The $99 Ninja air fryer that's outlasted the hype: what owners still love

The AF101 is a basket-style air fryer with a 4-quart ceramic-coated basket and a removable crisper plate. It has four functions: air fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate. The temperature range goes from 105 to 400 degrees F, so it can slowly dry fruit and jerky or crisp frozen foods at high heat. Controls are a simple panel with buttons for function, time and temperature. There are no presets for specific foods, which keeps it easy to understand. Ninja rates it at 1550 watts, typical for this size. On the counter it is narrower than most 6-quart models, which is a big reason it remains popular in apartments and dorms.

Owner feedback is consistent on a few points. People like that it heats fast and browns food evenly, from frozen fries to chicken thighs. Many say it replaced their oven for small meals and reheating leftovers, where it restores crispness better than a microwave. The basket and crisper plate go in the dishwasher, and owners report the coating holds up well with gentle care. The dehydrate setting is a bonus few budget models offer. Several reviewers point out that the straightforward controls make it easy for anyone in the house to use, with no app or menu to learn.

• Even, quick cooking for small portions
• Easy cleanup
• Simple controls with no learning curve

The biggest limit is size. A 4-quart basket holds about two portions of fries or a couple of chicken breasts. Families will be cooking in batches, which adds time. There is no window, so you pull the basket to check food, and the fan is audible while it runs. To keep the nonstick coating in good shape, avoid metal utensils and abrasive sponges. Some owners use parchment liners to reduce cleanup, but make sure any liner is weighed down by food so it does not blow into the heating element. Give the unit a few inches of space on every side so the exhaust can vent, and keep it away from cabinets that could trap heat. Like most air fryers, it can smell a little during the first few uses as the coating cures. If you cook for three or more, the Ninja DualZone or Cosori Pro II from our air fryer guide may suit you better. A meat thermometer also helps when cooking thicker cuts.

If you cook for one or two people and want a reliable air fryer that will not dominate your counter, yes. The AF101 does the core job well, cleans up easily and has years of owner history behind it. It often goes on sale, so watching for a discount makes it an even better value. On paper, newer models add windows, presets and apps, but owner feedback suggests the AF101 still matches them on the cooking that matters most: crisp fries, juicy chicken and reheated leftovers that do not go soggy. If you need more capacity, want to cook two foods at once or would like a window, look at a larger model. For batch cooking, pair it with good meal prep containers so you can cook once and eat all week.