Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.9/10
Best for: Faster, lower-oil everyday cooking and reheating
Not for: Large family roasts and big-batch cooking, where a full-size oven still wins on capacity
Bottom line: A practical air fryer that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Even though it is an all-in-one countertop option, the Ninja AF161 Max XL supports multiple cooking styles, including cooking, crisping, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating. It has a 5.5 litre capacity and a high-gloss grey finish, and the quick verdict is that it suits people who want one air fryer for varied meals; larger batch cooking is possible, but cooking results can still depend on the size and arrangement of the food.
Key specifications
| Specification | What it means |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ninja |
| Model | AF161 |
| Capacity | 5.5 Quart |
| Finish | Grey, high gloss |
Pros
- Faster and cheaper to run than a full-size oven
Cons
- Takes up worktop space
- Cooks smaller batches than a full-size oven
- Some foods still need a light spray of oil to crisp up
Capacity and Size
With a 5.5 Quart capacity, this air fryer is aimed at everyday countertop cooking, with space for a sensible amount of food at once. That size is suited to meal-size batches, so it can handle several portions of fries, wings, or roast-style cooking in a single run. The grey high gloss finish is made to complement typical kitchen counters. There also needs to be enough clearance around the front and sides for loading and removing the basket.
Cooking Performance and Functions
After considering the AF161 Max XL's 5.5-litre capacity, the focus shifts to how it handles everyday cooking tasks, because capacity matters only when results match the job. The Ninja is designed to cook, crisp, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. For cooking and roasting, the key requirement is even browning, particularly when food pieces are similar in size and spaced appropriately. Baking and reheating rely on hot air circulation around pans and baskets, and smaller loads can finish faster than larger ones. Dehydrating takes time, and uneven thickness can lead to patchy dryness. Overall versatility is strong, but consistent results depend on spacing.
Single or Dual Zone
For many home cooks, choosing between single-basket cooking and dual-zone workflow affects meal planning, because it changes how timing and attention are managed during cooking. The air fryer has a 5.5 litre capacity, which suits larger batches within one cooking area. In a single-zone setup, the same airflow works across the tray for consistent browning, but cooking different foods at once is more difficult. A dual-zone arrangement can run two temperature schedules, yet it requires extra planning and separate spacing. When meals share similar cooking needs, single-zone cooking is the simpler option.
Ease of Use and Controls
The Ninja (AF161) is designed to be simple to use, with menu-based operation intended to streamline everyday cooking. It offers cooking modes for cooking, crisps, roasts, bakes, reheats, and dehydrates, making it suited to common meal types. The 5.5 litre capacity supports larger batches, and the grey high gloss finish gives a consistent look on the worktop. Temperature and time control are part of the process.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance are simple with the air fryer, thanks to daily wipe-clean and common dishwasher-safe habits. The basket and tray can be washed after use, and surfaces should be wiped first after food spills to help prevent baked-on residue. For routine care, unplug the unit and let it cool, then wipe with a damp cloth, using gentle scrubbing for stubborn marks. Grease buildup should be removed regularly as it can affect cooking results later. Dry all parts well before reassembly, and do not submerge the main body unless water exposure is specified.
Noise and Energy Use
Noise and energy use depend mainly on how the Ninja AF161 Max XL is operating and what food is being cooked, so results can vary from batch to batch. The noise is most noticeable during active cooking, particularly when crisping items that require steady air movement. In the 5.5 litre capacity, heavier loads can also influence airflow patterns, which can affect both the sound profile and the workload on the unit. Energy use depends on preheating habits and cooking time, as longer cooking sessions draw more power. Reheating or dehydrating smaller portions is typically quieter and uses less energy than roasting larger meals.
Who Is This Air Fryer For?
The Ninja suits households looking for one appliance for multiple cooking styles, as it can cook, crisp, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. The 5.5 quart (5.5 litre class) capacity makes it practical for families or share-houses that want to cook several items in one go with a single unit for different meal types. It also suits home cooks who like batch preparation, such as reheating leftovers or dehydrating snacks. In smaller kitchens, the larger footprint relative to smaller-capacity models may be a consideration.
Where to Buy in the UK
The air fryer (AF161) shoppers in the UK can typically find the model at major appliance and department retailers, including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO and Argos, alongside the brand's own official sales channels where available. The 5.5 litre capacity and high gloss grey finish can influence availability, as some retailers may stock limited colours or bundle options. Buyers should confirm the listing details for the exact AF161 model name, since "Max XL" may be used across similar product lines. Online ordering is straightforward, but dispatch timelines can vary between retailers, so checking the delivery estimate on the specific product page helps prevent delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja worth it?
For faster, lower-oil cooking of chips, chicken, veg and reheats, the air fryer earns its place. It is also cheaper to run than heating a full-size oven - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Is this air fryer big enough for a family?
Match the capacity to your household: roughly 4-5L for 1-2 people, 6-8L for 3-4, and larger or dual-drawer models for families. On dual-zone units the total is split across two drawers.
What are the downsides of the Ninja?
Air fryers take up worktop space, cook smaller batches than a full oven, and some foods still need a light oil spray. They are best for crisping and reheating rather than replacing every oven job, which is why they suit some kitchens better than others.
Is the Ninja AF161 Max XL cheaper to run than an oven?
For small and medium portions, usually yes - the air fryer heats a much smaller space than a full-size oven and cooks faster, so it uses less energy. For large meals that fill a big oven anyway, the saving is smaller. Exact cost depends on its wattage and your tariff.
Is this air fryer easy to clean?
The drawer and crisper plate wipe or wash clean; non-stick coatings make this easier. Clean it after each use, as baked-on grease is harder to remove later.
Do you need oil in the Ninja?
Little or none - the air fryer circulates hot air to crisp food, so most things need only a light spray of oil or none at all. Naturally fatty foods like sausages need no added oil, while a fine mist helps fresh chips and breaded items crisp up.