Some appliances become part of your daily routine without you even noticing it, and that is exactly what happened when I added the Ninja AF161 and later upgraded to the newer Ninja AF181. After spending months air frying, roasting, reheating, and testing both side by side, I formed a very clear understanding of how these two compare and who each one is actually built for.
If you’re stuck deciding between the Ninja AF161 Max XL and the Ninja AF181 Pro XL, let me walk you through everything I learned from real-world use.
Key Difference Between Ninja AF161 vs AF181 Air Fryer
The biggest difference between the Ninja AF161 and AF181 is capacity and generation.
The AF181 is the newer, updated version, featuring a slightly larger 6.5-quart basket (vs. 5.5-quart on the AF161), better airflow efficiency, and improved crisping performance. The AF161 still performs well, but the AF181 delivers faster, more even results with more room for large batches.
Comparison Table: Ninja AF161 vs AF181 Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Ninja AF181 Pro XL |
| Capacity | 5.5 Quarts | 6.5 Quarts |
| Functions | 7-in-1 | 6-in-1 |
| Max Temperature | 450°F | 450°F |
| Max Crisp Technology | Yes | Yes (Newer airflow system) |
| Basket Type | Ceramic Nonstick | Ceramic Nonstick |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Performance Speed | Fast | Faster & more even |
| Footprint | Slightly larger body | More compact despite bigger capacity |
| Weight Capacity | 3 lbs fries/wings | 5 lbs fries or 9 lbs wings |
| Model Age | Older | Newer |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
When I put both models next to each other on my counter, the first thing that stood out was the design philosophy behind each.
Ninja AF161
The AF161 has a more traditional shape with a wider body and a slightly bulkier appearance. The interface is straightforward: clearly labeled buttons, a bright display, and physical controls that react instantly. Its 5.5-quart basket is deep enough to keep food from overcrowding, but not wide enough for larger items like huge cuts of chicken.
Ninja AF181
The AF181 surprised me because it gives more internal space without taking up more counter area. The footprint feels more refined and modern. It keeps the same solid, easy-to-clean ceramic coating but adds a smoother airflow pattern inside the basket. The upgraded 6.5-quart design also allowed me to fit more food comfortably, especially when cooking for guests.
Winner: Ninja AF181 for its updated, space-efficient design.
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results...
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to...
Ease of Use
Both models are extremely simple to operate, but I noticed some practical differences.
AF161 Experience
The AF161 is very beginner-friendly. Every function is clearly labeled, and I rarely needed to reference the manual. The buttons feel responsive, and adjusting time or temperature is quick. The Max Crisp mode works great, but I sometimes had to shake the basket an extra time for even cooking.
AF181 Experience
With the AF181, everything feels smoother. The upgraded airflow reduces the need for shaking food midway. Frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and wings crisped up noticeably faster. The control panel layout is nearly identical, so switching between the two didn’t require any learning curve.
What I appreciated the most was how much more balanced the cooking felt in the AF181. Even on dense batches, the crisp was uniform.
Winner: Ninja AF181 (slightly better airflow and crisping requiring less effort)
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results...
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to...
Cooking Performance
I tested both with fries, chicken wings, vegetables, salmon, and reheated foods. Here’s what stood out.
AF161 Performance
The AF161 is no slouch. Its Max Crisp mode really pushes heat quickly, and it gave me beautifully browned fries in about 10 minutes. Chicken wings were consistently crispy, especially when I used a light spray of oil. Baking performance was impressive as well—cookies and pastries came out evenly browned.
However, the AF161 does show its age a little. Heavier loads took longer, and food needed more turning.
AF181 Performance
The AF181 is simply more efficient. Its Max Crisp mode feels more intense and delivers faster results. Large batches stay crisp, and frozen wings come out restaurant-quality without any thawing.
The AF181 also reheats food better than the AF161. Leftover pizza, samosas, or fries regained their crisp without drying out.
In short, it cooks faster, holds more, and gives more consistent results.
Winner: Ninja AF181, especially for families or frequent users.
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja...
Cooking Functions
Ninja AF161 – 7 Functions
- Max Crisp
- Air Fry
- Air Roast
- Air Broil
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
Ninja AF181 – 6 Functions
- Max Crisp
- Air Fry
- Air Roast
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
Even though the AF161 technically offers one extra function (Air Broil), both handle broiling-style crisping very well under Max Crisp.
I barely used “Air Broil” separately, so this difference didn’t affect my cooking.
Winner: Tie (AF161 has one extra mode, but AF181 performs better in practice)
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results...
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to...
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both models use Ninja’s ceramic nonstick coating, which is honestly one of the easiest surfaces to clean. I washed both baskets hundreds of times, and neither developed flaking or staining.
Ninja AF161
The basket is slightly smaller and lighter, making it easier to wash by hand.
Ninja AF181
The larger size means rinsing takes an extra second or two, but being dishwasher-safe makes both equally convenient.
Winner: Tie
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French...
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja...
Pros:
- Strong crisping performance
- 7 cooking functions
- Lighter basket
- Affordable price
- Heats up quickly
Cons:
- Smaller 5.5-quart capacity
- Slightly uneven cooking with dense batches
- Older design
Ninja AF181 Pro Max XL Air Fryer
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results...
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to...
Pros:
- Newer and more efficient airflow system
- Larger 6.5-quart capacity
- Cooks faster and more evenly
- Compact footprint despite bigger size
- Ideal for families and large batches
- Excellent for frozen foods
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- One fewer cooking mode (though not functionally limiting)
Conclusion – Ninja AF161 vs AF181: Which One Should You Buy?
After using both air fryers extensively, my recommendation depends on your cooking habits.
Choose the Ninja AF161 if:
- You cook for 1–3 people.
- You want a budget-friendly option.
- You prefer a slightly lighter basket.
- You don’t need extra capacity.
Choose the Ninja AF181 if:
- You cook for a family or guests.
- You want the latest model with faster, more even cooking.
- You regularly cook frozen foods or larger batches.
- You don’t want to shake the basket as often.
If I had to pick only one for everyday use, I would choose the Ninja AF181. It simply performs better, handles more food, and gives me more consistent crispiness with less effort.
