Ninja Air Fryer Max XL AF160 Series Manual

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Mid-Level Rack
(not included with all models)

Broil Rack
(not included with all models)

Ceramic-Coated Crisper Plate

Ceramic-Coated Basket

1. Air Intake Vent
2. Control Panel
3. Air Outlet Unit
   (located on back)
4. Main Unit
   (power cord not shown)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR AIR FRYER MAX XL

When setting time, the digital display shows HH:MM. Display currently reads 23 minutes.
*Not all functions are included on every model.

FUNCTION BUTTONS
MAX CRISP: Use to give frozen foods extra crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
AIR FRY: Use to give food crispiness and crunch with little to no oil.
AIR ROAST: Use the unit as a roaster oven for tender meats, vegetables, and more.
AIR BROIL: Use to caramelize and brown food.
BAKE: Create decedent baked treats and desserts.
REHEAT: Revive leftovers by gently warming them, leaving you with crispy results.
DEHYDRATE: Dehydrate meats, fruits, and vegetables for healthy snacks.

OPERATING BUTTONS
TEMP arrows: Use the up and down TEMP arrows to adjust the cook temperature in any function, except Max Crisp, before or during cooking.
TIME arrows: Use the up and down TIME arrows to adjust the cook time in any function before or during cooking.
START/STOP button: After selecting the time and temperature, start cooking by pressing the START/STOP button. You can stop cooking at any time by pressing the button again.
POWER button: The Power button shuts off the unit and stops all cooking modes.

NOTE: After 10 minutes with no interaction with the control panel, the unit will enter standby mode. The Power button will be dimly lit.

BEFORE FIRST USE

1. Remove and discard all packaging material, promotional labels, and tape from the unit.
2. Remove all accessories from the package and read this manual carefully. Please pay particular attention to operational instructions, warnings, and important safeguards to avoid any injury or property damage.
3. Wash the ceramic-coated basket, crisper plate, and accessories in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. NEVER clean the main unit in the dishwasher.

USING YOUR AIR FRYER MAX XL

USING THE COOKING FUNCTIONS

To turn on the unit, first plug the power cord into a wall outlet. Press the power button .

Max Crisp

1. Install the crisper plate in the basket.
   
2. Press the MAX CRISP button. The default temperature setting will display. The temperature cannot be adjusted in the Max Crisp function.
   
3. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the cook time.
   
   NOTE: For best results, let the unit preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.
4. Add ingredients to the basket. Insert the basket in the unit.
   
5. Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
   
6. To toss ingredients during cooking, remove basket and shake it back and forth. The unit will automatically pause when the basket is removed. Reinsert basket and cooking will resume.
   
7. When cooking is complete, the unit will beep and End will appear on the control panel display.
   
8. Remove ingredients by dumping them out or using oven mitts or siliconetipped tongs/utensils.
   

Air Fry

1. Install the crisper plate in the basket.
   
2. Press the AIR FRY button. The default temperature setting will display. Use the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
   
3. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the cook time.
   
   NOTE: For best results, let the unit preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.
4. Add ingredients to the basket. Insert the basket in the unit.
   
5. Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
   
6. To toss ingredients during cooking, remove basket and shake it back and forth. The unit will automatically pause when the basket is removed. Reinsert basket and cooking will resume.
   
7. When cooking is complete, the unit will beep and End will appear on the control panel display.
   
8. Remove ingredients by dumping them out or using oven mitts or silicone-tipped tongs/utensils.
   

Air Roast

1. Install the crisper plate in the basket if needed.
   
2. Press the AIR ROAST button. The default temperature setting will display. Press the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
   
3. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the cook time.
   
   NOTE: For best results, let the unit preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.
4. Add ingredients to the basket. Insert the basket in the unit.
   
5. Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
   
6. When cooking is complete, the unit will beep and End will appear on the control panel display.
   
7. Remove ingredients by dumping them out or using oven mitts or silicone-tipped tongs/utensils.
   
   NOTE: The Air Broil function and broil rack are not included on all models.

Air Broil

1. Install the crisper plate and broil rack in the basket.
   
   NOTE: For best results when broiling, use the broil rack. When using the broil rack, do not layer food below the rack. If the rack is not included with your model, it is available for purchase at ninjaaccessories.com
2. Press the AIR BROIL button. The default temperature setting will display. Use the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
   
3. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the cook time.
   
   NOTE: For best results, let the unit preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.
4. Add ingredients to the basket. Insert the basket in the unit.
   
5. Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
   
6. When cooking is complete, the unit will beep and End will appear on the control panel display.
   
7. Remove ingredients by dumping them out or using oven mitts or siliconetipped tongs/utensils.
   

Bake

1. Install the crisper plate in the basket if needed. If using a baking dish, the crisper plate is not needed.
   
2. Press the BAKE button. The default temperature setting will display. Press the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
   
   NOTE: To convert recipes from a conventional oven, reduce the temperature of the air fryer by 25°F. Check food frequently to avoid overcooking.
3. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the cook time.
   
   NOTE: For best results, let the unit preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.
4. Add ingredients to the basket. Insert the basket in the unit.
   
5. Press START/STOP to begin cooking.
   
6. When cooking is complete, the unit will beep and End will appear on the control panel display.
   
7. Remove ingredients by dumping them out or using oven mitts or silicone-tipped tongs/utensils.
   

Reheat

1. Install the crisper plate in the basket.
   
2. Press the REHEAT button. The default temperature setting will display. Press the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
   
3. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the reheating time.
   
4. Add ingredients to the basket. Insert the basket in the unit.
   
5. Press START/STOP to begin reheating.
   
6. When reheating is complete, the unit will beep and End will appear on the control panel display.
   
7. Remove ingredients by dumping them out or using oven mitts or siliconetipped tongs/utensils.
   

Dehydrate

1. Place a layer of ingredients in the bottom of the basket. Then install the crisper plate in the basket and set a second layer of ingredients on the crisper plate.
   
   NOTE: You can increase your air fryer's dehydrating capacity with the mid-level rack. If the rack is not included with your model, it is available for purchase at ninjaaccessories.com
   
2. Insert the basket in the unit.
3. Press the DEHYDRATE button. The default temperature will display. Use the TEMP up and down arrow buttons to set your desired temperature.
4. Press the TIME up and down arrow buttons to set the dehydrating time.
   
5. Press START/STOP to start dehydrating.
   
6. When dehydrating is complete, the unit will beep and END will appear on the control panel display.
   

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Cleaning Your Air Fryer Max XL

The unit should be cleaned thoroughly after every use.

• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning.
  NOTE: NEVER immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid. NEVER clean the main unit in a dishwasher.
• To clean the main unit and the control panel, wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
• The basket, crisper plate, and any accessories can be washed in the dishwasher.
• If food residue is stuck on the crisper plate or basket, place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and allow to soak.
• Air-dry or towel-dry all parts after use.

HELPFUL TIPS

1. For consistent browning, make sure ingredients are arranged in an even layer on the bottom of the basket with no overlapping. If ingredients are overlapping, make sure to shake them halfway through the set cook time.
2. Cook time and temperature can be adjusted at any time during cooking. Simply press the up and down TIME or TEMP arrows to adjust the time or temperature.
3. To convert recipes from a conventional oven, reduce the temperature of the air fryer by 25°F. Check food frequently to avoid overcooking.
4. We recommend 3 minutes of preheating. You can use the built-in timer to set a 3-minute countdown.
5. Occasionally, the fan from the air fryer will blow lightweight foods around. To alleviate this, secure foods (like the top slice of bread on a sandwich) with toothpicks.
6. The crisper plate elevates ingredients in the basket so air can circulate under and around them for consistent, crisp results.
7. After a cooking function is selected, you can press the START/STOP button to begin cooking immediately. The unit will run at the default temperature and time.
8. For best results, remove food immediately after the cook time is complete to avoid overcooking.
9. For best results with fresh vegetables and potatoes, use at least 1 tablespoon of oil. Add more oil as desired to achieve the preferred level of crispiness.
10. For best results, check progress throughout cooking, and remove food when desired level of brownness has been achieved. We recommend using an instant-read thermometer to monitor internal temperature of proteins. After the cook time is complete, remove food immediately to avoid overcooking.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Why won't the temperature go any higher?

The max temperature is 450˚F for Max Crisp and Air Broil. The max temperature is 400˚F for all other functions.

How long does it take to preheat, and how will I know when it's done?

We recommend 3 minutes of preheating. To preheat, select desired function and temperature, set time to 3 minutes, and press Start/Stop.

Should I add the ingredients before or after preheating?

For best results, let the unit preheat for 3 minutes before adding ingredients.

When should I use Max Crisp instead of Air Fry?

For best results, use Max Crisp when cooking prepackaged frozen foods such as french fries or chicken nuggets.

Do I need to defrost frozen foods before air frying?

It depends on the food. Follow package instructions.

How do I pause the countdown?

The countdown timer will pause automatically when you remove the basket from the unit. Pressing Start/Stop during cooking will stop the cooking function and reset the timer.

Is the basket safe to put on my countertop?

The basket will heat during cooking. Use caution when handling, and place on heat-safe surfaces only.

How do I know when to use the crisper plate?

Use the crisper plate when you want food to come out crispy. The plate elevates the food in the basket so that air can flow under it to cook ingredients evenly.

My food didn't cook.

Make sure the basket is fully inserted during cooking. For consistent browning, make sure ingredients are arranged in an even layer on the bottom of the basket with no overlapping. Shake basket to toss loose ingredients for consistent crispiness. Cook time and temperature can be adjusted at any time during cooking. Simply press the TIME or TEMP buttons and rotate the dial.

My food is burned.

For best results, check progress throughout cooking, and remove food when desired level of brownness has been achieved. Remove food immediately after the cook time is complete to avoid overcooking.

Why do some ingredients blow around when air frying?

Occasionally, the fan from the air fryer will blow lightweight foods around. Use toothpicks to secure loose lightweight food, like the top slide on a sandwich.

Can I air fry fresh battered ingredients?

Yes, but use the proper breading technique. It is important to coat foods first with flour, then with egg, and then with bread crumbs. Be sure to press the bread crumbs onto the food so they stick in place. Loose breading may be blown off by the unit's powerful fan.

Why is the unit beeping?

The cooking function is complete.

The screen went black.

The unit is in standby mode. Press the power button to turn it back on.

An "E" message appears on display screen.

The unit is not functioning properly. Please contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288.

ONE (1) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

The One (1) Year Limited Warranty applies to purchases made from authorized retailers of SharkNinja Operating LLC. Warranty coverage applies to the original owner and to the original product only and is not transferable.

SharkNinja warrants that the unit shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase when it is used under normal household conditions and maintained according to the requirements outlined in the Owner's Guide, subject to the following conditions and exclusions:

What is covered by this warranty?

1. The original unit and/or non-wearable parts deemed defective, in SharkNinja's sole discretion, will be repaired or replaced up to one (1) year from the original purchase date.
2. In the event a replacement unit is issued, the warranty coverage ends six (6) months following the receipt date of the replacement unit or the remainder of the existing warranty, whichever is later. SharkNinja reserves the right to replace the unit with one of equal or greater value.

What is not covered by this warranty?

1. Normal wear and tear of wearable parts (such as removable basket, crisper plate, racks, pans, etc.), which require regular maintenance and/or replacement to ensure the proper functioning of your unit, are not covered by this warranty. Replacement parts are available for purchase at ninjaaccessories.com.
2. Any unit that has been tampered with or used for commercial purposes
3. Damage caused by misuse, abuse, negligent handling, failure to perform required maintenance (e.g., failure to keep the well of the motor base clear of food spills and other debris), or damage due to mishandling in transit.
4. Consequential and incidental damag es.
5. Defects caused by repair persons not authorized by SharkNinja. These defects include damages caused in the process of shipping, altering, or repairing the SharkNinja product (or any of its parts) when the repair is performed by a repair person not authorized by SharkNinja.
6. Products purchased, used, or operated outside North America.

How to get service
If your appliance fails to operate properly while in use under normal household conditions within the warranty period, visit ninjakitchen.com/support for product care and maintenance self-help. O ur Customer Service Specialists are also available at 1-877-646-5288 to assist with product support and warranty service options, including the possibility of upgrading to our VIP warranty service options for select product categ ories.

SharkNinja will cover the cost for the customer to send in the unit to us for repair or replacement. A fee of $19.95 (subject to change) will be charged when SharkNinja ships the repaired or replacement unit.

How to initiate a warranty claim
You must call 1-877-646-5288 to initiate a warranty claim. You will need the receipt as proof of purchase. A Customer Service Specialist will provide you with return and packing instruction information.

How state law applies
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state. Some states do not permit the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.

Videos

ow to Use Your Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF160 Series) Video

How to Clean Your Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF160 Series) Video

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL AF160 Review Video

Documents / Resources

References

• My SharkNinja | Register a Product
• Blenders, Air Fryers, Indoor Grills, Cookware & More - Ninja

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Ninja Air Fryer Max XL AF160 Series Manual