Hands-On Review: Is the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer Worth the Hype?
The Ninja AF101 isn’t just an air fryer; it’s practically a kitchen celebrity. With tens of thousands of 5-star reviews, it has maintained its spot as a bestseller for years. But in a market now flooded with dual-basket giants and smart ovens, does this compact 4-quart pod still hold up?
We put the Ninja AF101 through the wringer—testing everything from frozen wings to dehydrated apples—to help you decide if this is the right appliance for your countertop.
The Quick Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
👨⚖️ Bottom Line
The Ninja AF101 remains the gold standard for compact air fryers. Its ceramic-coated basket is safer and more durable than the cheap Teflon found in competitors, and its fan power is unmatched for its size.
Buy it if: You are cooking for 1–2 people, have limited counter space, and want crispy results without a complex interface.
Skip it if: You have a family of 4+ (get the AF161 Max XL instead) or want to rotisserie a whole chicken.
If you’re still on the fence about digital versus manual controls, check out our guide on the best digital air fryers to see where the Ninja ranks.
Design & Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the AF101 is that it doesn’t feel “cheap.” While many budget fryers use thin plastic that warps, the Ninja feels dense and well-constructed. The grey and black finish is sleek, though it does attract fingerprints.
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 4 Quarts (fits about 2 lbs of fries).
- Temp Range: 105°F to 400°F.
- Wattage: 1500 Watts.
- Coating: Ceramic (PTFE/PFOA Free).
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
The ceramic basket is the real standout here. Most competitors use Teflon, which can flake off into your food over time. The Ninja’s ceramic coating is incredibly slick and much harder to scratch.
Cooking Performance
Specs are nice, but how does the food taste? We tested the main functions:
1. Air Frying (The Crunch Test)
Because the basket is relatively small (4 quarts) and the fan is powerful, the air velocity is high. This means food crisps up significantly faster than in larger oven-style units. Frozen fries were golden in 12 minutes at 400°F. Chicken wings had blistered skin without being dried out.
2. Dehydrating
Unlike many budget fryers that bottom out at 170°F, the Ninja AF101 drops down to 105°F. This low-and-slow capability allows you to make beef jerky or apple chips directly in the basket.
Cleaning & Maintenance
One of the biggest pain points of air frying is the cleanup. Ninja makes this easy with their ceramic coating.
- Dishwasher Safe: Both the basket and the crisper plate can go in the dishwasher.
- Hand Wash Recommended: To extend the life of the coating, we suggest a quick scrub with warm soapy water. The grease slides right off.
To keep your basket looking brand new for years, we highly recommend using parchment paper. Check out our guide on the best air fryer liners to prevent sticky messes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best appliances have quirks. Here are a few things to watch out for with the AF101:
The “New Plastic” Smell
Some users report a chemical smell during the first few uses. This is normal “off-gassing” from the factory protective coating. If you encounter this, read our guide on how to fix air fryer plastic smells quickly.
Fan Noise
The Ninja is powerful, and power creates noise. It runs louder than a microwave but quieter than a blender. If you hear a rattling sound, however, it might indicate a mechanical issue. See our article on troubleshooting air fryer fans.
Comparison: Ninja vs. Rivals
Is the Ninja AF101 still better than the cheaper competition? Let’s compare it to the popular Cosori 5 Qt.
| Feature | Ninja AF101 | Cosori Pro LE | GoWise USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Budget |
| Coating | Ceramic (Safe) | Teflon | Teflon |
| Min Temp | 105°F (Dehydrate) | 170°F | 180°F |
| Noise | Medium | Quiet | Loud |
Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- Ceramic coated basket (Non-toxic).
- Excellent dehydration range (105°F).
- Very fast pre-heat times (3 mins).
- Simple, tactile buttons (no finicky touchscreens).
❌ The Cons
- 4 Quart size is too small for families.
- Round basket shape loses corner space.
- Fan can be somewhat noisy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja AF101 big enough for a whole chicken?
No. The 4-quart basket is compact. You can fit about 2 lbs of wings or 3 chicken breasts, but for a whole bird, you’ll need the Ninja Max XL or a toaster oven style fryer.
Does it come with a rack?
Yes, it includes a multi-layer rack that allows you to stack food, essentially doubling the cooking surface area for flatter items like burger patties.
What is the warranty?
Ninja typically offers a 1-year limited warranty. Their customer service is generally regarded as superior to budget brands found on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja AF101 has held its value because it focuses on the basics: speed, durability, and safety. If you want a reliable workhorse for your kitchen that won’t peel or break after six months, this is the one to buy.
