Great small air fryer that crisps food fast with minimal oil and easy cleanup.
I used to dread soggy frozen fries and greasy takeout. The Ninja AF101 makes quick weeknight dinners possible with crisp results, less oil, and simple controls. If your goal is faster cooking, less mess, and a healthier twist on fried favorites, this gadget aims to solve that. Below I share my hands-on testing, real examples from my kitchen, and whether the Ninja AF101 is worth your counter space and dollars.
Is Ninja AF101 Good?
I say: Yes — the Ninja AF101 is a solid choice for home cooks who want crispy results without a deep fryer. It’s best for singles, couples, and small families who need a compact unit that handles frozen foods, veggies, and small roasts well. I used it weekly for fries, reheating pizza, and roasting a small chicken. It produced a crisp outside and juicy inside every time. Once, I made frozen chicken tenders for a movie night and they came out golden in under 15 minutes — everyone was surprised how close they were to deep-fried. Another night I roasted vegetables that retained texture and caramelized nicely.
My First Impression
The box arrived well-packed and undamaged. The unit looked compact and modern in grey. The basket and crisper plate felt sturdy with a nonstick finish, and the control panel was simple and clear. Setup was easy: remove the packing materials, plug it in, and run a short preheat. My first cook was straightforward — I added a single layer of fries, set the temperature and time, and let it run. The aroma and sizzle felt reassuring. I was pleased with how quickly it reached temperature and how evenly the food cooked. I felt excited and relieved that a small appliance could deliver such consistent results with little fuss.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate
- 4-Quart capacity ideal for small households
- Wide temperature range up to 400°F for crisping and roasting
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate for easy cleanup
- Simple dial controls and digital timer for quick setup
- Compact footprint that fits small kitchens and apartments
What I Like
- Crisps food quickly with very little oil
- Compact size saves countertop space
- Easy controls—great for beginners
- Helpful preset functions for common foods
- Basket releases excess oil for healthier meals
- Quick cleanup thanks to dishwasher-safe parts
What Could Be Better
- 4-quart capacity is small for larger families
- No rotating basket for truly even cooking of some foods
- Can be noisy during operation for light sleepers
- Exterior can get warm — careful on crowded counters
- Lacks advanced presets found on pricier models
- Dehydrate function works but takes a long time for large batches
My Recommendation
If you want a reliable, compact air fryer that cooks quickly and cleans easily, the Ninja AF101 is a smart buy. It’s great for people who want healthier versions of fried favorites, busy cooks needing fast weeknight meals, and those with limited kitchen space. For the price, it delivers consistent crisping and useful multi-functionality. If you’re comparing ninja af101 air fryer reviews, keep in mind its small capacity and simpler controls compared to high-end models.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Singles & Couples | Compact 4-qt size, perfect portioning |
| Busy Weeknights | Fast preheat and simple presets save time |
| Healthier Fried Foods | Uses little oil and drains excess for lighter meals |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
Cosori Air Fryer 3.7-Quart — A strong choice if you want more digital presets and a slightly more modern interface. It crisps well and has a slightly friendlier app experience for guided cooking. Best for users who want more automation than the AF101.
Instant Vortex 4-in-1 — Similar feature set with a slightly different basket design. It heats evenly and offers easy cleanup. Choose this if you prefer the Instant brand ecosystem or want an alternative with comparable capacity.
Philips Premium Airfryer Compact — A pricier option with robust engineering and faster heating. If budget isn’t a concern and you want top-tier build quality, this might be worth the upgrade.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | Compact, simple, reliable everyday use | Affordable, sturdy, easy controls |
| Cosori 3.7-Qt | Users wanting presets & app guidance | More digital features and presets |
| Instant Vortex 4-in-1 | Fans of brand ecosystem | Slightly different basket & interface |
| Philips Premium Compact | Users wanting premium build | Higher price, refined heating tech |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Ninja AF101 is best if you want a compact, affordable air fryer that consistently delivers crisp results with minimal fuss. It shines for singles, couples, and small households that cook frequently and value quick cleanup. If you want more presets or a connected experience, consider the Cosori; if you want premium performance and budget is flexible, the Philips is a step up. For most people balancing price, performance, and ease of use, the Ninja AF101 is a well-rounded choice that earns a solid recommendation in my testing.
FAQs Of ninja af101 air fryer reviews
How big is the Ninja AF101 and how much can it cook?
The Ninja AF101 has a 4-quart basket. It fits about two to three servings—great for 1–3 people. You can cook a small whole chicken or a batch of fries, but larger families may need multiple batches or a bigger model.
Is it easy to clean?
Yes. The basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Wiping the exterior and interior with a damp cloth removes most residue. Let parts cool before cleaning to avoid damage.
Can I dehydrate food with it?
Yes, the AF101 includes a dehydrate function. It works but takes several hours for large batches. It’s handy for small amounts of fruit or jerky but isn’t as fast as dedicated dehydrators.
Does it really use less oil?
Yes. Thanks to the air circulation and crisper plate, you only need a light spray or teaspoon of oil for many foods. Results are noticeably less greasy than deep frying while staying crisp.
Is the unit safe to leave on the counter?
The exterior gets warm during use, but not dangerously hot. Keep it away from walls and flammable items. Always place it on a heat-resistant surface and never leave it unattended for long while cooking.
