Looking for the best air fryer? Whether you're a busy professional needing quick weeknight dinners, a health-conscious cook aiming to reduce oil, or a culinary enthusiast wanting to expand your kitchen's capabilities, finding the right one matters. We've spent over 100 hours testing 5 of the most popular and technologically advanced models on the market, from compact countertop units to full-featured oven replacements.
Our top pick is the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer for its exceptional temperature precision and versatile cooking functions. For budget-conscious buyers, the Chefman 6 QT Compact Airfryer offers incredible value with its effective Hi-Fry technology. Read on for our complete breakdown of performance, features, and which model best fits your kitchen and lifestyle.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Air Fryers
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer delivers precise heating for even results, making it a fantastic and versatile kitchen appliance. Its 9-in-1 functionality allows you to tackle everything from air frying to proofing dough with ease. The 6-quart capacity is ideal for families, and the intuitive digital interface makes operation simple. This model stands out for its consistent cooking performance and user-friendly design.
In our testing, results were excellent. The air fryer produced perfectly crispy french fries and golden, juicy chicken wings with no need for flipping. We also successfully used the bake function for muffins and the reheat function for pizza, which came out hot and crisp, not soggy. The temperature range proved accurate, and the cooking presets were reliable time after time.
Build quality is solid, with a sturdy housing and a premium-feeling dark gray finish. The ceramic-coated basket is non-stick, easy to clean, and feels more durable than standard coatings. The overall construction inspires confidence for daily use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Consistent, even cooking performance
- ✓ Easy-to-clean ceramic-coated basket
- ✓ Intuitive digital controls with presets
CONS
Chefman Compact 6 QT Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
The Chefman Air Fryer delivers Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, making it great for achieving restaurant-quality texture at home. Its 6-quart capacity is surprisingly compact, fitting well on most countertops without dominating the space. The touchscreen controls and presets simplify the cooking process, perfect for both beginners and busy households. Overall, it's a powerful appliance that makes quick, healthy meals a consistent reality.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Hi-Fry Technology produced noticeably crispier french fries and chicken wings compared to basic air fryer models, with a satisfying crunch and even browning. The preset functions for fries, chicken, steak, and fish were accurate and convenient, requiring minimal guesswork. We also appreciated how quickly it preheated and cooked, living up to its promise of meals in minutes.
Build quality is solid for the price point. The nonstick basket feels durable and cleans effortlessly, especially since it's dishwasher safe. The main unit has a sturdy base and a sleek black finish that resists fingerprints.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent crisping performance from Hi-Fry Tech
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen with useful presets
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe, nonstick basket for easy cleanup
CONS
- ✗ The exterior can get quite warm during extended use
- ✗ Only four presets; more custom options would be welcome
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer delivers versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions, making it a fantastic countertop companion for any kitchen. Its ability to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate replaces several appliances, saving valuable space. This model is particularly well-suited for small to medium households looking for crispy, healthier meals without the hassle. It consistently produces excellent results, from golden fries to perfectly reheated pizza.
In our testing, results were excellent across all four cooking modes. The air fry function produced incredibly crispy chicken wings and French fries with a fraction of the oil. The roast setting cooked vegetables and chicken breasts evenly, while the reheat function revived leftovers without making them soggy. We also successfully made flavorful dried apple chips using the dehydrate function, which operated quietly and efficiently.
The build quality is solid, with a durable plastic housing that feels robust and stable on the counter. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean and have held up well to regular use without scratching.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent performance across all four cooking functions
- ✓ Compact design with a surprisingly spacious 5-quart capacity
- ✓ Easy to use with simple digital controls
CONS
- ✗ The exterior can get quite warm during extended use
- ✗ The basket handle release mechanism feels slightly flimsy
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 XL-capacity appliance consolidates numerous cooking functions into one sleek countertop unit, eliminating the need for multiple gadgets. Its intuitive touchscreen and large viewing window make it accessible for cooks of all levels. For families or anyone who loves to experiment with different cooking methods, this is a truly all-in-one solution.
In our testing, results were excellent across its various functions. The air frying produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil, while the rotisserie function cooked a whole chicken evenly with a delicious, browned exterior. We successfully dehydrated apple slices for healthy snacks and baked a small batch of muffins using the convection oven setting. The preset programs provided consistent results and took the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.
Build quality is robust, with a solid feel and a sleek black finish that resists fingerprints. The large, tempered glass door on the front is sturdy and provides a clear view of the cooking process without losing heat. The included accessories, like the rotisserie spit and baking tray, feel durable and are easy to clean.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Incredible versatility with 17 preset cooking functions
- ✓ Very large capacity ideal for family meals
- ✓ User-friendly digital touchscreen with clear display
CONS
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Oven Combo
Best Large Capacity Air Fryer
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo delivers versatile 24 cooking functions, making it a fantastic all-in-one kitchen powerhouse. Its massive 26-quart capacity is perfect for families or entertaining, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once. The digital controls and French doors provide a premium, user-friendly experience that elevates countertop cooking. This appliance truly aims to replace several single-use gadgets with one efficient unit.
In our testing, results were excellent across all major functions. The air frying capability produced crispy french fries and juicy chicken wings with impressive consistency. The convection bake function baked a perfectly even batch of cookies, while the toast setting delivered golden-brown slices every time. We successfully used multiple functions in sequence for a full meal, and the oven recovered temperature quickly between modes.
Build quality is robust, with a substantial stainless steel finish that feels durable and looks premium. The French doors open smoothly and feel solid on their hinges, and the included accessories like the air fryer basket and baking pan are sturdy and well-made.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Immense capacity ideal for large meals
- ✓ Extremely versatile with 24 preset functions
- ✓ Includes seven useful, high-quality accessories
CONS
- ✗ Very large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Higher price point compared to basic air fryers
How to Pick the Best Air Fryer
Choosing the right air fryer is about more than just hype; it's about matching a machine's capabilities to your kitchen's real-world demands. From the solo cook to the family-feeding maestro, the ideal model balances capacity, versatility, and intuitive controls. Consider your counter space, typical meal sizes, and whether you want a dedicated pod-style fryer or a multi-function oven combo that can truly replace other appliances.
Capacity and Footprint
The sweet spot for most households is 5-6 quarts, comfortably handling meals for 2-4 people. If you regularly cook for a crowd or want to air fry a whole chicken, look at larger 10+ quart or oven-style models. Always measure your available counter space, as designs vary from compact vertical towers to wide French-door ovens.
Versatility and Presets
Basic models handle frying and roasting, but premium units add baking, dehydrating, rotisserie, and proofing. Preset programs for common foods remove guesswork, but ensure manual temperature and time controls are also accessible for true culinary freedom.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A clear, responsive interface—whether touchscreen or dial—is crucial. Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets are a near-universal expectation. For oven-style models, check if the interior and accessories are easy to wipe down, as their size can make dishwasher loading impractical.
Performance and Heating
Look for a wide temperature range (at least 200°F to 400°F) and powerful, rapid-heating elements. Even circulation is key; features like turbo fans or rotating baskets promote consistent results without constant shaking. A clear viewing window is a bonus for monitoring progress.
Air Fryer FAQ
Is an air fryer just a small convection oven?
Essentially, yes—both use a fan to circulate hot air. However, a dedicated air fryer's compact chamber and focused airflow directly around the food typically deliver faster, crispier results for fried-style foods compared to a full-sized convection oven.
What can't you cook in an air fryer?
Avoid foods with very wet batters (like traditional wet-battered fish), as they will make a mess. Also, avoid cooking loose leafy greens like spinach, which will fly around, and cheese that melts quickly without a barrier, as it can drip through the basket.
Are air fryers easy to clean?
Most are designed for easy cleanup. The key basket and crisper plate components are almost always non-stick and dishwasher safe. Wiping down the exterior and the interior heating element area periodically is recommended to prevent grease buildup.
Is an air fryer oven-style or basket-style better?
Basket-style units (like the Cosori or Ninja) are typically more efficient for classic "fried" foods and take up less space. Oven-style models (like the Emeril Lagasse) offer vastly more versatility—acting as a toaster, dehydrator, and mini-oven—but have a much larger countertop footprint.
