Ninja Air Fryer Max XL & Alternatives: Best Picks for Crispy, Fast Weeknight Meals
The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL and its newer EzView version are popular because they cook fast, stay simple to use, and fit a family-size batch of food. If you want crispy fries, wings, and veggies without heating the whole kitchen, this type of air fryer is a sweet spot. Below, you’ll find our top Ninja Air Fryer Max XL–style picks, plus a couple of strong alternatives that match or beat it on capacity, features, or price.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Ninja Air Fryer Max Xl Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Ninja EzView Max XL 5.5-Qt Air Fryer, 7-in-1, 450°F, Viewing Window, Grey (AF171C)
The Ninja EzView Max XL is basically the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL with a smart upgrade: a clear window so you can see your food without opening the basket. The 5.5-quart size is big enough for about 3 pounds of fries or wings, which works well for most families. If you want fast, crispy food with almost no learning curve, this model fits the bill.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 5.5-quart nonstick basket fits up to 3 lbs of fries, wings, or tenders in one batch
✓ EzView window lets you check on food without letting heat escape
✓ 7 cooking functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
✓ High heat up to 450°F for crisp results that mimic deep-frying
✓ Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean and designed for daily use
Why We Recommend It
This is the most user-friendly take on the classic Ninja Air Fryer Max XL design. The window sounds small, but it helps prevent overcooking and saves you from guessing. You get the same powerful fan and high heat that Ninja is known for, but with better control and less fuss.
Best For
Great for busy families or couples who want fast weeknight meals with less oil. If you love the idea of the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL but want a bit more control and visibility, this EzView version is the sweet spot.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 5.5-quart capacity handles family-size portions
- Viewing window reduces the need to open the basket and lose heat
- High 450°F Max Crisp setting delivers very crispy results
- Simple, intuitive controls with seven useful presets
Cons:
- Single basket design means you cook one food at a time
- Basket size may feel small if you often cook for large gatherings
- Exterior can get warm during longer high-heat cycles
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Potatoes stay hot until the last bite.Meats, veggies, easy peasey…Shorter cooking time versus oven, AND BETTER…!It’s only limitation is that will not accommodate a large group of people.Otherwise you can air fry/roast just about anything.
Customer Review: Potatoes stay hot until the last bite.Meats, veggies, easy peasey…Shorter cooking time versus oven, AND BETTER…!It’s only limitation is that will not accommodate a large group of people.Otherwise you can air fry/roast just about anything.Read more
2. Ninja Foodi DZ550 10-Qt DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1, 2 Baskets, Smart Thermometer, Black
If you like the idea of a Ninja Air Fryer Max XL but want to cook your protein and sides at once, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 is a big upgrade. It has two independent 5-quart baskets (10 quarts total), so you can air fry two foods at different temps and still have them finish at the same time. The built-in smart thermometer also takes the guesswork out of cooking meat.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Dual 5-quart baskets let you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time
✓ Smart Cook System with integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness
✓ DualZone Technology with Smart Finish and Match Cook modes for easy syncing
✓ 6 functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
✓ Extra-large 10-quart total capacity for families or meal prep
Why We Recommend It
Compared with a single-basket Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, this model saves a lot of time on full meals. You can roast chicken in one basket and crisp potatoes in the other without juggling batches. The smart thermometer is a bonus if you get nervous about undercooked meat.
Best For
Best for larger households, meal preppers, or anyone who wants a true air fryer 2-basket setup for one-and-done dinners. If you often wish your air fryer had “just one more basket,” this solves that problem.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Two independent baskets give you real cooking flexibility
- Smart thermometer helps avoid dry or undercooked meat
- Smart Finish feature syncs different foods to finish together
- Huge 10-quart capacity is ideal for families and entertaining
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space than a standard Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
- Higher price point due to dual baskets and smart features
- More parts to clean compared with a single-basket air fryer
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I love that I can make salmon in one basket and veggies in the other and have them finish at the same time. The smart thermometer is spot on and everything comes out juicy, not dry.
Customer Review: This replaced my old Ninja Air Fryer Max XL and I’m not going back. It is bigger and a bit louder, but the two baskets save me so much time on weeknights.
3. Ninja AF161 Max XL 5.5-Qt Air Fryer, High-Gloss Grey – Cooks, Crisps, Bakes, Roasts, Dehydrates
The Ninja AF161 Max XL is the classic Ninja Air Fryer Max XL many people start with. It uses Max Crisp Technology to blast food with 450°F air, giving you that deep-fry style crunch with far less oil. The 5.5-quart basket is a good middle ground: big enough for 3 pounds of fries or wings, but still compact enough for most counters.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying (tested against hand-cut fries)
✓ Max Crisp Technology cooks up to 30% faster than the older AF100 model
✓ 5.5-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate
✓ Multiple functions: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
✓ Simple, easy-to-read control panel with preset buttons
Why We Recommend It
This is the go-to option if you want the core Ninja Air Fryer Max XL experience without paying for extras like windows or dual baskets. It heats fast, cooks evenly, and has a long track record of reliability. For many people, this is all the air fryer they’ll ever need.
Best For
Best for small families, couples, and anyone who wants a straightforward air fryer that just works. If you’re comparing different sizes like a 5-quart air fryer versus larger models, this 5.5-quart capacity hits a very practical sweet spot.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast preheat and cooking thanks to Max Crisp Technology
- Large enough for family portions without being bulky
- Nonstick ceramic basket is easy to clean
- Reliable, proven design with simple controls
Cons:
- No viewing window, so you must pull the basket to check food
- Single basket limits you to one type of food at a time
- Glossy exterior can show fingerprints and smudges
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: It’s enough for my wife and me. Still learning what to cook or heat up with it, but it works exceptionally well. Had it 4 years now and it still cleans up very easy. No problems, no repairs, no regrets. We use it in our live-in 5th wheel and it’s our go-to favorite cooker or stove, micro and oven. W
Customer Review: I cannot say enough good things about this fryer! It’s large, has lots of settings, and is easy to use. I particularly like the extra crispy function and I often use that at the last couple minutes on things like fries, chicken, wings, and even sausage and peppers. It’s relatively easy to clean also
4. Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Qt 9-in-1 Air Fryer, Ceramic Coating, 90°–450°F, Even Heating, Dark Gray
The Cosori TurboBlaze is not a Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, but it competes directly with it. You get a 6-quart basket, a wide 90°–450°F temperature range, and a fast 3600 rpm fan for even cooking. The ceramic-coated basket is a nice touch if you care about durability and easier cleanup.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ TurboBlaze Technology with a powerful 3600 rpm fan for fast, even crisping
✓ Wide temperature range from 90°F to 450°F for dehydrating and high-heat frying
✓ 9-in-1 functions, including air fry, roast, bake, broil, and more
✓ Ceramic-coated basket and tray for better nonstick performance
✓ 6-quart capacity offers a bit more room than a standard Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Why We Recommend It
If you are open to brands beyond Ninja, this Cosori model is a strong rival to the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL. It heats quickly, spreads heat evenly, and the ceramic coating feels sturdy. It is a good pick if you want a slightly larger basket and more fine-grained temperature control.
Best For
Best for home cooks who want a versatile air fryer that can handle everything from jerky and dried fruit to ultra-crispy wings. It is also a nice choice if you are comparing different options and browsing general air fryers on Amazon and want strong value without losing features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast, even cooking thanks to high-speed fan and smart heating design
- Wide temperature range covers low-and-slow and high-heat crisping
- Ceramic coating is durable and easy to clean
- 9 cooking functions reduce the need for extra appliances
Cons:
- Interface and presets can feel a bit busier than Ninja’s simpler layout
- No dual baskets or viewing window
- Not part of the Ninja ecosystem if you already own Ninja accessories
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: The TurboBlaze fan makes a big difference. Fries and wings come out crispy without shaking as often, and the basket coating still looks new after months of use.
Customer Review: I bought this after using a Ninja Air Fryer Max XL at my sister’s house. The Cosori heats just as fast, and I like the extra temperature control, but I do miss the super simple Ninja controls a bit.
5. 12-Qt Dual Basket Air Fryer with Flex Basket, Viewing Window, 12-in-1, Sync & Dual Cook, Dishwasher Safe
This 12-quart dual basket air fryer is a flexible alternative to a Ninja Air Fryer Max XL if you cook for a crowd. The Flex Basket design lets you use one large 12-quart basket or split it into two 6-quart zones. You also get a viewing window, interior light, and a generous set of cooking functions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Flex Basket converts between one 12-quart basket and two 6-quart baskets
✓ Viewing window and on-demand interior light for easy monitoring
✓ 12-in-1 presets for fries, chicken, steak, bake, roast, and more
✓ Includes 50 air fryer parchment papers to keep cleanup simple
✓ Dishwasher-safe parts for low-effort cleaning
Why We Recommend It
If you like the idea of a 2-drawer air fryer but want the option of one huge basket, this design is clever. It gives you far more space than a standard Ninja Air Fryer Max XL and still lets you cook two foods at once when you need it.
Best For
Best for big families, batch cooking, or anyone who hosts often. If you have been reading about two-drawer air fryers and want maximum flexibility and capacity, this model is worth a look.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge 12-quart capacity handles large meals or party snacks
- Flex Basket design switches between single and dual zones
- Viewing window and interior light make it easy to track cooking progress
- Includes parchment liners and dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup
Cons:
- Very large footprint; needs plenty of counter or storage space
- May be overkill if you usually cook for one or two people
- More complex controls than a basic Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This air fryer is much better than the Instant Pot air fryer I used before. The capacity is noticeably larger, so I can heat two portions at the same time, which is very convenient.It also heats up faster — reheating pizza used to take about 10 minutes with my Instant Pot, but this one only takes ar
Customer Review: I couldn’t be happier with this double zone air fryer. The 12QT capacity is ideal for cooking larger portions, especially when hosting guests or preparing meals for the week. Being able to cook two different foods at two different temperatures is incredibly convenient. The Cook and Finish functions
Complete Buying Guide for Ninja Air Fryer Max Xl
Essential Factors We Consider
When we compare the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL to similar models, we look at a few simple but important points. Capacity comes first: 4–6 quarts suits most couples and small families, while 8–12 quarts works better for big households. We also look at temperature range and max heat; models that hit 450°F, like the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL and EzView, give you better crisping.
Next is ease of use. Clear buttons, readable labels, and presets for fries, wings, and reheating make daily cooking less stressful. We also pay attention to cleanup. Nonstick baskets, dishwasher-safe parts, and compatible air fryer accessories can make a huge difference in how often you actually use your air fryer.
Budget Planning
Prices for Ninja Air Fryer Max XL–style units can range from budget-friendly to premium. Basic single-basket models usually cost less, while dual-basket or smart thermometer versions cost more. Think about how often you’ll use it and how many people you cook for. Paying a bit more for a larger or dual-basket unit can save time and energy in the long run.
If your budget is tight, focus on a solid single-basket model with good reviews rather than chasing every extra feature. There are also dedicated roundups of air fryers under $100 that can help you find strong value without overspending.
Final Thoughts
The right “Ninja Air Fryer Max XL–style” pick will match your space, your family size, and how you like to cook. If you mostly reheat leftovers and make quick sides, a simple 5–6 quart basket is enough. If you want full one-basket dinners or to cook two foods at once, a dual-basket or flex-basket design is worth the extra cost. Keep your own habits in mind, and you will end up using your air fryer far more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Ninja EzView Max XL better than the original Ninja Air Fryer Max XL?
A: They cook very similarly, but the EzView adds a clear window so you can see your food without opening the basket. If you like to check on your fries or wings often, the EzView is more convenient. If you do not care about a window, the original Ninja AF161 Max XL is usually the better value.
Q: What size Ninja Air Fryer Max XL do I need for a family of four?
A: A 5.5–6 quart basket, like the Ninja AF161 Max XL or EzView Max XL, is usually enough for a family of four for sides and many mains. If you want to cook full meals in one go or host often, a 10–12 quart dual-basket model gives you more flexibility.
Q: Can I cook two foods at once in a Ninja Air Fryer Max XL?
A: In a single-basket Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, you can cook mixed foods together if they need similar times and temperatures, but you cannot control them separately. If you want independent control, look at dual-basket designs like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 or flex-basket models.
Q: Are air fryers like the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL easy to clean?
A: Yes, most have nonstick baskets and crisper plates that wipe clean with warm soapy water. Many parts are also dishwasher-safe. Using parchment liners or inserts can keep the basket cleaner, especially when cooking sticky or greasy foods.
Q: Do I still need an oven if I have a Ninja Air Fryer Max XL?
A: For many quick meals and snacks, an air fryer can replace your oven. You can roast veggies, cook chicken, bake small batches of cookies, and reheat leftovers. For very large roasts, big pizzas, or multiple baking trays, a full oven is still useful, but you may find yourself using it less often.
Choosing the right Ninja Air Fryer Max XL–style model comes down to how you cook today—and how you want to cook tomorrow. Whether you go for the simple Ninja AF161, the windowed EzView, or a dual-basket powerhouse, an air fryer can make weeknight meals faster and a lot more fun. Take a look at the picks above, compare the capacity and features that matter most to you, and click through to check the latest price and reviews before you decide.