Picking between the Ninja AF161 and the Ninja AF181 is not easy. Both are strong, with good speed and heat. But each has its own edge. One may suit you more, based on how you cook.
The Ninja AF181 has more advanced features, cooks fast, and gives top results. The AF161 is still great, with strong, clear wins for less cash. I’ve used both in my own kitchen. I’ve air fried wings, fries, veg, and more. These tests gave me a real sense of how each one works day to day.
To back this up, I also checked trusted sites like Ninja’s own page and top review blogs. So in this post, I’ll share what I saw, liked, and didn’t like about both. That way, you can pick the one that works best for your home, meals, and wallet.
Let’s dive in.
Is Ninja AF161 Good?
I’ve had the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer for a while now and I love it. It cooks faster and uses less oil so my food is healthier. I love that the nonstick, dishwasher safe basket makes cleanup a breeze. It’s my go to for quick meals on busy days.
The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer, often regarded as one of the best air fryers for smaller families, comes with a 5.5-quart basket. It’s perfect for meal prepping or quick meals. Thanks to its Max Crisp Technology, it cooks food 30% faster, giving your fries and chicken wings a perfectly crispy texture, with less oil. I’ve found that this model excels in versatility with its 7 cooking functions, such as air frying, baking, and dehydrating.
For those looking for a fast and healthier cooking option, this air fryer has become my go-to for busy days. It’s reliable and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delivering crispy meals in no time.
What I Like
Here are the things I truly like about the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer. I’m always on the hunt for tools that make cooking easy and fun. This one has been a great help in my kitchen..
- Fast Cooking: The Max Crisp Technology cooks food 30% faster than older models. That means less time waiting and more time eating. On long workdays, I use it to whip up quick meals in no time.
- Versatile Cooking: This fryer does more than just fry. I’ve used it to roast, bake, and dry food too. I make fries, wings, and roasted veg—almost every day. No matter what I try, it cooks it well.
- Crispy Results: The Max Crisp mode makes food crunch on the outside and stay soft inside. My fries and wings turn out golden and crisp—just like I want, but with much less oil.
- Easy Cleanup: The basket has a non-stick coat and goes in the dishwasher. That means less mess for me. I just rinse it and toss it in the wash. It comes out clean every time.
- Perfect Size: With a 5.5-quart size, it fits what I need. I can cook up to 3 pounds of fries or wings—great for a meal for my small family. No need for a second batch.
What Could Be Better
While the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer has impressed me in many ways, there are a couple of minor points I’d love to see improved. However, these are very small things that don’t take away from the overall experience, and I still highly recommend this product.
- Size: The 5.5-quart size is great for big meals, but it does need room on the counter. If your kitchen is small, it might feel a bit large. I’ve had to shift a few things to make space, but the size is worth it for how much food it cooks.
- Noise Level: The air fryer is a little louder than some other models I’ve used, but it’s nothing unbearable. Still, I’ll take the sound if it means crisp food every time.
- Coating Durability: Some users have mentioned the non-stick coating may start to peel after several uses. I’ve not seen this on mine yet. I always wash it by hand with a soft sponge. I think that helps it last. But it’s good to keep this in mind if you plan to use it a lot.
Recommendation
If you want a fast, easy way to cook with less oil, the Ninja AF161 Max XL is a smart pick. It works well for busy folks, small families, or anyone who likes crisp food made quick.
The Max Crisp technology helps it cook fast and even. I use it for fries, wings, and roasted veg—and it’s done in less time than my old oven.
The 5.5-quart basket holds enough for a full meal. I often cook for three people with no need for a second batch. It’s also great if you like to prep food for the week.
Clean-up is simple. The non-stick basket goes in the dishwasher, which saves me time after meals.
It does take up space, so make sure you’ve got room for it. But for me, it’s been well worth it. It’s one of the tools I use most, and I think you’ll like it too.
Is Ninja AF181 Good?
I’ve used the Ninja AF181 Air Fryer Pro XL for a few months now. It’s a key tool in my kitchen. It cooks food fast and crisp with little or no oil. I can make fries, wings, and more in less time. That helps me eat better with less work.
The 6.5 QT size is great for big meals. It works well for my busy days. With 1750 watts, it heats fast and cooks even faster. The Max Crisp mode helps food cook even on all sides. It gives a nice crunch without deep frying.
I’ve tried many meals in it—veggies, wings, fish. Each time, it came out well. It cooks quick and saves me time. Some air fryers take long to heat. This one gets the job done fast, even with large food loads.
What I Like
I love how the Ninja AF181 Air Fryer makes cooking faster and healthier. Here’s what I like about it:
- Quick Cooking: The Max Crisp mode heats up to 450°F. It cooks food fast, which helps on busy days. I use it when I need meals in a short time.
- Healthier Cooking: I can make crispy fries and wings with little to no oil. This helps me enjoy my favorite foods without the extra fat.
- Large Basket: The 6.5 QT basket holds a lot. I can cook plenty for my family in one go, saving me time.
- Multiple Functions: It can air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dry food. I like that I don’t need many tools. One machine does it all.
- Easy to Clean: The basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Cleaning up is quick and easy.
- Compact Design: It fits well on my counter. Even with the big basket, it does not crowd the space.
What Could Be Better
The Ninja AF181 works well, but a few things could be better. These don’t change how much I like it, but they’re worth sharing.
- Fan Noise: The fan gets loud when I use air fry mode. It’s not too bad, but you’ll hear it when it runs.
- No Automatic Pause: When I pull out the basket to shake food, it keeps running. I have to press pause by hand. I wish it paused on its own.
- Learning Curve: At first, I had to guess the right cook times. Some meals came out too dry or soft. But after a week or so, I got used to it.
Recommendation
The Ninja AF181 is a solid pick if you want to cook fast and with less oil. It works well for busy homes or if you like quick, home-made meals. The 6.5 QT size lets me cook lots of food at once. I often make fries or wings in a single batch.
The Max Crisp mode cooks food fast and gets it crisp with little oil. That helps me eat better without giving up taste.
Clean-up is easy since the parts go in the dishwasher. The shape fits well on my counter and doesn’t take much space. I like how it blends in but still does a lot.
The fan can get loud, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me. All in all, it’s one of the best things I’ve added to my kitchen.
Ninja AF161 vs AF181 – Detailed Comparison
I’ve been experimenting with both the Ninja AF161 and the newer AF181 in my kitchen. They’re both solid air fryers, but they come with different features and user experiences. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you figure out which one suits you best.
Design: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Both air fryers look modern and sleek. But the AF181 has a more premium touch with its smoother edges and digital feel.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Exterior Finish | Matte black, glossy trim | Sleek black with chrome |
| Display Type | Digital buttons | Digital touchscreen |
| Overall Look | Classic air fryer style | More modern and compact |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Size and Counter Space vs. Weight: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Space matters in a small kitchen. Both are compact, but AF161 is slightly heavier.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 11″D x 14″W x 14.75″H | 14.92″D x 11.3″W x 12.01″H |
| Weight | 11.7 Pound | 11.4 Pound |
| Fits Under Cabinet | Yes | Yes |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Cooking Capacity: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
If you cook for a family or batch cook, this one matters.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Capacity | 5.5 quarts | 6 quarts |
| Ideal for | 3–4 people | 4–5 people |
Rating:
AF161 – 8/10
AF181 – 9/10
Material: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Build material affects heat distribution and longevity.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Basket Type | Ceramic-coated | Nonstick ceramic |
| Exterior | Plastic + metal | Plastic + metal |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8/10
- AF181 – 8.5/10
Build Quality and Durability: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Both are solid, but AF181 feels a bit sturdier.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Feel of materials | Durable | More refined |
| Long-term use | Holds well | Feels tougher |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Included Accessories: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Accessories can be a deal-maker if you love versatility.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Crisper Plate | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-layer rack | No | Yes |
| Recipe Booklet | Yes | Yes |
Rating:
- AF161 – 7.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Smart Features Comparison: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
While both lack app control, AF181 adds more pre-sets and smarter UI.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Preset Programs | 7 | 7 + Smart Finish |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Temperature Adjustment vs Cooking Functions: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Versatility in cooking styles makes a difference.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Max Temperature | 450°F | 450°F |
| Cooking Functions | Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Performance & Cooking Speed: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Speed matters when you’re hungry! Both heat up fast and cook evenly.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Preheat Time | Under 3 mins | Under 3 mins |
| Cooking Speed | Fast | Slightly faster |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Noise Level: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Neither is whisper-quiet, but not annoyingly loud.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Fan Noise | Moderate | Slightly quieter |
| Buzzing or Humming | Minimal | Minimal |
Rating:
AF161 – 8/10
AF181 – 9/10
Energy Efficiency: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Both use about the same power but cook faster than ovens.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Power Usage | 1750 watts | 1750 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Cooking Efficiency | High | Very high |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Ease of Use: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
The learning curve is low for both. AF181’s touchscreen adds ease.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Button Layout | Straight forward | More intuitive |
| Controls | Very easy to use physical buttons | Easy to set, touch control panel with actual buttons |
| Manual/Guide | Good instruction booklet for common foods | Comes with manual, quick start guide, cookbook |
| Navigation | Easy | Easier |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Safety Features: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
They both have cool-touch handles and auto shut-off.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Overheat Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Cool Exterior | Mostly | Better insulated |
| Hot Air Vent | Hot air from back, requires space behind | Hot air from back, requires distance from wall |
Rating:
- AF161 – 9/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Cleaning and Maintenance: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Cleanup is quick for both. The ceramic basket is a win.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Basket Type | Nonstick Ceramic | Nonstick Ceramic |
Rating:
- AF161 – 9/10
- F181 – 9/10
Ideal For (Use Cases): Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Both are great for everyday meals, but AF181 suits more recipes.
| Use Case | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Best For | Quick meals, snacks | Full meals, meal prep |
| Family Size | 3–4 | 4–5 |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Value for Money: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
I was a bit surprised to see the AF181 cost less than the AF161. It has a few more things packed in—like a touchscreen, more tools, and a bit more space. That gives it the edge when you look at what you get for the price.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Price | Slightly Higher | Lower |
| Price/Features | Good | Great |
Rating:
- AF161 – 8.5/10
- AF181 – 9/10
Overall: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
Both air fryers do a great job. AF181 feels like a polished upgrade of the AF161. But if you want a simple, powerful machine at a better price, AF161 still shines.
| Category | Ninja AF161 | Ninja AF181 |
| Average Rating | 8.3/10 | 9/10 |
My Honest Opinion
If you want the best value and love touch controls, go with the Ninja AF181. It’s easy to use, has more features, and costs a bit less.
But if you prefer a dial, solid build, and don’t mind spending more, the AF161 still holds up well. I’ve used both, and they each cook fast and crisp food nicely. Choose what fits your style and space best—both are solid picks.
FAQ’s: Ninja AF161 vs AF181
What’s the difference between the Ninja AF161 and AF181?
The AF161 holds 5.5 quarts. It has 7 ways to cook. The AF181 holds 6.5 quarts. It cooks food extra crisp and fast. It also has more power.
Which air fryer cooks French fries better: AF161 or AF181?
Both air fryers make good fries. The AF181 cooks them faster. Its Max Crisp tech helps. It can cook fries in about 12 minutes. The AF161 takes 16 minutes. Both give crisp fries, but one is quicker.
Are the Ninja AF161 and AF181 easy to clean?
Yes, both are easy to clean. Their baskets do not stick. You can put them in the wash machine for dishes. Clean up is quick and simple for both.
Which has a bigger basket: the AF161 or the AF181?
The AF181 has a 6.5-quart basket. It is bigger. The AF161 has a 5.5-quart basket. The AF181 basket holds more food. It is great for big meals.
Do the Ninja AF161 and AF181 have the same features?
Yes, both air fryers have 7 cook modes. These include Air Fry and Bake. The AF181 also has Max Crisp. This cooks food faster at 450°F. Both are simple to use for many foods.
