Both the Ninja AF161 and AF181 deliver crisp, guilt-free cooking with high temperatures and large capacities—but they do have differences in capacity, feature sets, and design. Here’s how they compare to help you make the right pick.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Ninja AF181 Pro XL (Renewed) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.5 Quarts | 6.5 Quarts |
| Functions | 7-in-1 | 6-in-1 |
| Max Temperature | 450°F (Max Crisp Technology) | 450°F (Max Crisp Technology) |
| Wattage | 1750 Watts | 1750 Watts |
| Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 11″D x 14″W x 14.75″H | 14.92″D x 11.3″W x 12.01″H |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs | 11.44 lbs |
| Material | Plastic, Ceramic-coated basket | Plastic & Metal |
| Special Feature | Programmable, Chef-Inspired Recipe Book | Guilt-Free Fried Foods, Space Saving |
| Color | Grey (High Gloss Finish) | Black |
| Item Model Number | AF161 | CRT2NJAF181RB |
| Included | 20-Recipe Book, Basket, Crisper Plate | Basket, Crisper Plate (Renewed Unit) |
| Customer Rating | 4.7 (84,442 reviews) | 4.5 (60 reviews) |
Key Features of Both Models
Both air fryers support healthy cooking with Max Crisp Technology, dishwasher-safe baskets, and multiple cooking functions. Here’s what each model offers individually.
Key Features of Ninja AF161 Max XL
5.5 QT ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 3 lbs of fries or wings
7-in-1 functionality: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Touch controls with a programmable interface
Comes with a chef-inspired 20-recipe book
Glossy grey finish for a sleek look
Key Features of Ninja AF181 Pro XL (Renewed)
6.5 QT nonstick basket holds up to 9 lbs of wings or 5 lbs of fries
6-in-1 functionality: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Compact, space-saving design with black finish
Renewed product, inspected and tested by Amazon
Basket and crisper plate are both easy to clean
Key Differences Between Ninja AF161 and Ninja AF181
Capacity
The Ninja AF181 has a larger 6.5 QT basket, ideal for bigger families or batch cooking, compared to the 5.5 QT capacity of the AF161.
Functionality
AF161 offers 7 functions (including Air Broil) while AF181 offers 6. If you need broiling capabilities, the AF161 may be a better fit.
Design & Build
AF161 has a tall, glossy grey design with a ceramic-coated basket. In contrast, the AF181 comes in a compact black body with plastic-metal materials and is part of the Renewed collection.
Included Accessories
AF161 includes a recipe book and is a brand-new unit. AF181 (Renewed) is refurbished and does not come with a recipe book.
Product Type
AF161 is a brand-new model, while AF181 is a renewed version, which could make a difference in warranty and durability expectations.
Which Model Should I Choose?
Choose Ninja AF161 Max XL if you want a brand-new air fryer with a more polished finish, slightly smaller size, and 7 cooking functions including broiling. It’s a great all-rounder with strong reviews and a recipe book to get started.
Choose Ninja AF181 Pro XL (Renewed) if you’re looking for more cooking capacity in a more compact body, and are okay with a refurbished unit. It’s a great value for large-batch frying, especially with 9 lbs of chicken wings capacity.
FAQ
Can both models reach 450°F?
Yes, both use Max Crisp Technology and reach up to 450°F.
Are the baskets dishwasher safe?
Yes, both have dishwasher-safe, nonstick baskets and crisper plates.
Do both come with a recipe book?
Only the AF161 includes a recipe book. The AF181 (Renewed) does not.
Are both models suitable for families?
Yes, but the AF181’s larger capacity makes it better for larger households.