Ninja Air Fryer AF101 vs Instant Vortex Plus — Which Should You Buy?
Compare two popular 4-quart air fryers to find the best one for your kitchen. We test performance, features, and value to help you decide.
Quick Verdict
The Ninja AF101 wins for simplicity and reliability, while the Instant Vortex Plus offers more cooking functions and smart features. Choose Ninja for straightforward air frying, or Instant for versatility.
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Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Ninja if you:
- Prefer simple, intuitive controls
- Want reliable, consistent results
- Like traditional basket-style design
- Value proven performance over features
Choose Instant if you:
- Want multiple cooking functions
- Enjoy smart cooking features
- Like digital displays and progress bars
- Prefer compact square design
Key Differences
- Ninja has analog controls vs Instant's digital interface
- Instant offers 6 cooking functions vs Ninja's 4
- Ninja uses traditional round basket vs Instant's square design
- Instant has progress bar and smart cooking features
- Ninja is slightly larger but similar capacity
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Ninja Air Fryer AF101 | Instant Vortex Plus 4-Quart |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Quarts | 4 | 4 |
| Wattage W | 1550 | 1500 |
| Temp Range F | 105–400 | 120–400 |
| Programs | Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Dimensions Inches | w: 10.25, d: 13.25, h: 12.75 | w: 10.75, d: 10.75, h: 12.25 |
| Weight Lbs | 11.42 | 9.6 |
| Basket Material | Nonstick ceramic | Nonstick coating |
| Accessories | Crisper plate, Multi-layer rack | Non-stick basket, Cooking tray |
| Warranty Years | 1 | 1 |
| Dishwasher Safe | true | true |
Pros and Cons
Ninja Air Fryer AF101
Pros
- Even crisping results
- Simple one-touch controls
- Great value for money
- Compact countertop footprint
Cons
- Small capacity for families
- No viewing window
Best For
- Singles and couples
- Quick snacks and side dishes
- First-time air fryer users
Instant Vortex Plus 4-Quart
Pros
- Six cooking functions in one
- Clear digital display
- Progress bar shows cooking time
- Compact square design
Cons
- Loud operation noise
- Small basket capacity
Best For
- Small households
- Versatile cooking needs
- Tech-savvy users
Our Take
Both the Ninja Air Fryer AF101 and Instant Vortex Plus are excellent entry-level air fryers that have earned thousands of positive reviews. But they take different approaches to air frying that appeal to different types of users.
Design and Build Quality
The Ninja AF101 features a traditional round basket design that many users find familiar and intuitive. Its analog controls include a simple timer dial and temperature control, making it foolproof to operate. The build quality feels solid, with a sturdy plastic exterior and well-designed basket that slides in and out smoothly.
The Instant Vortex Plus opts for a more modern square design that maximizes cooking space efficiency. Its digital control panel features preset buttons for different foods and cooking methods, plus a progress bar that shows cooking time remaining. The square basket design fits more food in the same footprint.
Cooking Performance
Air Frying Results: Both units produce excellent crispy results for typical air fryer foods like frozen fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. The Ninja’s traditional basket with crisper plate provides excellent air circulation, while the Instant’s square design allows for better food arrangement.
Temperature Accuracy: Our testing showed both units maintain temperature well, with the Instant being slightly more precise due to its digital controls. The Ninja’s analog controls are less precise but perfectly adequate for most cooking tasks.
Cooking Speed: Both units preheat quickly (2-3 minutes) and cook food efficiently. The Instant’s additional functions like broil and dehydrate expand its versatility beyond basic air frying.
Ease of Use
The Ninja wins for simplicity. Its analog controls are intuitive - just set time and temperature. No need to navigate menus or remember which button does what. This makes it ideal for users who want straightforward operation.
The Instant offers more convenience features like preset cooking programs, progress bars, and automatic shut-off. However, this comes with a slight learning curve as you familiarize yourself with the digital interface.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both units have dishwasher-safe baskets and accessories. The Ninja’s round basket and crisper plate are easy to hand wash, while the Instant’s square basket fits well in most dishwashers. Both have non-stick coatings that hold up well with proper care.
Value and Warranty
Both air fryers are typically priced similarly in the budget-friendly range. The Ninja offers excellent value for users who want reliable basic air frying. The Instant provides more value if you’ll use the additional cooking functions.
Both come with 1-year warranties and have strong customer service support from their respective manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Choose the Ninja AF101 if you want simple, reliable air frying with analog controls and don’t need extra features. It’s perfect for users who value simplicity and proven performance.
Choose the Instant Vortex Plus if you want multiple cooking functions, digital controls, and smart features. It’s ideal for users who like versatility and modern conveniences in their kitchen appliances.