161: Commonalities
Besides a few differences, there are a lot of common features that you will find in Ninja AF101 and AF161 as well.
Material
Ninja AF101 and AF161 are made of durable, dense plastic which is BPA free. The interior is nonstick whereas the exterior of both the air fryers is finger print resistant which can easily be wiped clean. Both baskets are nonstick coated and dishwasher safe hence cleaning is as easy as ABC.
Control Panel
Both Ninja air fryers AF101 and AF161 feature an intuitive and easy to navigate control panel consisting of one touch buttons and a digital timer to keep track of cooking progress. The buttons are labeled and well arranged so anyone can easily cook with Ninja AF101 and AF161.
Price
Ninja AF101 is available for about 100$ whereas Ninja AF161 is available for 150$. The additional 50$ will get you generous cooking capacity and 3 additional cooking functions that you don’t get with Ninja AF101.
Pros and Cons of Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
Pros ✅
- 4 Quart cooking capacity
- Ceramic coated nonstick air frying basket
- 4 cooking functions
- Multi-layer roasting rack
- Dishwasher safe accessories
- Easy to use control panel
- Wider temperature range
Cons ⚠️
- Small cooking capacity
- Nonstick coating may scratch
Pros and Cons of Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja AF100) for hotter, crispier results with little to no oil for guilt free fried favorites.
Pros ✅
- 5.5 Quart cooking capacity
- Nonstick coated air frying basket
- 7 cooking functions
- Dishwasher safe accessories
- Intuitive control panel
- Sleek and stylish appearance
- Wider temperature range
Cons ⚠️
- Burnt plastic smell
Conclusion: Ninja AF101 and AF161
Choosing between Ninja AF101 and AF161 is straightforward. Ninja AF161 is the clear winner thanks to 7 cooking functions, and a family size cooking capacity. If you are into hosting family gatherings, AF161 is perfect for batch cooking.
On the contrary, Ninja AF101 is fine for a small to medium family especially if you are on a budget. Overall, both air fryers offer compact design, an eye catching and appealing look and a premium feel. What would you choose and why? Let us know your though on your favorite air fryer!
