Ninja Air Fryer AF161 Review

Overview

The Ninja AF161 is the model you pick when a compact air fryer feels limiting, but you don’t necessarily want a two‑basket system. It’s designed around one idea: more usable room in a single basket. That matters because the most common frustration with smaller air fryers is having to cook in two or three rounds to avoid overcrowding. AF161 aims to reduce those extra batches so dinner is faster and more consistent.

In the Ninja lineup, AF161 typically sits between the AF101 (compact, entry‑level) and the DZ201 (two zones for two foods at once). If you mostly cook one main item at a time but want to scale up portions, AF161 is often the most practical “one basket upgrade.”

Why AF161 is a strong upgrade

• Fewer batches: More space means you can keep food in a better layer and still cook enough.
• Better for families: If you cook for 2–4 people, the bigger basket can be a real time saver.
• Versatile weeknight workhorse: Handles proteins, vegetables, frozen foods, and reheating reliably.
• Simpler than dual baskets: One basket workflow, less decision-making, easy routine.

Who should buy AF161?

AF161 is usually the right move if:

• You like air frying but feel your current basket is too small.
• You want better “single layer” crisping without constantly splitting portions.
• You typically cook one main dish at a time (and can add sides separately).
• You want a bigger model, but you don’t need two independent zones.

How to get the best results

Use the space intelligently. A bigger basket doesn’t mean “fill it to the top.” For crisp results, aim for a loose, even layer. Overcrowding is the #1 reason food comes out uneven.

Shake/flip strategically. For fries, wings, and smaller items, one good shake halfway is usually enough.

Start with trusted timing. Once you find your preferred timing for your go‑to foods, AF161 becomes extremely consistent day‑to‑day.

AF161 vs other Ninja models

• AF161 vs AF101: AF101 prioritizes compact size. AF161 prioritizes capacity and fewer batches.
• AF161 vs DZ201: DZ201 is ideal for cooking two foods at once. AF161 is ideal for bigger single‑basket cooking with the simplest workflow.

FAQ

Should I choose AF161 or DZ201? If your biggest issue is “I need to cook more at once,” AF161 is often enough. If your biggest issue is “I need two items done at the same time,” DZ201 is the better fit.

Is it good for meal prep? Yes—more capacity helps, but you still get best results when you avoid piling food too deeply.