Ninja Air Fryer AF101: Review, Specs, Pros & Cons
Ninja AF101 delivers quick, crispy results in a compact, budget-friendly package.
You want weeknight meals without the wait or the mess. Greasy sheet pans and soggy leftovers are out. The ninja air fryer af101 promises fast, crisp results with less oil and fewer dishes. I tested it for fries, wings, salmon, and even dehydrated snacks. It cut cook time, kept textures crisp, and was easy to clean. If you have a small kitchen or a busy schedule, this little workhorse can be a true upgrade.
Is Ninja AF101 Air Fryer Good?
Yes. The ninja air fryer af101 is a strong pick for small homes, dorms, and first-time air fryer users. You get speedy preheat, even crisping, and simple controls. It suits singles, couples, and anyone tight on space. I use it for fries and wings on game nights and for reheating pizza. The crust comes out crackly, not rubbery. If you cook for more than two, you may want a larger basket. But for everyday snacks and quick dinners, the ninja air fryer af101 punches above its size.
My First Impression for Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
It arrived well-packed with clear protective wraps and quick-start inserts. The unit felt solid with a smooth, matte finish. The basket and crisper plate had a quality ceramic coating. Setup took minutes: wash, dry, run a test cycle, done. The panel is simple, with clear temp and time buttons. My first batch of frozen fries cooked fast and evenly. They were golden and crisp, not dried out. I felt a little thrill seeing that crunch with so little oil. The ninja air fryer af101 met my day-one hopes and eased me into air frying right away.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 4-quart capacity fits 1–2 servings or a pound of fries.
- 1550 watts for fast preheat and steady heat.
- Four modes: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Wide temp range: 105°F–400°F for crisping or gentle drying.
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate with ceramic coating.
- Compact footprint that fits most counters and small kitchens.
- Simple digital controls with time and temp arrows.
What I Like
- Consistent crisp results with very little oil.
- Reheat brings back crunch to pizza and fries.
- Easy cleanup; basket and plate go in the dishwasher.
- Quiet fan compared to many budget models.
- Dehydrate mode is great for fruit chips and jerky prep.
- Small footprint yet enough space for two chicken breasts.
What Could Be Better
- 4-quart basket may feel small for families of three or more.
- No shake reminder or smart features.
- Exterior can get warm near the vent; allow space behind it.
My Recommendation
If you cook for one or two, the ninja air fryer af101 is hard to beat. It makes fast, crispy food with low effort. It also saves counter space. Students, busy parents, and small apartment cooks will love it. If you want big-batch cooking, consider a larger basket. For most quick meals, the ninja air fryer af101 gives great value and is widely available.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Singles and couples | 4-qt basket fits two portions with fast, even heat. |
| Quick weeknight meals | 1550W power, simple presets, minimal preheat time. |
| Small kitchens and dorms | Compact footprint and easy cleanup in the dishwasher. |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
Cosori Pro LE 5-Qt Air Fryer — This model offers a bit more room and a sleek design. It has a shake reminder and more presets. It runs quiet and heats fast. It suits users who want slightly larger capacity than the ninja air fryer af101, with helpful prompts.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart — From the makers of Instant Pot, this air fryer gives you more space and a bright display. It includes multiple programs and an odor-reducing feature on select versions. It is best for families of three or more who outgrow the ninja air fryer af101 basket.
Dash Tasti-Crisp 2.6-Qt — A budget pick with a tiny footprint. It has a dial control and simple operation. It is great for dorms or very small kitchens. It costs less than the ninja air fryer af101 but has far less capacity and fewer modes.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 1–2 people, fast crisping, easy cleanup | Balanced size, dehydrate mode, ceramic-coated basket |
| Cosori Pro LE 5-Qt | Users wanting more room and reminders | Slightly larger capacity, shake alert, more presets |
| Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt | Small families needing bigger batches | Larger basket, more programs, bright interface |
| Dash Tasti-Crisp 2.6-Qt | Tiny spaces and tight budgets | Very compact, basic controls, lowest cost |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The ninja air fryer af101 shines for small households, quick snacks, and easy cleanup. It heats fast, crisps well, and the basket coating holds up. If you need more room, the Instant Vortex Plus or Cosori Pro LE will serve you better. If you want the lowest price and smallest size, the Dash is fine for solo cooks. Overall, the ninja air fryer af101 offers the best balance of size, features, and value for 1–2 people.
FAQs Of ninja air fryer af101
What is the capacity of the ninja air fryer af101?
It has a 4-quart basket. That fits about one pound of fries or two chicken breasts.
Does the ninja air fryer af101 have a dehydrate mode?
Yes. It runs as low as 105°F for dehydrating fruits, herbs, and jerky prep.
Is the ninja air fryer af101 basket dishwasher safe?
Yes. Both the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe and have a ceramic coating.
How many people can the ninja air fryer af101 serve?
It serves one to two people best. For larger families, consider a 5–6 quart model.
How loud is the ninja air fryer af101?
It is quieter than many budget models. You can talk over it without trouble.
