Ninja AF161 Air Fryer Review Max XL 5.5-Quart with Crisp Technology

Description

A Convenient and Versatile Air Fryer for Everyday Use

Testing the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer has been quite the culinary adventure. This compact yet powerful kitchen appliance brings a lot to the table—or rather, to the countertop. With its 5.5-quart capacity, programmable features, and Max Crisp Technology, I found myself exploring a variety of cooking methods I hadn’t used before. From crispy French fries to tender roasted chicken, this air fryer made me feel like I had a mini restaurant right in my home.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stood out to me was its sleek gray exterior and compact design. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s modern enough to complement most kitchen styles. The ceramic-coated nonstick basket feels incredibly durable, and it’s large enough to hold up to 3 lbs of chicken wings or fries. The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, which made navigating through the different cooking modes straightforward.

One minor gripe, however, is that the plastic body might feel less premium to some users. It’s sturdy and doesn’t feel cheap in any way, but if you’re someone who appreciates a more metallic or high-end finish, this could feel like a slight compromise.

Key Benefits

The Max Crisp Technology is a game-changer. By heating up to 450 degrees, it cooks food much faster than my older air fryer. I was surprised by how this feature delivered hotter and crispier results, making dishes like fries and onion rings feel like they came straight from a deep fryer, but without the guilt.

• Programmable Functions: From air frying to roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and even dehydrating, the versatility is unmatched.
• Ease of Cleaning: The nonstick ceramic-coated basket is dishwasher-safe, saving me from the dreaded hand-washing chore.
• Healthier Cooking: Cooking with up to 75% less fat was a big selling point for me, especially as someone who’s trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Areas for Improvement

While I thoroughly enjoyed using this air fryer, there are a few areas of concern worth mentioning:

• The 11-pound weight makes it less portable, so if you plan to move it around a lot, it might feel cumbersome.
• The lack of additional accessories, like a multi-layer rack, limits its versatility compared to some competitors.
• Though the 1750 watts of power are impressive, it does mean the air fryer pulls quite a bit of electricity, which might be a consideration for energy-conscious users.

Cooking Performance

I put the air fryer through its paces with various recipes. From air-roasted Brussels sprouts to dehydrated apple chips, it handled them all effortlessly. The wide temperature range of 105°F to 450°F provides the flexibility to cook delicate dishes or crank up the heat for crispy results.

The Max Crisp function became my favorite for frozen foods. It transformed a bag of frozen fries into a golden, crispy delight in no time. Reheating leftovers like pizza was equally satisfying, as it restored the crispy crust without leaving the toppings soggy.

Competing Products

When comparing this air fryer to others like the Cosori Pro LE or the Instant Vortex Plus, a few things stand out. The Ninja AF161 excels in its faster cooking times and higher temperature range. The Cosori, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger capacity and comes with more accessories out of the box.

For those who prioritize energy efficiency, the Instant Vortex Plus might have a slight edge, but it doesn’t deliver the same crispiness that Max Crisp Technology provides. Each has its strengths, but the Ninja air fryer carves out its niche with its high performance and user-friendly features.

True Value

This air fryer delivers excellent value for its features. While it’s not the cheapest option available, the combination of advanced technology, ease of use, and multi-functionality makes it a worthwhile investment for most households. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this appliance fits seamlessly into various cooking styles.

For me, its performance outweighed the minor critiques. The fact that it’s renewed doesn’t affect its functionality in any noticeable way, and it still feels like a brand-new product. If you’re considering upgrading your kitchen gadgets, this air fryer is definitely worth a look.

Additional information