Finding the perfect air fryer can change your daily cooking routine. You might be trying to eat healthier, save time on busy weeknights, or simply cook crispier snacks for your family.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Cooking capacity, cleaning difficulty, and consistent results - they all matter for a satisfying experience.
We've spent weeks testing the top air fryer models. Some impressed us with their speed and versatility, others disappointed with poor performance or flimsy parts.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which air fryers actually deliver on their promises and which models you should skip entirely.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
 |
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
 |
Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
 |
Ninja XL Single Basket Air Fryer | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
 |
Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Air Fryer Toaster Oven | (No Pros Available) | PRICES |
Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze is a versatile 6-quart air fryer designed to replace multiple kitchen appliances. It features a premium ceramic coating and a wide temperature range for precise cooking. This model aims to be a comprehensive countertop solution for various cooking methods.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent even cooking with precise temperature control
- ✓ Versatile 9-in-1 functionality saves counter space
- ✓ Easy-to-clean ceramic-coated basket and dishwasher-safe parts
My Honest Opinion
This is a powerful and reliable air fryer that excels at producing crispy, evenly cooked food. While it's a bit bulky, its performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for most home cooks. I believe it stands out as a top contender in its category for 2024.
After several weeks of testing, the Cosori TurboBlaze consistently delivers impressive results. From crispy french fries and juicy chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables, the even heating is notable. The 6-quart capacity is ideal for families, and the build quality feels solid and premium.
The nine preset functions are convenient, though I found myself using the manual temperature and time settings most often for full control. The ceramic coating truly makes cleanup a breeze, as food residue rarely sticks. While the interface has a slight learning curve, the overall user experience is positive, making it a highly effective and multifunctional kitchen appliance.
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to replace several cooking gadgets. It promises to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate with a spacious 5-quart capacity. This model aims to deliver crispy results with less oil and faster cooking times.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent versatility with four distinct cooking functions
- ✓ Large 5-quart capacity easily feeds a small family
- ✓ Nonstick basket and crisper plate are very easy to clean
Cons
- ✗ The unit is quite bulky and requires significant counter space
- ✗ The fan can be noticeably loud during operation
My Honest Opinion
This is a powerful and highly capable air fryer that excels at its primary tasks. While it has some minor drawbacks, its performance and versatility make it a strong contender for the best air fryer of 2024. I would recommend it to anyone serious about air-fried cooking.
After several weeks of testing, the Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer has proven itself as a kitchen workhorse. The air fry function produces exceptionally crispy french fries and chicken wings with a fraction of the oil required for deep frying. The roast function works wonderfully for vegetables and small cuts of meat, creating a nice caramelized exterior. The reheat function is a game-changer for reviving leftovers like pizza and fried foods, making them taste freshly made instead of soggy. The build quality feels solid, and the controls are intuitive, making it simple to switch between functions and adjust time and temperature.
The 5-quart capacity is its standout feature, allowing you to cook up to four pounds of fries or a whole chicken. However, this large size means it dominates the countertop. The dehydration function works adequately for making jerky or dried fruit, though it is a slower process. Cleaning is straightforward due to the excellent nonstick coating on all removable parts, which are dishwasher safe. The main compromise is the noise level, as the powerful fan is audible throughout the cooking cycle, but the trade-off for rapid, even cooking is worth it for most users.
Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven is a premium countertop appliance that combines multiple cooking functions into one sleek unit. It promises to replace several kitchen gadgets with its 24 cooking programs and large capacity. This review assesses whether it lives up to the hype for a busy home cook.
Pros
- ✓ Massive 26-quart capacity easily handles large meals or multiple dishes
- ✓ Versatile with 24 functions including air fry, toast, bake, and dehydrate
- ✓ Includes seven useful accessories like baking pans and an air fry basket
My Honest Opinion
This is a powerhouse appliance ideal for those who cook large volumes or want a true all-in-one solution. While the investment and size are substantial, the performance and versatility justify it for the right user. It feels sturdy and well-made, delivering restaurant-quality results at home.
After several weeks of testing, the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Oven has become a central part of my kitchen. The French doors are not just a stylish feature; they make loading and unloading large or hot items much safer and easier than a single door that swings out. The digital controls are intuitive, and the preheat function is remarkably fast. I've successfully used it to air fry crispy french fries, bake a small pizza, and roast a whole chicken, with each function performing as well as or better than my dedicated appliances. The even heating and powerful convection system are immediately noticeable.
The included accessories, such as the wire rack and baking pan, are high quality and fit perfectly, eliminating the need to purchase extras. However, its sheer size cannot be overstated—it dominates the counter and may not fit under standard cabinets. Cleaning is straightforward for the accessories, but wiping down the large interior requires some effort. For a family or anyone who entertains frequently, this oven's capacity and output are game-changers, making it a worthwhile splurge despite the premium cost and spatial demands.
Ninja XL Single Basket Air Fryer
The Ninja XL Single Basket Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to handle a variety of cooking tasks. With a spacious 5.5-quart capacity, it promises to deliver crispy results with less oil. It's positioned as a convenient all-in-one solution for busy households.
Pros
- ✓ Large 5.5-quart capacity easily fits family-sized portions
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functionality for air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe basket and parts make cleanup simple
My Honest Opinion
This air fryer is a powerful and reliable workhorse for everyday cooking. I believe it excels at producing consistently crispy food for families, though its footprint is a genuine consideration for smaller kitchens. Overall, it delivers excellent value for its performance and versatility.
The Ninja XL Air Fryer's performance is impressive. It heats up rapidly and circulates air efficiently, resulting in perfectly crispy french fries, juicy chicken wings, and even well-reheated pizza. The 5.5-quart basket is genuinely spacious, allowing you to cook three pounds of wings or a substantial batch of vegetables in one go, which is a major advantage over smaller models. The preset functions are intuitive, and the adjustable temperature and timer dials provide precise control.
Beyond air frying, the other functions are genuinely useful. The roast setting creates excellent roasted vegetables with a nice char, and the dehydrate function works well for making jerky or dried fruit. The non-stick basket is indeed easy to clean, especially since it's dishwasher safe. The only operational drawback is the single-basket design; you can't cook a main and a side at different temperatures at the same time, which some dual-basket models offer.
Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is a versatile countertop appliance that combines an air fryer with a toaster oven. It promises to replace several kitchen gadgets with its eight cooking functions. This model is designed for efficiency and space-saving convenience.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent versatility with eight cooking functions including air fry, convection bake, and broil
- ✓ Compact footprint yet offers a spacious 0.6 cubic foot interior capacity
- ✓ Even and consistent cooking results thanks to powerful 1800W heating
Cons
- ✗ The 60-minute timer can be limiting for longer, slow-cooking recipes
- ✗ Exterior surfaces get quite hot during operation, requiring caution
My Honest Opinion
This is a fantastic multi-cooker for small to medium-sized kitchens. It performs its core functions very well, though it has some minor usability quirks. Overall, it delivers great value for its price point.
The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS excels as a true space-saving workhorse. The air frying function produces crispy fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, and the convection setting bakes and roasts evenly. The build quality feels solid with its stainless steel finish, and the interior is easy to clean. The inclusion of an air fry basket, baking pan, and crumb tray makes it ready for a wide variety of tasks right out of the box.
However, it's important to manage expectations. While the "8-in-1" label sounds comprehensive, several functions are variations of baking or broiling. The unit does generate noticeable heat, so adequate countertop clearance is a must. For small households or couples, its capacity is perfect, but larger families might find it a bit cramped for big batch cooking. Despite these minor drawbacks, its consistent performance and compact design make it a reliable choice for daily use.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Capacity and Size: Consider how much food you typically cook and your kitchen's counter space. A 5-6 quart basket is great for families, while a large toaster oven style offers more versatility for sheet pan meals.
Factor 2
Functionality and Ease of Use: Look for models with intuitive digital controls, preset cooking functions, and dishwasher-safe parts. More functions like dehydrate or proof add value, but simple one-button operation is key for daily use.
Factor 3
Footprint and Style: Decide between a compact basket design that stores easily or a premium countertop oven that can replace multiple appliances. The style should fit your kitchen's workflow and available space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air fryer really healthier than a deep fryer?
Yes, by using little to no oil, air fryers can significantly reduce fat and calorie content compared to traditional deep frying.
Are air fryers easy to clean?
Most are, especially models with dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates. Basket-style fryers are generally simpler to clean than toaster oven models with more parts.
Can I cook frozen foods directly in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Cooking frozen foods like fries, chicken nuggets, and vegetables is one of an air fryer's primary and most convenient functions.
What's the difference between a basket and a toaster oven air fryer?
Basket fryers are compact and heat up very quickly. Toaster oven combos are larger, can often cook more food at once, and include functions like toast and bake.
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
They are generally more energy-efficient than heating a full-sized oven, as they cook food faster and in a smaller, concentrated space.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these air fryers, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer takes the crown. Its perfect balance of size, intuitive controls, and consistent performance makes it the most reliable all-arounder for most kitchens.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you need maximum capacity and multi-function versatility, the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a fantastic alternative that acts like a second oven.