Ninja Max XL Air Fryer Review: A Classic with Speedy Cooking

The Ninja Max XL Air Fryer is a compact, efficient appliance that quickly crisps up snacks and fries. However, its design feels outdated compared to newer models. If you find it on sale, it's worth considering.

Pros

• Fast cooking times

• High maximum temperature

• Ideal size for small households

• Inserts safe for dishwasher

Cons

• Feels less premium

• Circular basket limits cooking capacity

• Cooking times may need adjustment

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The Ninja Max XL is among the brand's earliest air fryer models, gaining popularity for its spaceship-like design in 2020. Users showcased their crispy fries and snacks across social media platforms.

We first evaluated the Ninja Max XL in 2022 and were impressed by its efficiency with bacon and frozen foods, establishing a benchmark for subsequent Ninja air fryers.

However, by 2025, air fryer technology has advanced significantly, leaving older models like the Max XL behind. Sleeker, more practical designs, such as the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, have since emerged.

Although the Ninja Max XL's round shape seems outdated, its cooking ability remains notable. Its ceramic-coated materials have gained praise in discussions about non-toxic air fryers. This review will detail how the Ninja Max XL performed in our tests, comparing it with newer models.

Specifications

Initial Thoughts

We tested the Ninja Max XL in the UK, where it's labeled the Ninja Max AF160UK. In the US, it's the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer. The key distinction lies in the control panel: the US version includes an air broil button, while the UK version does not and has three cooking modes.

The air fryer is delivered in mostly cardboard packaging, allowing for easy disposal. It features a removable circular tray that promotes even cooking by elevating food for optimal air circulation. Both the insert and basket interior are coated with a durable non-stick finish.

The drawers fit securely and slide smoothly, giving a quality feel. However, the silver-coated handle and top appear somewhat cheap, with flaking noted during our testing period. The newer Ninja Air Fryer Pro, with its matte handles, offers a more refined design.

Cooking Performance

Test 1: Homemade Fries

For our first test, we made homemade fries by cutting potatoes into wedges, soaking them to remove starch, and tossing with a little oil and seasoning. Air frying significantly reduces fat content compared to traditional frying.

We set the fryer to 360°F for 18 minutes. Unlike some competitors, the Ninja Max XL doesn't require preheating or reminders to shake the basket. We recommend shaking the fries for even cooking, but preheating isn't always necessary.

After 18 minutes, the fries were undercooked, requiring an additional 10 minutes for proper doneness. While the fries were evenly cooked, they lacked a crispy finish, indicating that the air fryer may perform better at higher temperatures.

Test 2: Frozen Chicken Goujons

Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods, especially breaded items. We tested the Max Crisp setting with frozen chicken goujons, which normally take 25 minutes in an oven.

In just nine minutes, the chicken was thoroughly cooked, but the high temperature caused some uneven browning. Adjusting the cooking time is necessary to avoid overcooking.

Test 3: Bacon

Bacon cooks rapidly in air fryers, rendering out fat for a crisp finish. However, the circular basket limits capacity; fitting more than four rashers can be challenging.

We set the temperature to 400°F for five minutes. The bacon turned out crispy but could have benefited from slightly less cooking time. The powerful fan caused some pieces to shift, resulting in uneven cooking.

Test 4: Roasted Vegetables

Most air fryers offer roasting modes, which function similarly to air frying. We tested this mode and were pleased with the results. The sweet potato developed a nice browning after 15 minutes, and the zucchini cooked evenly without becoming soggy.

Cleaning

A major benefit of Ninja air fryers is the dishwasher-safe removable parts. This makes cleaning straightforward. If you lack a dishwasher, the non-stick coating simplifies manual cleaning as well.

Comparison with Newer Models

In our view, the newer Ninja Pro far surpasses the Max XL, addressing many of its shortcomings. The Pro model features more accurate cooking times, a modern design, and a square basket for added convenience. Priced at $119 at Ninja Kitchen, it offers better value.

If you're looking for a non-toxic option, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro features a nano-ceramic coating. Additionally, the new Ninja Crispi, launched in early 2025, includes a glass container and PFAS-free plates, ideal for compact kitchens.

For larger households, Ninja offers an XL version of the Pro air fryer for about $40 more, capable of handling larger quantities.

Customer Feedback

Users appreciate the crispy results from the Ninja Max XL, awarding it an average 4.7 stars on Amazon from over 84,000 reviews. Users commend its speed and ease, especially for comfort foods like fries and chicken.

Many appreciate its easy cleanup, with one user stating: 'After cooking, I fill it with hot soapy water and let it cool before wiping it clean.' Some reviews mention the limited size, advising those cooking for larger groups to consider a bigger model.

Negative feedback often highlights uneven cooking. Shaking the basket is necessary for consistent results, a common requirement for many air fryers. If this proves frustrating, we suggest the KitchenAid Digital Toaster Oven with Air Fry, a rare 'no-flip' alternative.

Final Thoughts

Should you buy the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer? It still earns a solid four-star rating in our review. While easy to use and clean, it falls short of newer models in terms of performance at lower temperatures. The Max Crisp setting lacks adjustability, limiting your control.

This air fryer is among the louder options at 67 decibels, but manageable for conversation. It excels with frozen foods and bacon, though its circular basket is best for side dishes or smaller portions, as it struggles with larger items.

In terms of aesthetics, we find the design lacks appeal, making it less desirable for countertop display. If you find the Ninja Max XL on sale, it may be a worthwhile buy; otherwise, opt for the newer Ninja Air Fryer Pro.