Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer Review: Is This the Best Compact Air Fryer for Healthy Cooking?

Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer

Compact 4-quart air fryer by Ninja with 4-in-1 functions for air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. Dishwasher-safe and ceramic-coated parts.

Product SKU: B07FDJMC9Q

Product Brand: Ninja

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 119.00

Price Valid Until: 31-12-2025

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.7

In recent years, air fryers have become essential kitchen gadgets for health-conscious individuals. Among the most popular and trusted brands in this space is Ninja. The Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer promises a balance of performance, size, and versatility at a competitive price point. But does it truly deliver? In this comprehensive ninja 4 qt air fryer review, we’ll explore every feature, benefit, and drawback of this model to help you make an informed purchase decision.

ninja 4 qt air fryer

Quick Overview of the Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer

  • Brand: Ninja
  • Model: AF101
  • Capacity: 4 quarts
  • Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
  • Temperature Range: 105°F to 400°F
  • Power: 1550 watts
  • Weight: 10.58 pounds
  • Material: Plastic with a ceramic-coated basket
  • Colors: Grey/Black

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Compact and fits well on countertopsNot ideal for families of 4+
Fast preheat time (under 3 minutes)Slight plastic smell initially
Easy-to-clean ceramic-coated basketNo preset buttons
Multi-function: air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrateBasket may feel small for some users
Great performance for the priceExterior may get hot during long use

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer features a sleek, modern design that complements most kitchens. It’s compact enough to fit on smaller countertops, making it ideal for singles, couples, or small families. Despite its plastic exterior, the appliance feels sturdy. The interior basket is ceramic-coated, which not only ensures even heat distribution but also makes cleaning a breeze.

Capacity and Cooking Performance

With a 4-quart capacity, this air fryer is perfect for 2–3 people. You can easily cook 2 lbs of fries or 10–12 chicken wings in one batch. The 1550-watt power system allows it to preheat rapidly, reaching 400°F in under 3 minutes.

The ninja 4 qt air fryer uses convection heating to crisp food evenly, producing delicious results with little to no oil. Fries come out golden, and chicken stays moist on the inside while crisp on the outside.

Functionality and Ease of Use

The interface is user-friendly with simple touch buttons. While it doesn’t have pre-programmed presets, it offers manual control over time and temperature, which allows for customization.

You get four key functions:

  1. Air Fry – Perfect for fries, wings, nuggets
  2. Roast – Great for vegetables and meats
  3. Reheat – Ideal for leftovers
  4. Dehydrate – For fruit chips and jerky

Switching between these modes is intuitive, even for beginners.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of this model is how easy it is to clean. The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe. The ceramic coating prevents food from sticking, meaning less scrubbing and more convenience. It’s recommended to let it cool before cleaning to avoid warping or damage.

Noise Level and Heat Output

The air fryer operates quietly, with only a soft humming noise during cooking. However, during extended use (especially above 350°F), the exterior can become hot, so make sure it’s placed on a heat-resistant surface with adequate ventilation.

Energy Efficiency

Compared to using a traditional oven, the ninja 4 qt air fryer is highly energy-efficient. It cooks faster and requires no preheating for many foods, reducing overall power consumption.

Who Should Buy the Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer?

  • Individuals or couples seeking a compact air fryer
  • Health-conscious cooks who want to reduce oil usage
  • Busy professionals looking for quick meal prep solutions
  • Anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable air fryer

Not ideal for:

  • Large families
  • Users who prefer presets or smart features

Comparisons with Competitors

Compared to the Cosori Lite 3.8 Qt or Instant Vortex 4 Qt, the Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer holds its own in terms of speed, ease of cleaning, and build quality. It may not have Wi-Fi or smart controls like the Vortex, but its performance and durability at this price point make it a solid choice.

Warranty and Customer Support

Ninja offers a 1-year limited warranty on this model. Their customer service is generally responsive via phone or their website. Many users have reported prompt assistance with replacements or queries.

Final Verdict

The Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer is a top contender in the compact air fryer category. It delivers excellent cooking results, is easy to clean, and doesn’t take up too much space. While it lacks some bells and whistles like digital presets or smart connectivity, its core functionality and performance are strong.

For small households or individuals looking for a dependable air fryer under $100, this model is definitely worth considering.

If you’re also considering smaller air fryers, check out our Ninja Air Fryer DZ550 Review for compact kitchen setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer good for a family of four? It can handle small meals for a family of four, but you may need to cook in batches.

Does the Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer use Teflon? No, it features a ceramic-coated basket that is PTFE- and PFOA-free.

Can you bake in the Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer? Yes, many users successfully bake muffins, cookies, and small cakes using the air fry or roast function.

How long does it take to cook chicken wings? Typically 20–25 minutes at 375°F, depending on the size and quantity.

Is it easy to clean? Absolutely. The basket and crisper plate are both dishwasher-safe and non-stick.

Does it smell like plastic when new? There might be a slight smell during the first use, which disappears after a few cycles.

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