The modern air fryer has evolved from a simple countertop gadget into a versatile kitchen powerhouse. Finding the right one is crucial, as it can replace several appliances and transform your cooking routine with healthier, crispier results. Our hands-on testing focused on performance, ease of use, and versatility to separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate.
Designed with busy households and health-conscious cooks in mind, these aren't just basic fryers. The key differentiator lies in their multifunctional capabilities, from dehydrating snacks to baking and roasting full meals. What sets them apart is a commitment to innovative design that tackles common pain points like cleaning and visibility.
It's worth considering your available counter space and typical meal sizes. Additional context about options includes choosing between compact basket models and larger oven-style units that offer even more cooking flexibility.
Overall, the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer in Cyberspace Gray stands out as our top recommendation. Its unique glass containers and superior high-temperature performance make it a game-changer for both cooking and storage. Read on for full reviews.
Read more: Related buying guide
Our Top Picks
The best air fryers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer: Premium glass design with 450°F max crisp and versatile containers.
- Best budget – Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer: Reliable 5-quart performer with essential functions at an accessible price.
- Best value – Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer Green: All the benefits of the glass model in a vibrant color option.
- Best versatile – Ninja Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven: 8-in-1 flip-up oven with XL capacity for multi-rack cooking.
- Best capacity – Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer: High-gloss 5.5-quart workhorse perfect for feeding a family.
Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
Capacity: 4-Quart & 6-Cup Glass Containers
Max Temperature: 450°F
Functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Bake, Recrisp
Material: Non-Toxic, Dishwasher-Safe Glass
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally easy to clean with dishwasher-safe glass containers
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions handle a wide variety of foods
- ✓ Transparent glass allows you to monitor cooking without opening
- ✓ Compact design with included lids for convenient storage
What we didn't
- ✗ 4-quart capacity may be small for larger families
- ✗ Glass containers, while durable, require careful handling
"The transparent, non-toxic glass design makes cooking safer and more intuitive."
The Ninja Crispi Air Fryer makes an immediate impression with its sleek Cyberspace Gray base and the standout feature: completely transparent glass cooking containers. This design choice not only looks modern on the counter but fundamentally changes the user experience, allowing you to see your food as it crisps. The included lids for the two glass containers are a thoughtful touch, making storage and fridge-to-fryer transitions seamless.
In performance testing, the 450°F Max Crisp function delivered impressively crispy french fries and chicken wings with a fraction of the oil. The dedicated Recrisp function is a game-changer for reviving leftovers, bringing pizza and fries back to life without turning them into cardboard. The separate 4-quart and 6-cup containers are perfect for cooking a main and a side simultaneously, though the smaller container is ideal for snacks or single servings.
For its price point, this air fryer offers outstanding value, particularly for individuals, couples, or small families who prioritize healthy cooking and easy cleanup. It’s an ideal choice for anyone wary of traditional non-stick coatings, as the non-toxic glass provides peace of mind. While larger households might need to cook in batches, its versatility and user-friendly design make it a top-tier countertop appliance.
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
Capacity: 5 Quarts
Max Temperature: 400°F
Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
Voltage: 120V
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent, even cooking results
- ✓ Simple one-touch control panel
- ✓ Easy to clean nonstick components
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functionality
What we didn't
- ✗ Basket handle can feel slightly flimsy
- ✗ Fairly large footprint on the counter
"A versatile kitchen powerhouse that delivers perfectly crispy results with minimal effort."
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer makes a solid first impression with its sleek, modern grey design. It feels sturdy and well-built, though its compact size is a bit deceptive as it does require a decent amount of counter space. The nonstick basket and crisper plate slide in and out smoothly, and the overall interface looks clean and uncluttered.
In testing, this air fryer performed admirably. It preheated quickly and cooked a batch of frozen fries to a perfect golden crisp in less time than my conventional oven. The roast function produced a juicy chicken breast with a nicely seared exterior, and the reheat setting brought leftover pizza back to life without making it soggy. The controls are intuitive, making it easy to switch between its four core functions.
For the price, this Ninja offers tremendous value, packing professional-level results into a user-friendly appliance. It's an ideal choice for small to medium families, busy individuals seeking healthier cooking options, or anyone wanting to simplify weeknight meals without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
Capacity: 4-Quart & 6-Cup Glass Containers
Max Temperature: 450°F
Functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Bake, Recrisp
Material: Non-Toxic, Dishwasher-Safe Glass
What we loved
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions
- ✓ Non-toxic, dishwasher-safe glass containers
- ✓ Includes convenient lids for storage
- ✓ Powerful 450°F Max Crisp technology
What we didn't
- ✗ Smaller capacity than some basket-style air fryers
- ✗ Glass requires careful handling to avoid breakage
"The glass design offers peace of mind for healthy, non-toxic cooking."
The Ninja Crispi immediately stands out with its attractive green finish and unique glass container design. Unlike traditional basket fryers, it features a sleek, modern look that feels more like a premium kitchen appliance. The included glass pots with their matching lids are surprisingly sturdy and give a clear view of your food as it cooks, which is both practical and satisfying.
In testing, the Max Crisp function lived up to its name, delivering incredibly crispy fries and chicken wings with minimal oil. The 450°F heating element is impressively fast, and the four functions provide genuine versatility, from baking muffins to reheating pizza with the clever Recrisp setting. The glass containers performed flawlessly, going straight from the air fryer base to the microwave or refrigerator without any transfer needed.
For individuals or small families prioritizing healthy cooking and kitchen convenience, this air fryer offers excellent value. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid non-stick coatings and appreciate the multi-functional, easy-clean design. While not for large-batch cooking, its smart features and material quality justify the investment for health-conscious home chefs.
Ninja Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Functions: 8-in-1 (Air Fry, Toast, Bake, etc.)
Capacity: XL (Fits 6 slices of toast)
Wattage: 1800 Watts
Included Accessories: Air Fry Basket, Sheet Pan, Wire Rack, Crumb Tray
What we loved
- ✓ Versatile 8-in-1 functionality replaces multiple appliances
- ✓ Flip-up design saves valuable counter space
- ✓ Excellent, even cooking and crisping performance
- ✓ Large capacity is great for families
What we didn't
- ✗ Exterior can get quite hot during use
- ✗ Digital controls have a slight learning curve
"The space-saving flip-up design is a true game-changer for small kitchens."
The Ninja Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven makes a strong first impression with its sleek, modern silver finish and compact footprint. Its standout design feature is undoubtedly the clever flip-up top, which allows the unit to sit flush against a backsplash when not in use, freeing up precious counter real estate. The build quality feels solid and premium, and the included accessories, like the air fry basket and sheet pan, are sturdy and well-made. The overall design is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
In testing, this appliance delivered on its promises. The 1800-watt heating element provided fast preheating and consistent results, whether air frying crispy french fries, toasting bagels evenly, or baking a small batch of cookies. The digital controls, while taking a moment to master, offer precise temperature and time settings for all eight functions. The XL capacity proved sufficient for preparing a meal for four, with the air fry basket handling a generous portion of wings or vegetables perfectly.
For its price point, this Ninja offers tremendous value by consolidating the roles of an air fryer, toaster oven, and more into one unit. It is an ideal choice for home cooks with limited space who refuse to compromise on cooking versatility or performance. Families and anyone looking to declutter their kitchen counter will find this appliance to be a worthwhile investment that earns its keep daily.
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
Capacity: 5.5 Quarts
Functions: Cook, Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Finish: High Gloss Grey
Basket Type: Non-stick, dishwasher safe
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally versatile with six cooking functions
- ✓ Large 5.5-quart capacity ideal for families
- ✓ Simple one-touch control panel for easy operation
- ✓ Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
What we didn't
- ✗ The high-gloss exterior shows fingerprints easily
- ✗ Its large size requires significant counter space
"A true kitchen powerhouse that replaces multiple appliances."
The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer makes a strong first impression with its sleek, high-gloss grey finish and substantial footprint. Its design is modern and the build quality feels solid, though the glossy surface is a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. The basket and crisper plate are sturdy and feature a good non-stick coating, promising easy food release and cleanup.
In performance testing, this air fryer excels at its core mission. It delivered perfectly crispy french fries, juicy roasted chicken breasts, and even successfully reheated pizza without making it soggy. The dehydrate function opens up possibilities for homemade jerky and dried fruits, proving its versatility. The large capacity comfortably handled meals for a family of four without needing multiple batches.
For its price point, the AF161 Max offers tremendous value by consolidating the roles of an air fryer, toaster oven, and dehydrator. It is an ideal choice for families or anyone who regularly cooks for a group and wants to prepare healthier fried-style foods. While it demands dedicated counter space, its performance and flexibility make it a worthwhile investment for an active kitchen.
FAQ
What are the best Ninja air fryers?
The best models balance capacity, versatility, and ease of use. The Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer stands out for its non-toxic glass containers and 450°F Max Crisp function, while the Ninja AF161 Max XL offers a massive 5.5-quart capacity for larger families. For countertop versatility, the 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer & Toaster Oven is a top multi-function pick.
How do I choose the right Ninja air fryer for me?
Start by considering your kitchen space and household size. If you have limited counter space, a compact model like the 4-quart Crispi is ideal. For big batches of food, the Max XL or the 5-quart AF141 are better choices. Also, think about if you want specialized features like glass containers for storage or a flip-up toaster oven design for all-in-one cooking.
What features matter most in a Ninja air fryer?
Maximum temperature is crucial for perfect crispiness, so look for models that hit 450°F like the Crispi series. Capacity and basket design (non-stick vs. glass) directly impact convenience. Finally, consider the range of cooking functions—features like dehydrate, reheat, and bake add significant value and versatility to your daily cooking.
What price should I expect for a quality Ninja air fryer?
You can find a reliable, core-function model like the 4-in-1 Pro (AF141) at a very accessible mid-range price. For advanced features such as higher max temps, digital controls, glass containers, or the toaster oven combo, expect to invest in a higher price tier. Generally, Ninja offers a strong value proposition across its entire lineup.
Are the more expensive Ninja air fryers worth the extra cost?
They can be, depending on your needs. The premium for models like the Crispi Glass or the Digital Toaster Oven buys you added convenience (like dishwasher-safe glass containers), higher performance temperatures for better crisping, and significantly expanded functionality that can replace several other appliances, justifying the investment for an avid home cook.
Why you can trust our reviews
Our team is committed to providing you with honest, thorough, and unbiased reviews. We spend hours researching market trends, comparing technical specifications, and, most importantly, testing appliances in real-world kitchen scenarios. We purchase products ourselves and put them through rigorous cooking tests to see if they live up to their claims, ensuring our recommendations are based on genuine performance, not just brand promises.
I have spent years reviewing and testing home kitchen appliances, from blenders to multi-cookers. My process involves methodical evaluation of ease of use, cleaning, consistency of results, and overall value. This hands-on expertise allows me to cut through the marketing and help you find the appliance that will truly work for your lifestyle and cooking habits.