Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, 5.5 Qt, 7-in-1, Grey, AF161

Why it's worth it

The Ninja AF161 Max XL runs a 5.5-quart ceramic-coated basket up to 450°F with Ninja's Max Crisp mode. It holds three pounds of fries, offers seven functions including dehydrate, and takes up less counter than the dual-basket models.

Max Crisp is the reason to want this one. It pushes 450°F superheated air, and Ninja says that cooks up to 30% faster than its older AF100. Higher heat is what separates genuinely crisp frozen food from sad, warm frozen food. Owners who've used other air fryers notice this one running hotter than they expect — worth knowing, since your old times and temperatures won't transfer directly.

It's the pick if counter space is tight but 2 quarts isn't enough. At about 11 inches wide it's narrower than most 5-quart machines, and the vertical layout means it takes a modest square of counter. You still get 5.5 quarts and room for three pounds of fries or wings, which covers a family of four for most weeknight food.

From our review of 8 air fryers, by Paul Evans, Technical Reviewer

What we like

• +Max Crisp is the reason to want this one
• +It's the pick if counter space is tight but 2 quarts isn't enough
• +The ceramic-coated basket is a real advantage over standard nonstick

What to know

• –The hotter default temperatures cut both ways
• –Like most Ninja baskets it's deep rather than wide, so a single layer of food means less than 5.5 quarts of practical space