Ninja Air Fryer AF101 Review

Overview

The Ninja AF101 is the model most people mean when they say “the classic Ninja air fryer.” It’s compact, quick to preheat, and simple to use—making it a strong first choice if you want crisp results with less oil and less oven time. In practice, AF101 shines for single‑basket, single‑meal cooking: fries, wings, nuggets, roasted vegetables, reheating leftovers, and weeknight shortcuts.

On this site we keep an Amazon‑style layout so you can compare models quickly. If you’re deciding between the AF161 and the DZ201, the AF101 is usually the “small, efficient, and affordable” option.

Why people choose AF101

• Small footprint: Fits most counters without taking over your kitchen.
• Easy learning curve: Straightforward controls and predictable results once you learn timing.
• Fast weeknight cooking: Great for quick meals and snacks without heating a full oven.
• Solid all‑rounder: Air fry, roast, reheat, and handle common frozen foods well.

Who it’s for

AF101 is a good match if you:

• Cook for 1–2 people most of the time.
• Want the simplest Ninja option with the lowest “counter commitment.”
• Mostly cook one item at a time (or don’t mind doing two quick batches).
• Care more about convenience than maximum capacity.

Real‑world tips for better results

Don’t overfill the basket. Crisping depends on airflow. A single layer (or close to it) beats a fully packed basket every time.

Shake/flip halfway. Even if your food looks fine, this is the difference between “okay” and “evenly crisp.”

Adjust timing, not temperature, first. Most foods respond better to a little more time than excessive heat.

AF101 vs bigger models

• AF101 vs AF161: AF161 generally targets people who want more space in a single basket. AF101 stays compact and efficient.
• AF101 vs DZ201: DZ201 is for cooking two foods at once (two baskets). AF101 is for keeping it simple.

FAQ

Is AF101 big enough? For 1–2 people, usually yes. If you regularly cook for a family or want larger portions in one go, consider AF161 or DZ201.

Is it good for meal prep? It can be, but you may need multiple batches. Meal prep is where bigger capacity models save time.