Ninja air fryers are some of the most popular air fryers on the market. While they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all Ninja air fryers use convection cooking to cook food. This means that hot air circulates around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly for precise 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.
Ninja AF101 Vs AF161 Comparison Chart
Features Ninja AF101 Ninja AF161
Dimensions 13x11x13 Inches 14x11x14.75 Inches
Material Plastic Plastic
Weight 10.58 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
Best Price Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon
Difference Between Ninja AF101 and AF161
The main difference between Ninja AF101 and AF161 is the number of cooking functions both air fryers have to offer. The Ninja AF161 offers seven cooking functions with a maximum temperature range of 450 degrees, while the Ninja AF offers four cooking functions with a maximum temperature range of 400 degrees. Apart from number of cooking functions, and max temperature there are differences in weight, wattage, size of the product.
Appearance
Ninja AF101 and AF161 feature glossy finish with almost identical design and feel however, Ninja AF161 is slightly bigger than AF101.
Ninja AF101 measures at 13x11x13 inches whereas Ninja AF161 measures 14x11x14.75” which is 1 inch wider and 1 inch taller than Ninja AF101 yet compact enough to have a dedicated storage space in the cupboard and a spot on the counter.
Ninja AF101 weighs about 10.58 pounds while Ninja AF161 weighs 11 pounds which is slightly more but negligible at the same time. 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.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
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
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
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 ×
- Smells like burnt plastic at first
Conclusion: Ninja AF101 Vs AF161
Choosing between Ninja AF101 vs 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 the medium family especially if you are on a budget. Overall, both air fryers offer a compact design, an eye-catching and appealing look and a premium feel. What would you choose and why? Let us know your thought on your favorite air fryer!
Related: Ninja AF101 vs AF150AMZ | Instant Vortex Plus vs Pro Air Fryer | Instant Pot Vortex Pro Vs Omni Plus | Instant Pot Sous Vide Vs Anova Culinary
