Ninja vs Instant Vortex Plus
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Jan 2026). How we score
Ninja
$249.95
Our pick
Save $100
Save $100Instant Vortex Plus
$149.95
Skip it. Get the Instant Vortex Plus.
Performance vs the Ninja10/10 Matches
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
Durability vs the Ninja7/10 Behind
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
Amazon prices as of Sep 29, 9:38 PM EDT (details)
What the testers found
America's Test Kitchen's winner fit "four chicken cutlets or two 15-ounce bags of frozen french fries" and cooked them as well as the Crispi Pro,, and its sturdy drawer handle keeps hands away from the heating element. Its one gripe: "the basket liner occasionally fell out when we inverted the basket." No glass window. Neither listing states a warranty.
| Criterion | Ninja | Instant Vortex Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Safety | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Capacity | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Ease of use | 2/3 | 2.5/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Air Fryers (updated Jan. 15, 2026)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Ninja | Instant Vortex Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $149.95 |
| Cost per year | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Style | Heating base over glass drawers | Drawer |
| Capacity | 2.5-qt and 6-qt glass drawers; cooking surface 8 x 8 in (America's Test Kitchen) | 6 qt |
| Height | 11 in (America's Test Kitchen) | 12.5 in (America's Test Kitchen) |
| Heating | — | Top element; 95 to 400°F (manufacturer) |
| Extras | — | 6 cooking functions |
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Air Fryers (updated Jan. 15, 2026)
