Both air fryers are strong. I prefer Ninja for crisp and Philips for big families. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
I cook a lot at home. I tested both machines over weeks. I tested Ninja AF161 Max XL and Philips Premium Airfryer XXL in real use. I will compare them head to head to help you choose. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl

Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer (5.5 Quart) – Practical Crisp in a Compact Package
I found the Ninja AF161 Max XL quick to learn. It cooks, crisps, roasts, bakes, reheats, and dehydrates. It fits a family meal in its 5.5 quart basket. I liked the glossy finish and simple controls.
I used it for weeknight dinners and snacks. It heats fast and is steady. I often chose it for crisp fries and small roasts. The Ninja handled daily use with little fuss. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (Dual Basket, 9.5 Quart) – Big Capacity and Dual-Basket Flexibility
The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is built for larger cooks. It has two drawers and a 9.5 quart total capacity. The auto-sync feature lets both drawers finish at once. It includes many presets and a recipe app for ideas.
I used the Philips for big meals and batch cooking. The dual baskets let me cook different foods at once. Cleanup is simple since the drawers are dishwasher safe. The unit feels solid and is made for regular family use. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Is Ninja AF161 Max XL Good?
Verdict first. The Ninja AF161 Max XL is very capable. It gives crisp results fast. It is my go-to when I want a quick crisp snack. The controls are simple and the basket cleans well. I used it to make fries, wings, and a small roast. The heat is even and browning is steady.
A short story. I cooked fries for four on a rainy night. They came out crisp in 15 minutes. Guests were impressed. The Ninja handled back-to-back batches without a drop in performance. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Real-World Experience
One evening I used the Ninja AF161 Max XL for a family game night. I made seasoned fries, garlic shrimp, and toasted sandwiches in quick order. The fries were crunchy and light. The shrimp stayed tender. The sandwiches browned nicely. Clean up was fast. The basket slid out and the crumb tray cleaned in minutes. Over the night it proved reliable and easy. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
What I Like
- Great crisping for fries and wings
- Compact size fits many counters
- Easy to use with clear controls
- Quick preheat and cook times save time
- Basket and tray are easy to clean
What Could Be Better
- Smaller capacity than dual-basket models
- No auto-sync dual cooking like Philips
- Fewer presets than high-end models
My Recommendation
Buy the Ninja AF161 Max XL if you want fast crisp food in a compact unit. Ideal for small homes and cooks who value ease and speed in 50 words.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Small kitchens | Compact footprint fits small counters and small families. |
| Everyday meals | Fast heat and crisp results make weeknight meals easy. |
| Other | Great as a secondary oven for quick tasks like snacks and reheat. |
Is Philips Premium Airfryer XXL Good?
Short verdict. The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is a strong choice for bigger households. It cooks large portions well. The twin drawers and auto-sync are real time savers. Crisping is excellent on fries and chicken. The Rapid Air tech works as promised.
A small tale. I hosted a family lunch and used both drawers. I cooked wings in one and vegetables in the other. Both finished at the same time with good texture. The app recipes helped me plan. The unit felt stable under heavy use and stayed consistent. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Real-World Experience
I prepared a weekend brunch with the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL. I made bacon in one drawer and hash browns in the other. Both finished in sync and stayed hot. Guests ate straight from the baskets. Cleanup after brunch was quick as parts fit the dishwasher. The ability to split items without flavor transfer made life easier. The Philips proved worth its size for group meals. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
What I Like
- Large capacity for families and parties
- Auto-sync saves time when cooking two items
- Very even cooking and crisp results
- Many presets and app support for recipes
- Sturdy build and easy cleanup
What Could Be Better
- Takes more counter space than compact units
- Higher price than single-basket fryers
- Larger units can be heavy to move
My Recommendation
Choose the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL if you cook for a family. It fits large meals and offers dual-basket flexibility. Ideal for batch cooks and hosts in 50 words.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Best For | Families, meal prep, and anyone who wants to cook two items at once. |
| Why | Dual drawers, auto-sync, and large capacity make it efficient for big meals. |
ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both air fryers through the same tests. I compared cooking, capacity, ease, cleanup, and value. My real use shows clear trade offs. I kept the phrase ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl in mind as I tested.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
I tested presets and modes on both units.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Philips Premium Airfryer XXL |
|---|---|---|
| Modes | Ninja: 6 functions (air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, crisp) | Philips: 8-in-1 with presets and app integration |
| Control Simplicity | Ninja: Simple dial and buttons | Philips: Touch and app control with presets |
| Special Features | Ninja: Dehydrate and quick heat | Philips: Auto-sync dual basket and Rapid Air tech |
Capacity & Flexibility: Meals and Batch Cooking
I judged how much each holds and how flexible they are.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Philips Premium Airfryer XXL |
|---|---|---|
| Total Volume | Ninja: 5.5 quarts | Philips: 9.5 quarts dual |
| Dual Cooking | Ninja: Single basket only | Philips: Two drawers can cook different foods |
| Best For | Ninja: Small to medium families | Philips: Large families and meal prep |
Crisp & Performance: Texture and Speed
I compared browning, crisp, and cook time.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Philips Premium Airfryer XXL |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp Quality | Ninja: Excellent crisp on small batches | Philips: Excellent crisp across larger loads |
| Evenness | Ninja: Even for its size | Philips: Very even with Rapid Air |
| Speed | Ninja: Fast preheat and cook | Philips: Fast, but larger mass may need time |
Ease of Use: Controls and Learning Curve
I looked at how easy each is to run day to day.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Philips Premium Airfryer XXL |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Ninja: Intuitive dials and buttons | Philips: Touch panel and app learning curve |
| Preset Use | Ninja: Fewer presets but clear | Philips: Many presets and app guidance |
| User Friendliness | Ninja: Instant comfort for beginners | Philips: Slight learning but powerful |
Cleanup & Maintenance
I tested how easy each cleans after a full cook.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Philips Premium Airfryer XXL |
|---|---|---|
| Removable Parts | Ninja: Basket and tray are dishwasher safe | Philips: Drawers and trays are dishwasher safe |
| Ease to Wipe | Ninja: Compact and quick to wipe | Philips: Larger surfaces but smooth finish |
| Long Term Care | Ninja: Low maintenance | Philips: Low maintenance if cleaned regularly |
Value & Extras: App, Recipes, and Price
I weighed cost, app support, and extras offered.
| Feature | Ninja AF161 Max XL | Philips Premium Airfryer XXL |
|---|---|---|
| App & Recipes | Ninja: No dedicated app but many recipes online | Philips: HomeID recipe app and built-in guides |
| Price Point | Ninja: More budget friendly | Philips: Premium price for capacity |
| Extras | Ninja: Dehydrate function is notable | Philips: Auto-sync is the standout extra |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Quick Decision Guide
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
I recommend the Ninja AF161 Max XL if you want quick crisp food and a compact machine. It is easy to use and fits small kitchens. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
I recommend the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL for families and batch cooks. It is best when you need capacity and the auto-sync feature. For hosts and meal preppers it is the stronger pick. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
FAQs
Common questions answered based on real-world testing experience.
Which is better for a family of four?
I would pick the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL for families. Its dual drawers and 9.5 quart capacity handle larger meals. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Which air fryer is easier to use daily?
The Ninja AF161 Max XL is simpler to use. The dials and buttons are very intuitive. It is a good pick for fast daily cooks. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Do both models get food crispy?
Yes. Both deliver excellent crisp. Ninja shines on small batches. Philips keeps crisp across larger loads. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Is cleanup difficult?
No. Both have dishwasher safe parts. Wiping and washing are quick. Regular cleaning keeps performance steady. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl
Which offers better value?
Value depends on needs. Ninja gives strong value for the price and small kitchens. Philips gives more capacity and features if you cook for groups. ninja af161 max xl vs philips premium airfryer xxl