This compact air fryer is ideal for quick, crispy meals with minimal fuss. Great for beginners or anyone cooking for 1–2 people.
Buy on AmazonWhen I first heard about air fryers, I thought they were just another short-lived kitchen fad. But after trying out the Ninja Air Fryer AF101, I completely changed my tune. This compact, no-frills device does exactly what it claims, crisps food quickly, evenly, and without a ton of oil. Now, it’s a mainstay on my countertop.
What is the Ninja Air Fryer AF101?
The Ninja AF101 is a 4-quart digital air fryer designed for everyday use. It’s not trying to be a Swiss Army knife of the kitchen like some larger smart ovens, and honestly, that’s part of the appeal. It keeps things simple with just four functions:
- Air Fry
- Roast
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
It preheats in just 3 minutes and gets hot fast, up to 400°F. I’ve used it to make crispy fries, chicken wings, roasted veggies, and even dehydrated apple chips. Everything came out evenly cooked and perfectly crisp on the outside, tender inside.
Ninja Air Fryer AF101 Product Features
The Ninja AF101 stands out for being user-friendly. With a sleek digital interface and simple touch controls, it’s extremely easy to use. The nonstick 4-quart basket fits about 2 pounds of fries or wings, which is plenty for one or two people.
Here are a few highlights:
- Compact size: At about 13.6 x 11 x 13.3 inches, it doesn’t take up too much counter space.
- Easy cleanup: The basket and crisper plate are ceramic-coated and dishwasher-safe.
- Fast cooking: Preheats in minutes and delivers hot, crispy food quickly.
- Wide temp range: From 105°F for dehydrating all the way to 400°F for crisping.
Despite its smaller size, it’s a workhorse. It’s perfect for quick dinners, sides, or snacks, especially when you don’t want to heat up your full oven.
How does the Ninja Air Fryer work?
Just tap the power button, pick your cooking mode, set the temp and time, and go. There’s no guesswork, and you don’t need to be a tech-savvy chef to figure it out.
Air circulation is where this thing shines. The built-in fan pushes hot air around the food, ensuring even browning without flipping constantly. And because it’s enclosed, it doesn’t stink up your kitchen with oil like stovetop frying does.
In practice, I found myself air-frying a lot more than I expected. Frozen foods like tater tots, pizza rolls, and nuggets come out way better than in the oven. And leftover pizza reheated in the Ninja? Crispy crust, gooey cheese, no sogginess at all.
How well does it hold up long term?
I’ve used the Ninja AF101 multiple times a week since early 2025, and it’s held up great. No peeling nonstick, no weird smells, no drop in performance. The basket still slides in smoothly, and the controls haven’t faded or worn out.
Cleanup is straightforward. I usually just toss the basket and plate in the dishwasher, and the outer unit wipes clean with a damp cloth. No fuss, no grease buildup.
My only minor gripe? The fan can be a bit loud while running. Not deafening, but noticeable if you’re in a quiet kitchen.
Pros
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Compact and countertop-friendly
- Fast preheat and cook times
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Great for small households
Cons
- Smaller capacity (not ideal for big families)
- Can be noisy
- No shake reminder or smart features
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly air fryer that nails the basics, the Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is an excellent pick. It’s compact, cooks fast, and delivers the crispy results air fryers are known for, without the bulk or complexity of a larger smart oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, quick snacks, or anyone cooking for one or two people. You don’t need to be an expert to use it, and at this price, it’s a low-risk entry into the world of air frying.