Ninja Air Fryer AF101 (4-Qt)

Should you buy the Ninja Air Fryer AF101?

The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 (4-Qt) is the original Ninja basket fryer, and it is still a sensible buy for one or two people who want the basics done well. Four functions, a ceramic-coated basket, a 105 to 400F range and a simple digital panel are the whole story. It ranks ninth of ten in our air fryer list, not because it is bad, but because the Cosori Pro LE offers more capacity, more heat and more functions for less money. Buy the AF101 if you trust the Ninja name and find it on sale.

Where it earns its score

• Satisfaction of 92 and Reliability of 90. Years on the market, millions sold, and the scores reflect a design that just works.
• Dehydrate mode. The 105F floor lets you make jerky and dried fruit, which not every small fryer offers.
• Compact. A 4-quart footprint fits small kitchens and apartment counters.
• Dishwasher-safe ceramic basket. Basket and crisper plate both go in the dishwasher.

What to know first

• Features score is 68. Four functions and a 400F cap; the Cosori Pro LE has nine functions and 450F.
• Price is out of step. At $79.99 list it costs more than the larger, higher-scoring Cosori Pro LE at $89.95.
• Warranty is the weakest factor at 55. Ninja's standard coverage is short.
• Four quarts is small. Fine for two people; a family will be cooking in batches.

Questions buyers ask