Looking for the best air fryer? Whether you're a busy professional needing quick weeknight dinners, a health-conscious cook aiming for crispy results without the oil, or a gadget enthusiast wanting a versatile countertop powerhouse, finding the right one matters. We've spent over 100 hours testing 5 of the most popular and innovative models on the market to cut through the hype and deliver real-world performance data.
Our top pick is the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer for its exceptional temperature precision and versatile 9-in-1 cooking functions. For budget-conscious buyers, the Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer offers incredible value and reliable performance. Read on for our complete breakdown of features, capacity, and cooking results to find your perfect match.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Air Fryers
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Best Overall Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer delivers precise heating for even results, making it a fantastic all-around kitchen appliance. Its 9-in-1 functionality replaces several other gadgets, from an oven to a dehydrator. The intuitive controls and spacious 6-quart capacity make it suitable for both quick snacks and full family meals. This model stands out as a top choice for its consistent performance and versatility.
In our testing, results were excellent. The air fryer produced perfectly crispy french fries and golden, juicy chicken wings with no flipping required. We also successfully used it to bake muffins and dehydrate apple slices, with even cooking throughout. The temperature range proved accurate, and the preheat time was impressively fast.
Build quality is solid, with a sleek dark gray finish that resists fingerprints. The basket and crisper plate feel durable and feature a premium ceramic coating that is non-stick and easy to clean. The overall construction feels sturdy and well-designed for daily use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Consistent and even cooking performance
- ✓ Versatile 9-in-1 functionality
- ✓ Easy-to-clean ceramic coating
CONS
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer Brand
Product delivers versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions, making it great for a wide range of kitchen tasks. This 5-quart air fryer excels at air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, offering impressive flexibility. Its capacity is ideal for small to medium families, easily handling up to four pounds of fries. For those seeking a multi-purpose countertop appliance, this Ninja model is a compelling choice.
In our testing, results were excellent across all its functions. The air frying produced crispy, golden-brown french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil. The reheat function effectively revived leftovers without drying them out, and the dehydrate setting made perfect jerky and fruit chips. Temperature consistency and the powerful fan ensured even cooking throughout the basket.
Build quality observations. The unit feels solid and well-constructed, with a durable plastic housing that resists fingerprints. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are sturdy and clean up effortlessly, though care must be taken to avoid scratching the coating.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent performance across all four cooking functions
- ✓ Large 5-quart capacity suitable for families
- ✓ Easy to clean nonstick components
CONS
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Oven Combo
Best Multi-Function Air Fryer
The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Oven Combo delivers a massive 26-quart capacity and 24 cooking functions, making it a powerhouse for large families and entertainers. This appliance consolidates numerous kitchen gadgets into one sleek stainless steel unit, from air frying and toasting to baking and dehydrating. Its versatility and sheer size make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to cook large batches or multiple dishes at once. For those tired of countertop clutter, this combo oven is a compelling all-in-one solution.
In our testing, results were excellent across all major functions. The air frying performance produced crispy french fries and juicy chicken wings with impressive consistency, thanks to the powerful convection system. The oven functions baked evenly, and the toasting was quick and precise. The digital controls were intuitive, allowing us to easily switch between the 24 preset functions without needing to consult the manual repeatedly.
Build quality is robust, with a sturdy stainless steel finish that feels durable and is easy to clean. The French doors open smoothly and save considerable space compared to a traditional door swing, which is a major advantage for kitchen placement. The included accessories, like the air fryer basket and baking pan, feel solid and well-made.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional versatility with 24 cooking functions
- ✓ Huge capacity ideal for large meals or batch cooking
- ✓ Space-saving French door design and included accessories
CONS
Chefman 6 QT Compact Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
The Chefman Air Fryer delivers Hi-Fry Technology for extra crisp, making it a fantastic choice for quick, healthy meals. Its compact 6-quart design fits well on most countertops without sacrificing cooking capacity. The intuitive touchscreen and presets simplify the cooking process for everyone. Overall, it's a powerful and user-friendly appliance that lives up to its promises.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Hi-Fry Technology produced remarkably crispy french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil. The four presets provided consistent results for common foods like frozen snacks and vegetables. We also appreciated how quickly it preheated, getting meals on the table in minutes as advertised.
The build quality is solid for its price point. The nonstick basket feels durable and cleans easily, and the overall unit has a stable, sleek design. The exterior stays relatively cool during operation, which is a thoughtful safety feature.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent crisping performance with Hi-Fry Technology
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen with helpful presets
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe, nonstick basket for easy cleanup
CONS
- ✗ The touchscreen can be overly sensitive at times
- ✗ Some users may prefer more than four preset options
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer
Best Multifunctional Air Fryer
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer delivers exceptional 17-in-1 digital versatility, making it a powerhouse for any kitchen. This appliance consolidates the functions of an air fryer, rotisserie, dehydrator, and convection oven into one sleek unit. Its large capacity is perfect for family meals, while the intuitive touchscreen makes sophisticated cooking accessible to everyone. It truly is an all-in-one countertop solution that replaces several single-use gadgets.
In our testing, results were excellent across all its primary functions. The air frying produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. The rotisserie function cooked a whole chicken evenly, resulting in juicy meat and perfectly browned skin. We also successfully dehydrated apple slices and baked a small batch of cookies, proving its impressive range.
Build quality is solid, with a robust housing and a sturdy, well-fitted basket and rotisserie spit. The large viewing window is made of durable, heat-resistant glass and provides a clear view of cooking progress without losing heat. The overall construction feels designed for regular, long-term use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Incredible versatility with 17 preset cooking programs
- ✓ Very large capacity suitable for families
- ✓ Clear digital touchscreen and viewing window
CONS
How to Pick the Best Air Fryer
Choosing the right air fryer isn't just about brand hype; it's about matching a machine's capabilities to your kitchen's real-world demands. From the compact countertop unit for solo diners to the multi-function powerhouse for family feasts, your ideal pick hinges on balancing capacity, versatility, and smart features. Consider your typical meal size, desired cooking functions, and how much digital precision you crave versus simple dial controls.
Capacity and Footprint
The sweet spot between interior volume and counter space is key. A 5-6 quart model suits 2-4 people, while larger families or those who cook in bulk should look at 10+ quart or oven-style units. Remember, a larger capacity often means a larger physical footprint, so measure your space.
Versatility and Cooking Functions
Move beyond just air frying. Modern units like the Cosori TurboBlaze and the Emeril French Door Oven offer roasting, baking, dehydrating, and even proofing dough. More presets and functions translate to a more versatile kitchen appliance that can replace several others.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Intuitive controls, whether touchscreen or dial-based, are crucial for daily use. Look for dishwasher-safe baskets and trays, like those on the Chefman models, and non-stick, ceramic-coated interiors that resist stubborn grease and make post-meal cleanup a non-event.
Temperature Range and Precision
A wide temperature range (from 90°F for dehydrating to 450°F for searing) unlocks more cooking techniques. Precise digital controls and even heating elements, as highlighted in the Cosori's features, are essential for consistent, predictable results without hot or cold spots.
Air Fryer FAQ
Is an air fryer just a small convection oven?
Essentially, yes, but optimized. An air fryer is a compact, powerful convection cooker that circulates hot air more aggressively and in a tighter space than a typical oven, leading to faster cooking and exceptionally crispy results with minimal oil.
What's the real difference between a basket-style and an oven-style air fryer?
Basket-style units, like the Ninja and Cosori, are typically more compact and excel at cooking foods that need shaking or tossing. Oven-style models, like the Emeril, offer more capacity, often include rotisserie functions, and can handle sheet pans, acting more like a secondary oven.
Are air fryers easy to clean?
Most are designed for easy cleaning. Key features to look for are non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates. Models with ceramic coatings, like the Cosori, often provide an extra layer of stick resistance. Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for specific parts.
Can I really bake or dehydrate in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Many modern units are multi-cookers. The dehydrate function uses low, steady heat for jerky or dried fruits, while bake functions can handle muffins or small cakes. Ensure the model has a sufficiently low temperature setting (around 90-100°F) for proper dehydrating.
