Ninja AF161 Max XL vs. Ninja AF150 XL: Which Air Fryer Deserves a Spot on Your Counter?

I’ve tested my fair share of air fryers—and honestly, the difference often comes down to the tiny details. The feel of the buttons. The way chicken wings crisp up. The cleanup time after cooking. So when I found myself choosing between the Ninja AF161 Max XL and the Ninja AF150 XL, I wasn’t just looking at specs—I was looking at real-life kitchen performance.

Both models are best-sellers, have 5.5-quart baskets, and come from Ninja’s trusted lineup. But they’re not twins. One cooks hotter and faster, while the other plays the long game with reliability and everyday versatility.

Let’s break it down—feature by feature, function by function.

Ninja AF161 vs. Ninja AF150: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Ninja AF161 Max XL	Ninja AF150 XL
Basket Capacity	5.5 quarts (ceramic-coated, nonstick, dishwasher-safe)	5.5 quarts (ceramic-coated, nonstick, dishwasher-safe)
Max Temperature	450°F (Max Crisp Technology – cooks up to 30% faster vs AF100)	400°F (traditional air fryer temp range)
Programs / Modes	7-in-1: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate	5-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Power Output	1750 watts	1750 watts
Speed & Efficiency	Cooks faster due to Max Crisp and higher airflow	Standard cook time; ideal for consistent, daily meals
Display & Controls	Digital display with touch buttons	Digital display with touch buttons
Finish & Design	Sleek high-gloss grey finish	Matte grey finish
Accessories	Crisper plate + 20-recipe inspiration booklet	Crisper plate + 20-recipe inspiration booklet
Ideal User	Speed-focused cooks, crispy lovers, frozen snack fans	Everyday home cooks, meal preppers, family-friendly cooking
Price Range	$129–$169 (depending on retailer & sale)	$129–$159 (similar range, slightly lower average)
Buy Now	Buy AF161 on Amazon	Buy AF150 on Amazon

Ninja AF161 Max XL Overview

Meet the Crisp King – Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer

If I had to describe the AF161 in one word, it would be “crisp.” This model was built for hot, fast, high-performance cooking—and that comes from its Max Crisp Technology, which hits up to 450°F with turbocharged airflow. The result? Frozen fries that taste deep-fried, wings that crunch, and reheated pizza that doesn’t feel sad and soggy.

In my own kitchen tests, I noticed that the AF161 trimmed several minutes off standard cook times. Chicken thighs were perfectly done in 14 minutes, versus the usual 18. And sweet potato fries? Crisped to perfection without needing to be flipped.

Here’s what stands out about the AF161:

• Max Crisp mode: Ideal for frozen foods, thick cuts of protein, or that next-level golden finish
• 7 cooking programs: More than just your basic presets—Air Broil and Max Crisp offer added precision
• High temperature ceiling: 450°F lets you roast or brown better than many mid-range competitors
• Spacious 5.5-qt basket: Holds up to 3 lbs of wings or fries
• Dishwasher-safe ceramic coating: Genuinely easy to clean after even the messiest recipes

✅ Best for: Anyone who wants speed, power, and a crispy finish. If you’ve ever used your air fryer to rescue limp leftovers, the AF161 will level up your expectations.

Buy Ninja AF161 on Amazon

Ninja AF150 XL Overview

Everyday Dependability – Ninja AF150 XL Air Fryer

Now let’s talk about the AF150. It might not have the Max Crisp flair, but it’s no slouch. With the same 5.5-quart capacity and wattage, it still gives you big-batch cooking with all the classic air fryer features you need. And honestly? It’s my weeknight go-to.

Whether I’m roasting veggies, reheating burritos, or air-frying meatballs, the AF150 handles it all without drama. It doesn’t cook quite as fast as the AF161, but for controlled cooking and family-style meals, it’s incredibly consistent.

What I appreciate about the AF150:

• 5 versatile presets: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate—all the core functions without the fluff
• User-friendly controls: Digital interface is intuitive, even for older kids or less techy family members
• Consistent heating up to 400°F: Ideal for casseroles, baked dishes, and proteins
• Quiet and efficient: Runs smoothly without drawing much attention or heat
• Clean-up is a breeze: The nonstick basket wipes clean and is top-rack dishwasher safe

✅ Best for: Families, batch cooks, and anyone who wants a dependable air fryer without needing ultra-crispy results on demand.

Buy Ninja AF150 on Amazon

Best for Crispy Results & Cooking Performance

When I first got into air frying, I was after one thing: crispy food without all the grease. But what I quickly learned is that not all air fryers are created equal when it comes to delivering that perfect crunch.

Between the AF161 and the AF150, the real difference shows up in how they cook—and how your food feels when it comes out. So, let’s break it down based on what matters most: crisp, speed, consistency, and overall cooking performance.

Why Cooks Choose the AF161 for Crispiness:

• Max Crisp Technology brings the heat—literally. It pushes up to 450°F with intense airflow, meaning it crisps frozen fries and wings faster and better.
• Better for frozen snacks: I’ve used it for frozen dumplings, nuggets, taquitos—you name it. They always come out with that golden crunch, no soggy bottoms.
• Faster cooking: Compared to the AF150, the AF161 usually finishes 3–5 minutes quicker on most recipes.
• Broil function adds flexibility: Want a charred finish on your salmon? Done. Want bubbling cheese on your garlic bread? Easy.

From my own use, the AF161 feels like a turbo oven. It’s aggressive, in a good way. Perfect for quick snacks, crispy reheats, and anything where texture makes the meal.

Why Cooks Choose the AF150 for Reliability:

• Gentler, even heat that’s great for meals that need time—think baked mac & cheese, stuffed peppers, or roasted veggies.
• Perfect for meal prep: It doesn’t rush your food, and that’s a good thing when you want consistency without overcooking.
• Still crisps well, especially on items that don’t need super high heat.
• Lower max temp (400°F) means it’s less prone to drying out more delicate items like baked goods or reheated pasta.

What I love about the AF150 is that it doesn’t try to be flashy. It just works. Every time I’ve made meatloaf, mini lasagnas, or even muffins in silicone molds, it delivered soft insides and browned edges.

Final Verdict on Cooking Performance: AF161 for crisp, AF150 for control

If you’re all about that crispy bite and shorter cook times, AF161 wins hands down. The extra 50°F and Max Crisp mode truly make a difference. But if you care more about gentle, even cooking for family meals, AF150 offers more control—especially for delicate dishes.

Best for Versatility & Ease of Use

A great air fryer doesn’t just cook—it fits into your life. And when it comes to balancing features with convenience, the AF161 and AF150 take slightly different paths.

The real question is: Do you want an appliance that can do everything, or one that makes the basics effortless?

Why the AF161 Wins on Features:

• 7 cooking functions, including Max Crisp and Air Broil—two extras that really stretch its usefulness.
• The higher temp ceiling (450°F) makes it more versatile for browning, searing, and crisping without flipping.
• Ideal for multi-texture meals—like crisp-skinned salmon with juicy interiors or gooey mozzarella sticks with perfect outer crunch.
• Works beautifully for quick defrosts too (hello, frozen chicken wings).
• Faster preheat time = less downtime = more meals on the table.

In my experience, I could push the AF161 harder than most air fryers. I’ve baked cornbread muffins, seared pork chops, and even done thick-cut steaks—and it never felt underpowered. If your kitchen is a place of experimentation, this model gives you room to play.

Why the AF150 Wins on Simplicity:

• Offers core functionality without overwhelming you with too many options: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
• Temp range of 105°F to 400°F is wide enough to handle anything from homemade jerky to reheating delicate pastries.
• Ideal for batch cooking and meal prepping—it fits full-sized mains without feeling like overkill.
• Super intuitive interface—you can get started without a single glance at the manual.
• Less risk of overcooking or drying out food—great for cautious or newer home cooks.

For daily cooking, the AF150 feels like a dependable sidekick. I use it for family-style meals, Sunday meal preps, and leftovers that need new life. If you’re not chasing crisp perfection every time, it just makes things easy.

Final Verdict on Versatility: AF161 is a feature-packed pro, AF150 is a reliable workhorse

Think of the AF161 as your multi-tool—it’s ready for anything and excels with high heat and crispy finishes. But the AF150 is like your favorite chef’s knife—no frills, always dependable, and perfect for your everyday lineup.

Price Comparison: Which Air Fryer Offers More Value?

Let’s be real—air fryers are an investment. And while both the Ninja AF161 and AF150 sit in the mid-to-premium range, there are subtle differences in value once you factor in features, versatility, and long-term use.

Here’s how they stack up:

Model	Average Price	What You Get	Price Per Feature Value
Ninja AF161	$129–$169	Max Crisp + 7 functions, 450°F temp, faster cook time	Slightly higher cost, but more cooking range
Ninja AF150	$119–$159	5 core functions, 400°F temp, same basket size	Slightly more affordable, simpler daily utility

Keep in mind: both come with the same size nonstick basket, same wattage, and dishwasher-safe parts. The real price difference comes down to temperature range and presets.

Final Verdict: Ninja AF161 or Ninja AF150?

You can’t go wrong with either one—they’re both strong performers in the air fryer world. But depending on your cooking style, one might just suit your kitchen better.

Choose Ninja AF161 if you:

• Love super crispy textures and fast cooking
• Use your air fryer for frozen foods, proteins, and snacks
• Want the extra temperature range (450°F) and Max Crisp function
• Prefer a more premium finish and more presets to play with

Choose Ninja AF150 if you:

• Want a no-fuss, everyday air fryer for regular meals
• Prefer a slightly lower price point without sacrificing performance
• Don’t need the highest heat or extra modes like Air Broil
• Want easy, consistent results for meal prep, baking, and reheats

My pick? I started with the AF150 for its simplicity, but as I got more adventurous, the AF161 gave me more freedom to experiment—and crispier wings. It really depends on your day-to-day kitchen needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Ninja AF161 worth the extra cost over the AF150?

Yes—if you care about high heat, crispy results, or use your air fryer for frozen foods often. If you mostly cook meals like meatloaf, roasted veggies, or baked pasta, the AF150 is perfectly capable.

2. Can I cook the same recipes in both models?

Absolutely. The cooking times may vary slightly (the AF161 is faster), but both can handle air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating with ease.

3. Do both models have nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets?

Yes. Both the AF161 and AF150 use ceramic-coated nonstick baskets that are top-rack dishwasher safe. Cleanup is super easy.

4. Is Max Crisp just a fancy gimmick?

Not at all. It’s one of the best reasons to upgrade to the AF161 if you care about texture. Max Crisp delivers high, rapid heat that creates a noticeably crunchier finish on fried foods and frozen snacks.

5. Which air fryer is better for families?

Both are great, but the AF150 might be better suited for consistent meal prepping and full-family dishes. The AF161 shines more for snacking, reheating, and high-speed crisping.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re like me, you want an air fryer that fits your lifestyle—not just your countertop. Whether you go with the feature-packed AF161 or the rock-solid AF150, you’re getting one of the best air fryers out there.

Trust your cooking habits, not just the product page. And no matter what, you’re going to love the way air frying simplifies your kitchen life. Fewer dishes, faster meals, and way more flavor.