Ninja SP101 vs SP201 Air Fry: Which Countertop Oven Wins in 2025?

Trying to decide between the Ninja SP101 vs SP201? I’ve been in that same spot, standing in my kitchen, wondering if the extra features were worth the upgrade. As someone who’s tested both, I’ve seen how they perform day to day—from rushed breakfasts to weekend baking sprees. In this guide, I’ll break down the real differences, not just the specs. Stick around—I’ll help you figure out which one actually fits your cooking style.

Is Ninja SP101 a Good Brand of Air Fryer?

Yes, the Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry is a reliable and well-reviewed air fryer oven. It combines 8-in-1 functionality in a compact design that fits snugly on most countertops. With over 25,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s clear that many users find it dependable for everyday cooking needs.

When I first got the Ninja SP101, I was honestly just trying to save time during busy weeknights. Between juggling work and family, I needed something fast, easy, and not too bulky. My first try was a batch of chicken tenders using the air fry setting—and they came out golden, crispy, and way less greasy than I expected. From that moment, I started seeing this oven as more than just a trendy kitchen gadget.

This fryer toaster oven flip up design is especially helpful in my small kitchen. It flips up and stores vertically against the backsplash, which frees up precious counter space—a feature that actually sold me on it.

Can SP101 Ninja Air Fryer Temperature Be Adjusted for Different Recipes?

Absolutely. The Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry comes with Digital Crisp Control Technology, allowing precise temperature adjustments based on what you’re cooking. Whether I’m air frying chicken wings at 400°F or dehydrating apple slices at a low 135°F, the oven gives me control without fuss.

One thing I remember clearly: I was trying to bake brownies while my main oven was occupied. I set the SP101 to 325°F, kept an eye on the time, and the brownies came out moist and evenly baked. That flexibility made me realize just how versatile this countertop oven really is.Having a countertop oven that doubles as a convection oven and gives me temperature control is a game-changer, especially when experimenting with new recipes.

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How Many Watts Is the Ninja SP101?

The Ninja SP101 is an 1800-watt powerhouse. That might sound like a lot, but it’s part of why it preheats in just 60 seconds and cooks meals up to 60% faster than a traditional oven.

When I’m rushing to prep dinner, this power means I can roast veggies or cook chicken breasts in under 20 minutes. The fry oven function is fast, consistent, and doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen, which is a big win in summer months.

It may be compact, but it definitely doesn’t skimp on performance.

What I Like

• Speedy Cooking: It preheats in just a minute and cooks faster than my regular oven.
• Space-Saving Design: The Ninja flip away feature is perfect for small kitchens.
• Multi-functionality: It’s not just an air fryer—it’s a full 8-in-1 appliance.
• Large Cooking Area: I can fit a 13-inch pizza or six chicken breasts easily.
• Easy Cleanup: The crumb tray and accessible back panel make cleaning less of a chore.

What Could Be Better

• Interior Height: The oven’s height is around 3 inches, so thicker items can be a tight fit.
• Exterior Gets Warm: Like many compact ovens, the outside does heat up during use—just something to be mindful of.

How I Use It

I use the Foodi air oven almost daily now. In the morning, it toasts bagels exactly how I like them (thank you, toast darkness selector). For lunch, I toss frozen fries in the fryer basket and have crispy results without oil. At dinner, it becomes a convection oven for chicken, fish, or roasted veggies. And when I’m not using it? The Ninja flip away feature lets me tuck it neatly against the wall.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for a compact, fast, and versatile countertop oven, the Ninja SP101 is ideal for small kitchens, busy households, and anyone who loves air frying without sacrificing performance. It’s especially useful for singles or couples who don’t want to fire up a full oven every time.

However, if you need something with taller interior space for bulkier bakes like bundt cakes or large roasts, you might want to consider alternatives like the SP201 Ninja or a traditional toaster oven.

Tips for Best Use

• Preheat First: Even though it’s fast, letting it run for 60 seconds before adding food gives better results.
• Use Foil or Liners Carefully: Line the sheet pan for easy cleanup, but avoid blocking airflow.
• Flip It After Use: Get into the habit of flipping it up once it cools—it really does free up space.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Especially when air frying—leave room for airflow for the best crisp.
• Clean the Crumb Tray Weekly: It only takes a second and keeps the oven smelling fresh.

Is Ninja SP201 a good air fryer?

Yes, the Ninja SP201 Digital Air Fry Pro is a great air fryer — especially if you’re short on counter space but still want powerful, versatile cooking. It delivers fast, even results and doubles as a countertop oven, making it ideal for small kitchens or busy weeknights.
I first turned to the SP201 during Ramadan when I needed something quick and efficient for Iftar prep. From air frying samosas to baking mini pizzas, this machine handled it all — without heating up the whole kitchen. It was a game changer.

My first impression? The extended height is a huge plus. Unlike the original Ninja SP101, this one fits a 2-lb roast or up to 4 lbs of wings. It’s more than just an air fryer — it’s a fryer toaster oven, convection oven, and broiler all in one.

Is the Ninja201 Foodi also an air fryer?

Yes, absolutely. The Ninja SP201 Foodi is a true air fryer — it uses powerful convection and high-speed air circulation to crisp food while using up to 75% less fat than deep frying.

When I first used it to make fries for my niece’s birthday, I was skeptical. But they came out golden and crispy, and I didn’t even need to turn them midway. It reminded me of restaurant-style results, minus the greasy mess.

What impressed me was how even the cooking was, thanks to Ninja’s Digital Crisp Control Technology. You get consistent heat and airflow — whether you’re roasting a chicken or dehydrating apple slices. It’s a well-rounded countertop oven for nearly any recipe.

What temperature is the Ninja SP201 air fryer oven?

The Ninja SP201 can reach up to 450°F, and it preheats super quickly — often within 60 seconds. Whether you’re air frying, roasting, or baking, the temperature stays stable for consistent results.

I use it often to toast bread in the mornings (it fits 9 slices!) and roast veggies for lunch. The precise temp control means nothing burns or comes out undercooked. It’s like having a mini pro oven.

This model feels more like a fryer oven than just a basic air fryer — it’s programmable and lets you select exact settings with a simple knob turn. Plus, it’s stainless steel, so it looks sleek in the kitchen.

What I Like

• Extended height & XL capacity – Finally, an upgrade from the SP101. It fits a full roast or a 13″ pizza.
• Flip-up storage – Saves about 45% of counter space when not in use. Super helpful in my small apartment.
• 8-in-1 cooking functions – Air fry, roast, broil, bake, toast, bagel, dehydrate, and keep warm — all in one appliance.
• Fast preheat & cooking – Ready to cook in 60 seconds. Ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Digital Crisp Control Pro – Gives me perfect crispiness without overcooking.

What Could Be Better

• Exterior gets a bit hot – Not dangerously so, but I keep it away from plastic containers.
• No Celsius setting – It only displays Fahrenheit, which could be tricky for some international users.
• Crumb tray fills quickly – Needs frequent emptying if you use it daily like I do.

My Experience Using It

I use this every single day. It helps me prep meals quickly — from crisping chicken tenders to baking banana bread. During Eid, I made roasted lamb, and it turned out juicy with a perfect outer crust. It’s not just a fryer — it’s a full-service convection oven.

Recommendation

This is perfect for anyone who:

• Lives in a small home or apartment and needs space-saving gear.
• Wants an all-in-one appliance for air frying, baking, and toasting.
• Cooks regularly and appreciates reliable performance.

It might not be for:

• Those who need Celsius temp settings.
• Very large families needing double-layer cooking.

If that’s you, consider a larger model like a 13-in-1 Ninja with thermometer.

Tips for Best Use

• Flip it up after each use to keep your counter clear.
• Use parchment paper in the basket for easier cleanup.
• Don’t overcrowd the tray — air circulation is key.
• Test toast settings the first time to find your sweet spot.
• Wipe down the stainless steel weekly to keep it looking fresh.

Ninja SP101 vs SP201: Real-World Comparison

When I first started looking for a countertop oven, I was torn between the Ninja SP101 and the newer SP201. After months of use (yes, I’ve tried both!), here’s what I honestly think—straight from one home cook to another.

Size and Capacity

I remember struggling to fit a roast in my old toaster oven. That’s where the SP201 truly surprised me. The added height made a real difference, especially when I wanted to cook a whole chicken or a taller casserole dish.

Feature	Ninja SP101	Ninja SP201
Dimensions	19.72” W x 7.56” H x 14.96” D	20.21” W x 8.15” H x 15.33” D
Interior Height	Shorter – can feel cramped	Taller – fits 2-lb roast easily
Pizza Size	13” max	13” max (but fits deeper pans)

🏆 Winner: Ninja SP201
The SP201 wins for its extended height—it gave me more cooking flexibility without hogging counter space.

Cooking Functions and Performance

Both ovens share similar functions, but the SP201 adds slight refinements that I noticed during baking and air frying. The heat seemed more even, and toast came out just right—no burnt edges.

Feature	Ninja SP101	Ninja SP201
Functions	8-in-1 (same functions)	8-in-1 with improved airflow control
Air Fry Performance	Great, but tight for larger portions	Better capacity, crispier air frying
Preheat Speed	About 60 seconds	Same – ready in 60 seconds

🏆 Winner: Ninja SP201
While both are fast, SP201’s crisp control feels slightly more refined. It’s great for fries and wings!

Design and Storage

Here’s where it gets interesting. I love how both models flip up to save space—but the SP101 is a tad slimmer. In my small kitchen, I noticed that extra half-inch made it slightly easier to tuck away.

Feature	Ninja SP101	Ninja SP201
Flip-Up Design	Yes – very space-saving	Yes – but slightly deeper footprint
Weight	Lighter at 18.5 lbs	Heavier at 21.1 lbs
Aesthetic	Sleek silver & black	Similar look, slightly more modern

🏆 Winner: Ninja SP101
If counter space is super tight, the SP101 edges out with its slimmer design.

Versatility in Daily Use

I’ve used these ovens for everything—from making toast in the morning to roasting veggies for dinner. The SP201’s roomier interior just gave me more freedom. I could toast 9 slices at once, which was a game-changer during brunch parties.

Feature	Ninja SP101	Ninja SP201
Toasting Capacity	6 slices	9 slices
Roasting Space	Limited to small cuts	Fits 2-lb roast comfortably
Dehydration Space	Basic	Slightly improved airflow for drying

🏆 Winner: Ninja SP201
The SP201 wins for families or anyone batch cooking—those extra few inches go a long way.

Value for Money

Both models are built like tanks. But here’s the deal—SP201 costs more, yet gives a more complete experience. If you’re on a tighter budget, SP101 is still a fantastic deal.

Feature	Ninja SP101	Ninja SP201
Price Range	Lower ($)	Higher ($$)
Value for Price	Great entry-level pick	Worth it for versatility and size
Durability	Excellent build	Same solid quality

🏆 Winner: Tie
SP101 wins for budget-conscious buyers, but if you need extra space and function, SP201 is worth the extra bucks.

Final Ratings

Model	My Rating
Ninja SP101	4.5/5
Ninja SP201	4.7/5

My Final Thoughts

If you’re all about saving space and cooking quick meals for one or two people, the Ninja SP101 is a solid, no-fuss choice. But if you often cook larger meals or want a bit more flexibility—like room for a roast or extra toast slices—the SP201 makes life a lot easier. After using both, I’d say go with the SP101 for tight kitchens and tight budgets. Go with the SP201 if you want more room to breathe. Either way, you’re getting a dependable, high-speed oven that earns its spot on your counter.

FAQs: Ninja SP101 vs SP201

Q1: What’s the main difference between the Ninja SP101 and SP201?
The Ninja SP201 has a taller interior and fits more food. The SP101 is more compact and better for small kitchens or single servings.

Q2: Is the Ninja SP101 or SP201 better for air frying?
Both air fry well, but the SP201 offers more space and airflow, making it better for bigger batches or crispier results.

Q3: Can I cook a whole chicken in the Ninja SP101?
The SP101 has a short interior, so whole chickens don’t fit well. The SP201 has more height, which works better for roasts and poultry.

Q4: Does the Ninja SP201 cost more than the SP101?
Yes, the SP201 is a bit more expensive, but it offers extra room, better airflow, and upgraded cooking features.

Q5: Do both models have a flip-up design for saving space?
Yes, both Ninja SP101 and SP201 flip up after use. This design helps save counter space, especially in small kitchens.

Q6: Are the cooking functions the same in both Ninja ovens?
Yes, both offer 8-in-1 cooking modes like air fry, roast, toast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and keep warm features.

Q7: Which Ninja air fryer oven heats up faster—SP101 or SP201?
They both preheat in about 60 seconds, thanks to 1800 watts of power. Speed is nearly the same in both.

Q8: Is the Ninja SP101 good for daily cooking?
Yes, it’s fast, simple, and great for daily tasks like toasting, air frying, and reheating meals for 1–2 people.

Q9: Does the Ninja SP201 take up more counter space than the SP101?
The SP201 is slightly larger and heavier, but it still flips up. It needs a bit more space than the SP101.

Q10: Which is better for families—the Ninja SP101 or SP201?
The SP201 is better for families. It fits more food and gives more cooking flexibility than the smaller SP101.