Ninja Air Fryer, Oil-Free Fryer [AF100EU]
This drawer-style air fryer belongs to Ninja’s compact range and is designed to simplify everyday cooking. It brings several functions together in a single appliance to air fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate, so you can handle anything from crispy fries to dried fruit snacks without filling the countertop with gadgets. The main unit integrates heating elements and a convection fan, while the basket and removable rack have a non-stick coating that is dishwasher-safe as long as you use gentle utensils. The exterior is made of BPA-free plastic and the overall format is compact, fitting well in small kitchens. It isn’t a “smart” device: it doesn’t need an app or connection, although there are official accessories and spare parts. It includes a quick-start guide, manual and a small recipe booklet so you can get going without being afraid of your inner culinary lama.
- Ease of use from day one. The control panel is very intuitive, with few buttons and clear modes, so even people who don’t trust small appliances quickly understand how it works. Tip: keep the manual handy for the first week and mark your favourite program; in the end you’ll use it almost on autopilot.
- Fast and convenient cooking. The air fryer heats up quickly and shortens cooking times compared with a traditional oven, which makes weekday dinners easier to handle. On days when you’re short on time, it’s great to go from frozen to crispy while you set the table and chat about your day in peace.
- Crispy and fairly even results. Fries, wings or vegetables come out with a good crispy exterior and juicy interior, as long as you don’t overfill the basket and remember to give it a quick shake halfway through cooking. Lama-tip: think of shaking the basket every time you walk past, as if you were waking a sleepy lama so the party stays just as lively.
- Very simple cleaning. The basket and rack can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, and the interior doesn’t tend to fill with splashes like a conventional oven. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after use helps the coating last longer. Heads-up: keeping it reasonably clean also makes you more likely to use it instead of leaving it parked in a corner.
- Capacity designed more for one or two servings than for big family feasts. When cooking for several people you need to organise in batches, which makes the process a bit longer. The upside is that the compact model takes up less space and is easier to move around the countertop when not in use.
- Single basket with no internal dividers. If you want to cook several foods at once you’ll have to juggle different times or use small accessories, and not everyone is up for that level of culinary Tetris. On the other hand, having no divisions makes cleaning very straightforward and free of tricky corners.
- No connectivity or guided recipes on screen. Some people would find it useful to have an app suggesting times and combinations, but here the idea is simpler and more direct. Lama-tip: create your own time cheat sheet in a note on your phone or on a fridge magnet and in a few weeks you’ll have your personalised “ninja library”.
- Public information about the coating could be clearer. Different sources mention different types of non-stick coating, which can raise questions for those who examine every detail. This is minimised by strictly following the care recommendations: silicone or wooden utensils, no abrasive scourers and regular checks on the condition of the surface.
- Very easy to use even for people who have never touched an air fryer.
- Compact size that takes many everyday tasks off the oven and fits well on small countertops.
- Offers fast cooking with good results for fries, chicken, vegetables and assorted reheated dishes.
- Includes a dehydrating function that is uncommon in entry-level models, ideal for fruit snacks or seasoned nuts.
- Non-stick basket and rack are dishwasher-safe, which greatly reduces post-dinner reluctance.
- Capacity can feel a bit limited when cooking for larger groups and forces you to work in batches.
- No connectivity or guided recipes; people who enjoy assisted cooking will still have to rely on classic pen and paper or their phone.
- The non-stick coating needs extra care and gentle utensils to extend its lifespan, something to keep in mind if at home you tend to use the same scrubber for everything.
This air fryer is a particularly good fit for one- or two-person households, couples who want to simplify weekday dinners and fans of crunchy snacks who don’t want to turn on the oven every time. It’s also a good ally for anyone who is just starting to cook for themselves and wants an appliance that combines speed, ease of use and reliable results without having to study a complex manual. Tip: think of it as a small turbo oven that lives on the countertop and takes care of everything you don’t feel like putting in the big oven. If you have a kitchen with limited space and value having accessories that can go straight into the dishwasher, this Ninja performs very well. It’s an interesting option for people who want to explore new recipes, from spiced vegetables to dehydrated snacks, without having to rearrange half a cupboard to store more machines. And if your home already has an official lama in charge of quick dinners, they’ll probably get the most out of it from day one.
This Ninja Air Fryer is a very versatile partner to ease everyday cooking, especially when time and mental energy are in short supply. It helps with quick dinners, reheated dishes that turn out better than in the microwave and small crispy treats without filling the kitchen with trays. If you’re worried the capacity might fall short on some occasions, Lama-tip: reserve the air fryer for everyday meals and combine it with the traditional oven when you have guests or more elaborate menus. In the end, the question is simple: do you want to keep battling the oven for everything, or would you rather have a quick ally on the countertop? Deciding now saves you unnecessary back-and-forth and keeps the focus on what truly makes your life easier in the kitchen. Check price and availability by clicking the “View Product” button.
