Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
The best all-around air fryer under $100 — even crisping, dishwasher-safe parts, dead simple.

The Air Fryer Max XL (model AF161) is Ninja's larger-capacity, higher-heat option: a 5.5-quart ceramic-coated basket that fits about 3 lbs of fries or wings, and Max Crisp technology that runs up to 450°F — 50°F hotter than the entry-level AF101 — for faster, crispier results. Seven functions cover Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate.
Best for: Families · Larger batches · Frozen foods · Faster cook times
Day to day, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161) scores 4/5 on ease of use and 5/5 on performance in our category comparison — running at 1750W, a 5.5 qt capacity, serving about 3–4. The standout is bigger 5.5-quart capacity, and dishwasher-safe parts keep cleanup mostly hands-off. Durability lands at 4/5, which lines up with its 1 year warranty.
Buy the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161) if you fit the Families, Larger batches, Frozen foods profile — that's where its 4/5 value score really pays off. Skip it if larger counter footprint, or if pricier than the entry-level af101 would bother you day to day.
Compared to the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161) trades some value-for-money score for it (4/5 vs 5/5). If even cooking matters more to you than bigger 5.5-quart capacity, the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is the one to check next.
Here is how the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161) compares with other air fryers we list.
| Product | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 4 qt |
| COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer (5.8 qt) | 5.8 qt |
| Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161) (this page) | 5.5 qt |
Comparison is across the 5 air fryers in the Kantan Prep catalog, not the whole market. Check current prices on Amazon.
| Capacity | 5.5 qt |
|---|---|
| Serves | 3–4 |
| Material | Ceramic-coated non-stick basket |
| Wattage | 1750 |
| Voltage | 120 |
| Dimensions (in) | 14.2 x 11.9 x 12.8 |
| Weight (lbs) | 13.1 |
| Color | Grey |
| Controls | digital |
| Presets | 7 |
| Temp range (°F) | 105–450 |
| Timer | 60 min |
| Functions | Max Crisp, Air fry, Air roast, Air broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Included | Broil rack |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| BPA-free | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise | Low |
| Power | Corded electric |
| Footprint | Medium |
Prices on Amazon change often, so use the Check price on Amazon button to see the current price and any available options before you buy.
Best for: Families, Larger batches, Frozen foods, Faster cook times. If that profile doesn't fit, the COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer (5.8 qt) covers similar ground and is worth a look.
At a 4/5 value-for-money score in our comparison, it's one of the stronger picks in its category — the main tradeoff to weigh is larger counter footprint.
📖 Want the full rundown? Read our Air Fryers buying guide.
The best all-around air fryer under $100 — even crisping, dishwasher-safe parts, dead simple.
Best features pick — big square basket, one-touch presets, sleek screen.