Ninja AF101 Air Fryer vs Cosori Air Fryer Pro II 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
When it comes to air fryers, the market is flooded with options, making it tough to decide which one to bring home. This comparison between the Ninja AF101 and the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II matters because it pits two popular brands head-to-head. Each offers unique features aimed at transforming your cooking experience. The Ninja AF101 is great for those who want a simpler, budget-friendly model with essential features. Meanwhile, the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II is more suited for families or culinary enthusiasts seeking a versatile and slightly more advanced appliance. To ensure a thorough evaluation, I put both air fryers through extensive testing, preparing a range of foods from crispy French fries to a whole roast chicken. I took note of performance, ease of use, and overall satisfaction to provide you with an honest comparison.
Best Value
9/10
This Ninja product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $89.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This COSORI product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $129.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
👍 Why Choose Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- ✓ Affordable price point
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functionality
- ✓ Compact design ideal for small kitchens
- ✓ Includes dehydrate option for snacks
Cosori Air Fryer Pro II
👍 Why Choose Cosori Air Fryer Pro II
- ✓ Larger capacity serves more people
- ✓ Includes cookbook for recipe inspiration
- ✓ Eight preset functions for convenience
- ✓ Digital interface is user-friendly
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Smaller capacity, not ideal for larger families
- ✗ Lacks preset cooking functions
- ✗ Manual controls can be less intuitive
Cosori Air Fryer Pro II
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Higher price point
- ✗ Larger footprint may require more counter space
- ✗ Slightly longer preheat time
Design & Build Quality
The build quality of both the Ninja AF101 and the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II is commendable, yet they have distinct design philosophies. The Ninja AF101 embraces a compact and glossy design that fits well in smaller kitchen spaces. It feels sturdy and straightforward, making it ideal for users who prefer a minimalist approach. On the other hand, the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II boasts a sleek, modern look with a digital touchscreen, providing a more premium feel. Its larger, square shape might require more counter space, but it offers more cooking capacity. In terms of ergonomics, I found the Cosori’s larger handle and user-friendly interface more comfortable to interact with, especially during longer cooking sessions.
Features & Performance
Comparing the features of the Ninja AF101 and the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II reveals some noteworthy differences. The Ninja excels with its 4-in-1 versatility, allowing users to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. This is fantastic for those who enjoy making homemade snacks like dehydrated apple chips. In contrast, the Cosori’s 8 preset functions are a clear advantage for users who appreciate convenience; I found the presets for steak and seafood particularly handy for quick meals. Performance-wise, both fryers did an excellent job with French fries, but the Cosori produced a more even crispness, likely due to its shake reminder feature. The Ninja, however, was better for smaller batches, delivering quicker cooking times. In terms of health-conscious features, the Cosori’s claim of using 85% less oil is appealing, though both offer a significant reduction compared to traditional frying.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
After extensive testing, my recommendation leans towards the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II for families and avid home cooks looking for versatility and ease of use. Its larger capacity and digital presets make it a great choice for those cooking for more people or experimenting with various dishes. However, if you’re on a budget or have limited counter space, the Ninja AF101 still provides excellent value with its core cooking functions and a unique dehydrator feature. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to your specific needs and kitchen space, but for overall functionality and ease, the Cosori edges out as the winner in this comparison.
