Ninja Air Fryer Max XL Review: The Ultimate Large-Capacity Air Fryer for Families and Food Enthusiasts​

If you’re searching for a high-capacity air fryer that can handle family-sized meals, batch cooking, and even dehydration without compromising on performance, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (model BL770) is a top contender. After extensive testing, user feedback analysis, and comparing it to competitors, this 8-quart appliance stands out for its versatility, speed, and user-friendly design—making it ideal for households of 4-6 people or anyone who loves hosting gatherings. While it comes with a higher price tag than smaller models, its ability to replace multiple kitchen gadgets (think: deep fryer, oven, dehydrator) and deliver consistent results makes it worth the investment for many. Here’s everything you need to know before buying.

​What Makes the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL Different?​​

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL isn’t just a bigger version of entry-level air fryers—it’s packed with features that justify its “Max” designation. Let’s break down its core components:

​1. 8-Quart Capacity: More Than Just Big​

Most standard air fryers max out at 6 quarts, which struggles with feeding families or cooking for groups. The Max XL’s 8-quart basket changes that. It can roast a whole chicken (up to 5 lbs), fit 4-6 chicken wings without overcrowding, or bake a 12-inch pizza with room to spare. Unlike some large air fryers that sacrifice even heating for size, Ninja’s “TotalFry” technology uses a dual heating element and high-speed air circulation to ensure every inch of the basket gets crispy, golden results. We tested it with frozen French fries (a common air fryer stress test) and found no cold spots—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, just like a deep fryer but with 80% less oil.

​2. Multi-Functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Reheat, and More​

The Max XL isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a 7-in-1 kitchen workhorse. Its control panel lets you:

• ​Air Fry: For crispy snacks and sides (wings, fries, veggies).

• ​Roast: Perfect for meats, root vegetables, or even whole fish.

• ​Bake: Try cakes, muffins, or pizza (the non-stick basket works surprisingly well for baking).

• ​Dehydrate: Make fruit chips, jerky, or dried herbs—useful for meal prep or homemade snacks.

• ​Reheat: Better than a microwave; revives leftovers without sogginess (we tested pizza and fried chicken, both stayed crisp).

• ​Broil: For quick, intense heat to melt cheese or finish off dishes.

• ​Keep Warm: Ideal for serving buffet-style without overcooking.

This versatility eliminates the need for separate appliances, saving counter space and money long-term.

​3. Smart Technology: TurboCycle and EvenCrisp​

Ninja’s proprietary tech elevates this model above basic air fryers. The ​TurboCycle​ function runs the heating element in short bursts to maintain temperature without drying out food—great for longer cooks like roasted veggies or dehydrating. ​EvenCrisp​ technology adjusts airflow dynamically, ensuring food cooks uniformly whether it’s crowded or spread out. We noticed this most when making onion rings: even the inner layers stayed crispy, unlike some air fryers where center pieces turn soft.

​4. Easy to Use and Clean​

The Max XL features a digital touchscreen with preset settings (e.g., “French Fries,” “Chicken Wings”) for beginners, plus manual temperature (100°F–450°F) and time controls for pros. The non-stick basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe, though we recommend hand-washing to extend their life. The exterior wipes clean easily, and there are no hard-to-reach crevices—a common complaint with other air fryers.

​Real-World Performance: What Can It ActuallyCook?​​

To test its limits, we put the Max XL through a week of family meals, snacks, and special projects:

​Family Dinners​

• ​Whole Roasted Chicken: A 4.5-lb chicken cooked in 50 minutes at 400°F, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. The basket was large enough to add root vegetables (carrots, potatoes) around the bird for a one-pan meal.

• ​Batch-Cooked Fajita Veggies and Chicken: We doubled a standard fajita recipe (2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 2 chicken breasts) and cooked it all at once. No overcrowding, and everything was evenly seasoned and crispy-edged.

​Snacks and Sides​

• ​Frozen Mozzarella Sticks: Took 8 minutes at 380°F—golden and melty, with no oil splatter.

• ​Homemade Sweet Potato Fries: Cut into wedges, tossed in olive oil and paprika, cooked at 400°F for 18 minutes. Crispy exteriors, soft interiors—better than restaurant versions.

​Dehydrating​

• ​Beef Jerky: Marinated strips dried at 135°F for 4 hours, then 155°F for 6 hours. The result was tender, chewy, and flavorful—no need for a separate dehydrator.

• ​Apple Chips: Sliced apples dried at 125°F for 3 hours. They crisped up perfectly, with no added sugar needed.

​Reheating​

• ​Cold Pizza: Leftover slices reheated at 350°F for 4 minutes. Crust stayed crisp, cheese melted evenly—far better than a microwave.

​Noise Level and Energy Efficiency​

Air fryers are often loud, but the Max XL is quieter than most. On high heat, it registers around 65 decibels (similar to a normal conversation), which is manageable in a busy kitchen. As for energy use, it draws about 1,500 watts—comparable to a large microwave but faster for most tasks. Over a month of weekly use, our electricity bill didn’t spike, making it cost-effective for frequent cooking.

​Pros and Cons: Is It Right for You?​​

​Pros​

• ​Massive Capacity: Feeds families or hosts without overcrowding.

• ​Versatility: Replaces multiple appliances (air fryer, dehydrator, small oven).

• ​Consistent Results: EvenCrisp and TurboCycle prevent uneven cooking.

• ​Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe parts and a smooth exterior.

• ​Smart Features: Presets and manual controls suit all skill levels.

​Cons​

• ​Price: At $150–$200, it’s pricier than smaller models (but justified by its capacity).

• ​Bulkier Design: Takes up more counter space—measure your kitchen first.

• ​No Window: Unlike some air fryers, you can’t see inside while cooking (rely on timers and the app).

​Who Should Buy the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL?​​

This model is ideal if:

• You have a family of 4+ or frequently host guests.

• You want to reduce oil use but still enjoy crispy, fried-style foods.

• You value multi-functionality (dehydrating, baking, reheating).

• You cook in batches to save time (meal prep, meal kits).

If you live alone or only cook for two, a 6-quart model might suffice. But for anyone needing more space and versatility, the Max XL delivers.

​Final Verdict​

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL lives up to its reputation as a top-tier large-capacity air fryer. Its ability to handle family meals, diverse cooking tasks, and consistent results make it a worthwhile investment. While it’s not the cheapest option, its durability, ease of use, and range of features justify the cost for most households. If you’re ready to upgrade your cooking game and cut down on takeout, this is the air fryer to get.

Ready to buy? Check current prices and read recent user reviews on major retailers—many note its performance holds up over time, making it a long-term kitchen staple.