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Looking for a quick way to make crispy, tasty, golden-brown food without too much fat? An air fryer could be just the ticket. Similar to the way convection ovens work, these modern kitchen appliances circulate hot air to cook and crisp a variety of foods from French fries to Brussels sprouts to a whole butterflied chicken. Air fryers do more than fry, however, and different models offer various features.
We recommended the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 6-Quart Air Fryer as our favorite air fryer because of its speed, versatility, and ease of use. However, there are many other top options included in our list. To choose the right one for you, read on and learn what to look for and why the following tested and selected options are considered among the best air fryers you can buy.
- BEST OVERALL: Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 6-Quart Air Fryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GoWise USA 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST AIR-FRYER OVEN: Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH TOASTER OVEN: Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMART AIR FRYER: Cosori Smart Dual Blaze Air Fryer
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: SharkNinja 6.5-Quart Pressure Cooker & Canner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LARGE AIR FRYER: Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Air Fryers
Years of experience covering and testing home appliances as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored and, in some cases, hands-on tested more than 40 options to come up with our choice for the best air fryer on the market, weighing a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
When choosing which models to include, we considered a variety of user preferences. We aimed to provide recommendations for both large and small households along with options for both beginner and experienced air-fryer users. We chose air fryers with simple functionality for those looking for a single-use appliance and more varied performance for those in need of something more multifunctional.
Our Top Picks
The air fryers you’ll read about below all have a range of convenient features and preset cooking functions and are considered to be the best air fryers on the market; we selected (and, in cases, tested) them with care. Each of our top picks comes with a thoroughly vetted list of pros and cons as well as the top specs.
Best Overall
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 6-Quart Air Fryer
Product Specs
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Settings: Air-fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat
- Adjustable temperature: Yes
Pros
- Features an extra-large basket that can fit a large amount of food
- Includes a user-friendly interface and EvenCrisp technology for complete and effective cooking
- Features 6 presets for air-frying, broiling, roasting, dehydrating, baking, and reheating
- The dishwasher-safe air fryer basket is user-friendly after the cooking process
Cons
- Some users have complained of a plastic odor when cooking
If speed, versatility, and ease of use are your air-fryer priorities, check out this quality model. The 6-quart-capacity Vortex Plus by Instant Pot has six preset programs: air-fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. EvenCrisp technology gives food a crispy exterior and tender interior while using up to 95 percent less oil than deep frying.
This powerful air fryer features an extra-large air fryer basket and convenient touch control display so you can access your favorite settings with the tap of a button. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze because of the dishwasher-safe fryer basket. It’s also available with a smaller 4-quart capacity for those who have limited kitchen storage space.
Get the Instant air fryer at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
GoWise USA 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
Product Specs
- Capacity: 5.8 quarts
- Settings: Air-fry, bake, grill, and roast
- Adjustable temperature: Yes
Pros
- Includes food-specific cooking presets to take the guesswork out of any cooking settings
- Cool-touch handle prevents any unwanted burns or injuries; suitable for homes with children
- Adjustable temperature control ranges from 180 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Affordable price point compared to similar options on the market
Cons
- Components are not dishwasher-friendly; may not be ideal for some users
Our pick for the best affordable air fryer is the GoWise USA digital air fryer. If you want to lose unnecessary fat without spending a lot, this model may be your best bet. The 5.8-quart-capacity air fryer can be used to fry, bake, grill, and roast. It boasts eight preset cooking functions for items such as fries, steak, and pizza. The temperature can be adjusted between 180 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 degree increments, and the timer can be set for up to 30 minutes.
The detachable frying basket comes with a cool-touch handle for added safety. Convenient features include a start/stop button that allows you to adjust the time and temperature settings during a cook cycle and a built-in alarm that reminds you when to shake your ingredients. The best budget air fryer performs just as well as its pricier counterparts, and this one certainly fits the bill.
What our tester says: Beth Cranston, an editor at Bob Vila, notes in The Best Large Air Fryers that “with so many air fryers to test, we really appreciated that the GoWise USA air fryer came with a quick-start sheet that clearly and quickly explained how to use this product ASAP—no downloading instructions or sifting through pages of safety warnings. The GoWise USA turned out frozen chicken nuggets with crunchy perfection and gave fresh chicken wings a crispy exterior and juicy interior just as easily. After cooking, we did have to hand-wash the pan and basket, but fortunately not much stuck to the surfaces.”
Get the GoWise USA air fryer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Air-fryer Oven
Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1 cubic foot
- Settings: Bake, broil, toast, air-fry, warm, slow cook, reheat, proof, dehydrate
- Adjustable temperature: Yes
Pros
- Features 13 cooking presets for excellent versatility; bakes, broils, toasts, air-fries, warms, and more
- Large capacity; 1 cubic foot of room for large chickens or multiple dishes
- Includes several useful accessories, including 2 racks, a dehydrating rack, and a broiling pan
- Utilizes Element IQ heating technology; has 6 quartz heating elements for even cooking
Cons
- High price point compared to other options on this list
- Some users have reported that this option is difficult to clean after use
The more varied the recipes you enjoy, the more versatile you’ll want your countertop cooker to be. This smart Breville model is a solid choice and features both a regular and a super-speed convection fan for greater cooking control; the super-convection setting is designed for air-frying, dehydration, and roasting. Breville touts its Element IQ heating technology, which moves the power where it is most needed for precise results. It has 13 preset cooking functions for items such as cookies, bagels, and pizza.
Its 1-cubic-foot interior has room to roast a 14-pound turkey or pop in a 5-quart Dutch oven, providing plenty of versatility. The insulated dual-wall door and glass window ensure everything inside stays warm, while the stay-cool handle acts as a handy safety feature. It comes with two wire racks, a dehydrating rack, a broiling pan, a baking pan, and a 13-inch pizza pan.
Get the Breville air fryer at Amazon, Best Buy, or Breville.
Best With Toaster Oven
Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Product Specs
- Capacity: 18 quarts
- Settings: Air-fry, baking, cooking, dual cook, and more
- Adjustable temperature: 80 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Comes with large cooking capacity and over 13 cooking functions, including air-frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and more
- Dual cooking function allows the user to cook using 2 different methods
- Stainless steel construction provides a sleek look as well as durability
- Internal light allows for visibility when cooking; suitable for quick checks to avoid overcooking
Cons
- Temperatures can get very hot; users will want to monitor their food regularly to avoid burning
Versatility meets quick cooking times with this air fryer toaster oven from Cuisinart. This large model comes with an 18-quart capacity, which allows for a 12-inch pizza, six slices of bread, and even a 4-pound chicken with a temperature range of 80 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This model also comes with 13 different cooking functions that can air-fry, bake, broil, cook, and more. It comes with an oven rack, air-fryer basket, a baking pan, and an internal light. The LCD screen and stainless steel build provide an attractive touch and ease of use without taking up a lot of counter space.
Testing Results: Beth Cranston, Bob Vila editor, performed a full hands-on test on the Cuisinart air fryer and found that it performs quickly and effectively: “I cooked a slightly wider range of foods with the Cuisinart air-fryer toaster oven, namely bread and baked goods. I was wowed by the golden-brown color and crispness that I got on chicken wings with the Cuisinart. It cooked 2 pounds of chicken wings in about 25 minutes. All I had to do was pat them dry and lightly season them, and they came out great.”
Read our full review: Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Get the Cuisinart air fryer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Smart Air Fryer
Cosori Smart Dual Blaze Air Fryer
Product Specs
- Capacity: 6.8 quarts
- Settings: Air-fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, and keep warm
- Adjustable temperature: Yes
Pros
- Wi-Fi enabled for accessing any mobile control, nutrition facts, and recipes; compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 12 preset cooking functions for cooking chicken, steak, fries, veggies, and more
- The basket is dishwasher-safe for user-friendliness after cooking
Cons
- Limited cooking functionality
Smart homes can now enjoy a Wi-Fi–enabled smart air fryer. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, this countertop appliance from Cosori can be controlled via a smartphone or voice commands so users can remotely monitor the cooking progress. It has a 6.8-quart capacity and 12 preset cooking functions, including steak, french fries, and desserts.
Convenient features include a keep-warm setting and preheat function. The temperature can be adjusted between 170 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the timer can be set between 1 and 60 minutes. Users can manually choose a preset function or select a recipe from the app and the settings will automatically adjust. It even allows users to modify and save recipes so that their favorite presets can be accessed with just a few clicks. The fryer basket is dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is easy.
Testing Results: Beth Cranston, an editor at Bob Vila, performed a hands-on test of this model and found that it had a user-friendly design and plenty of accessories. “I made french fries, chicken nuggets, chicken wings, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, chicken breasts, and a whole chicken. I was so impressed with the results that I also used it to reheat wings and pizza, cook homemade meatballs, and heat up other frozen snacks that I regularly have in my personal stockpile. And five dozen meatballs for a party? This Cosori cooked them all in three batches in just 30 minutes.”
Read our full review: Cosori Smart Dual Blaze Air Fryer
[Editor’s Note: This model, CAF-P583S-KUS, was not a part of the Cosori’s voluntary air fryer recall in February 2023.]
Most Versatile
SharkNinja 6.5-Quart Pressure Cooker & Canner
Product Specs
- Capacity: 6.5 quarts
- Settings: Air-fry, bake, roast, pressure cook, steam, air crisp, sear, can, defrost, and broil
- Adjustable temperature: Yes
Pros
- Pressure cooker and air fryer in one; can air-fry, bake, roast, and broil
- The defrosting function can completely cook frozen foods into crispy meals
- Basket comes with a nonstick ceramic coating; crisp basket and reversible rack also included
Cons
- Smaller cooking capacity compared to other options on this list
Folks who like the convenience and versatility of a pressure cooker but want to add air-fryer capabilities may appreciate this large-capacity model from Ninja. This multifunctional 6.5-quart appliance is a pressure cooker that crisps, so you can use it to air-fry, bake, roast, and broil quickly. Start by pressure cooking your food to lock in juices, and then use the crisping lid to add a crispy finishing touch. It even allows for frozen food to defrost and results in crispy, delicious meats and vegetables.
The SharkNinja comes with a reversible rack for steaming or broiling; a nonstick, ceramic-coated cook-and-crisp basket; and 14 built-in safety features. It’s important to note that while the pot has a capacity of 6.5 quarts, the fryer basket has a smaller 4-quart capacity, which is best for feeding a smaller group.
Best Large Air Fryer
Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL
Product Specs
- Capacity: 7.7 quarts
- Settings: Air-fry, grill, bake, roast, reheat, and keep warm
- Adjustable temperature: 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- Large cooking basket allows for a lot of cooking capacity; can fit a whole chicken
- Ranges between 100 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking, baking, grilling, reheating, and keeping food warm
- Pause button allows users to make quick adjustments to food when cooking
- Compatible with the HomeID app for monitoring cooking and accessing recipes
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other models on the market
- Components may take some time to fully clean or take up a lot of dishwasher space
Those who need to do a lot of cooking can rely on the Philips Premium air fryer. This 7.7-quart air fryer is made to air-fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat, and even keep food warm with a temperature range of 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with five one-touch programs that cook food within average recommended cooking times, and the pause feature allows for quick basting or tweaking. The dishwasher-safe cooking basket is also large enough to fit a whole chicken. This air fryer is compatible with a HomeID app for accessing recipes and monitoring the air fryer’s grilling, baking, or frying process.
What our tester says: Beth Cranston, a Bob Vila editor, had this to say about this air fryer in our tested guide: “The Philips yielded some of the juiciest chicken and brown skin as well. Fries and Brussels sprouts came out beautifully, too—all evenly cooked. While cooking, as with other models, we liked the pause feature on the dial as it afforded us greater control during cooking. We also appreciated that the pan and basket slid out smoothly along a track. This Philips seemed solid and built to last, which may explain its spendier price tag.”
Get the Phillips air fryer at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer
To find the top air fryer for your kitchen, think about important factors and features such as size, power, temperature, and functionality.
Size and Capacity
Air-fryer sizes and capacities vary to accommodate a range of kitchen sizes and food quantities. Air-fryer sizes typically range from 2 quarts to 7 quarts, but larger models do exist. The smallest air fryer can generally cook enough to feed one or two people, while larger models can feed six or seven people. A family-size air fryer will have a capacity of at least 4 quarts.
The best compact air fryer has noticeably smaller dimensions than that of a larger-capacity air fryer with convection oven or toaster oven capabilities. Consider a more compact air fryer if your kitchen is small or your counter space is limited. The best air fryer for two people only requires a capacity of about 2 quarts.
Power
Air fryers plug into outlets and are powered by electricity. The power of an air fryer is measured in watts, which can range from 800 to 2,000, with most models using between 1,400 and 1,700 watts of electricity. Air fryers with larger cooking capacities require more power. No matter which type of air fryer you choose, make sure your outlet can support the power consumption.
Temperature Control
Most but not all air fryers have the option to select different temperatures and can go all the way up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature control is an important feature to look for, as it allows you to set the precise temperature recipes call for so foods are cooked just right.
Functionality
Similar to multicookers, many air fryers can handle a variety of cooking functions in addition to air-frying, including baking, broiling, toasting, and convection baking. Such functionality makes the appliance highly versatile. In fact, some fans of air fryers may use them more than they do a traditional range with an oven and stovetop.
Presets
Preset cooking programs are a convenient feature of most air fryers and let you prepare a variety of dishes, such as chicken, vegetables, and cake, with the click of a button. The temperature and time settings automatically adjust for each preset program.
Additional Features
To maximize the use of an air fryer, look for one with extra features and functionality. For example, some models have the option to pause cooking so you can store or flip your food without resetting the time or temperature. Some air fryers also double as toaster ovens and rotisserie cookers. A double-basket air fryer utilizes two baskets to cook two dishes at the same time. Extra features typically mean extra cost, so think about whether you’ll actually use the bells and whistles before paying for them.
Safety
An air fryer is considered to be safer than a deep fryer because it does not involve a large container of hot oil that might spatter. However, there are some safety guidelines to follow when using an air fryer, so be sure to read the manual that comes with the appliance. Position it on your countertop with enough space on all sides to ventilate it properly, and use an oven mitt or silicone trivet to prevent accidental burns. Monitor your food while it’s in the air fryer, and use a timer so you remember when to flip food. Always unplug your air fryer when it’s not in use.
Ease of Cleaning
Air fryers are simple to clean. Some parts (like the basket, tray, and pan) should be removed and washed with warm water and soap after each use. The interior should also be washed frequently with a damp cloth or sponge and a small amount of dish soap.
The exterior needn’t be cleaned as often, but it can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Some air fryers come with dishwasher-safe parts to make cleaning even easier. Always unplug your air fryer before cleaning it, and wipe everything dry before reassembling it.
FAQs
Having reviewed some of the best air fryers for the kitchen, you may still want more info. Take a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Rather than frying food in a tub of oil, air fryers operate similarly to a convection oven but on a much smaller, more powerful scale. Food is placed into a perforated basket and hot air circulates around it to create crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside fare.
Air fryers are relatively simple to use. Plug in the appliance, turn it on, and place food (ideally sprayed with a tiny amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking) in the basket. Then set the timer and choose the temperature. For best results, leave plenty of space for the air to circulate, and rotate food every few minutes.
Some air fryers come with built-in preheat functions that make it easy to preheat with the push of a button. If not, you can set the timer and then select the highest temperature setting after plugging in and turning on your air fryer. Preheating typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
The top-rated air fryer oil is one with a high smoke point. Consider peanut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Some baking sprays can also provide enough lubrication to keep items cooked without sticking directly to the surface of the basket, pan, or rack.
Some air fryers come with dishwasher-safe parts. Otherwise, remove and wash the basket, tray, and pan with soap and warm water after each use. Clean the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge and a small amount of dish soap. Wipe everything dry before reassembling your air fryer. The exterior needn’t be cleaned as often but can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Air fryers can last from 6 months to 3 years depending on how often they are used. A good air fryer should last for at least a couple of years. You can prolong the life of your air fryer by keeping it clean and following the manufacturer’s user guide.