The quest for crispy, delicious food with less oil has made the air fryer a kitchen essential. But with so many models promising faster cooking and healthier results, finding the right one can be overwhelming. We tested a range of air fryers, evaluating everything from cooking performance and capacity to ease of cleaning and special features, to help you cut through the noise.
Designed with busy households and health-conscious cooks in mind, these aren't just simple fryer baskets. Key differentiators include advanced heating technology for even cooking, versatile cooking presets, and designs that fit into modern kitchens without dominating the countertop. What sets them apart is their ability to truly replace multiple appliances, from dehydrating snacks to proofing dough.
It's worth considering your available counter space and typical meal size before buying. Additional context about options includes compact models for singles or couples, mid-size workhorses for families, and large-capacity combo units that function as a secondary oven.
Overall, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer earns our top spot for its exceptional versatility and precise temperature control. Why it stands out is its wide temperature range and premium ceramic coating that makes cleanup a breeze. Read on for full reviews.
Read more: Related buying guide
Our Top Picks
The best air fryers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer: Premium 6-quart model with precise heating and nine cooking functions.
- Best budget – Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp: Powerful 5-quart performer with pro-level crisping at a great price.
- Best value – Ninja 4 QT Air Fryer: Reliable 4-quart workhorse with dishwasher-safe parts and included recipes.
- Best space-saving design – bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer: High-capacity 6-quart fryer with a slim, counter-friendly footprint.
- Best for small spaces – NEWBULIG Compact Digital Air Fryer: Simple 3-quart digital model ideal for apartments and dorms.
- Best multi-function appliance – Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Extra-large 26-quart combo with 24 cooking functions.
Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Temperature Range: 90°F to 450°F
Coating: Premium Ceramic Non-Stick
Functions: 9 Preset Cooking Modes
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent, even cooking with no need to shake food
- ✓ Extremely easy to clean ceramic-coated basket
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen with useful preset functions
- ✓ Compact design with a surprisingly large capacity
What we didn't
- ✗ The exterior can get quite hot during use
- ✗ The beep sounds are loud and cannot be adjusted
"Its precise heating technology delivers perfectly crispy results every single time."
The Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer makes a strong first impression with its sleek, dark gray design and compact footprint that doesn't dominate the countertop. The build quality feels solid, and the digital touchscreen interface is modern and responsive. The included recipe book is a nice touch, providing immediate inspiration for getting started.
In testing, this air fryer excelled at delivering consistent, golden-brown results, from crispy french fries to juicy chicken wings, without any hot spots. The 9-in-1 presets, like "Frozen" and "Reheat," are genuinely useful and take the guesswork out of cooking different foods. The rapid pre-heat and powerful fan circulation work together to cook food noticeably faster than my conventional oven.
For the price, the Cosori TurboBlaze offers tremendous value, packing professional-level performance into a user-friendly appliance. It's an ideal choice for busy families, health-conscious cooks, or anyone looking to simplify weeknight meals without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp
Capacity: 5 Quarts
Functions: 4-in-1 (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate)
Max Temperature: 400°F
Wattage: 1750 Watts
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent, even crisping on a wide variety of foods
- ✓ Simple, intuitive one-touch control panel
- ✓ Nonstick basket and crisper plate are very easy to clean
What we didn't
- ✗ The exterior can get quite hot during extended use
- ✗ The 5-quart size may be bulky for very small kitchens
"This air fryer delivers restaurant-quality crispy fries with shockingly little oil."
The Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp presents a sleek, modern design in a compact grey finish that fits well on most countertops. Its build feels solid and durable, with a well-designed handle on the basket that stays cool to the touch. The overall footprint is reasonable for a 5-quart model, making it a practical addition to the kitchen without dominating the space.
In testing, the 1750-watt heating element and high-speed fan worked impressively fast, preheating in mere minutes. The four core functions performed flawlessly; it crisped frozen fries and chicken wings perfectly, roasted vegetables to a tender finish, and reheated pizza better than a microwave. The dedicated reheat and dehydrate settings add genuine versatility beyond simple air frying.
For the price, this Ninja offers tremendous value, packing pro-level performance into a user-friendly appliance. It is an ideal choice for small to medium families or anyone looking to cook healthier, crispier meals without the mess and calories of deep frying. This model stands out as a top contender for the best overall air fryer.
Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
Capacity: 4 Quarts
Functions: 4-in-1 (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate)
Wattage: 1550 Watts
Temperature Range: 105°F to 400°F
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent versatility with four cooking functions
- ✓ Powerful and fast heating for crispy results
- ✓ Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- ✓ Includes helpful recipe book for beginners
What we didn't
- ✗ 4-quart capacity may be small for larger families
- ✗ Can be quite loud during operation
"A compact powerhouse that perfectly crisps fries and expertly dehydrates fruit."
The Ninja AF101 air fryer presents a sleek, compact design in a modern grey finish that fits nicely on most countertops. Its interface is straightforward, featuring a digital display and simple dial controls for time and temperature. The basket feels sturdy and the non-stick coating is effective, while the overall build quality inspires confidence for daily use.
In testing, the 1550-watt element proved impressively powerful, preheating rapidly and delivering consistently crispy french fries and chicken wings. The dehydrate function worked wonderfully for making jerky and dried apple chips, a surprising bonus for a unit at this price. The four-in-one functionality is genuinely useful, moving seamlessly from reheating pizza to roasting vegetables without hassle.
This air fryer offers outstanding value for individuals, couples, or small families seeking a versatile kitchen appliance. It's particularly well-suited for those new to air frying, thanks to the included recipe guide. While larger households might need more capacity, for most users, the Ninja AF101 is a reliable and capable performer.
Bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Coating: EverGood Ceramic Nonstick
Cooking Presets: 6 Options
Auto Shutoff: 60 Minutes
What we loved
- ✓ Slim, space-saving design fits easily on countertops
- ✓ Excellent ceramic nonstick coating makes cleanup effortless
- ✓ Simple preset buttons and adjustable temperature offer great control
- ✓ Audible tone and auto-shutoff provide safety and convenience
What we didn't
- ✗ 5lb capacity may be limiting for larger family meals
- ✗ Exterior can get quite warm during extended cooking cycles
"Its slim profile is a game-changer for small kitchens."
The Bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer makes an excellent first impression with its compact, modern design. The white and silver finish looks clean on the counter, and the promise of a "Fits-anywhere" footprint holds true. The control panel is intuitive, featuring a digital display and clearly labeled buttons. Its slender build is noticeably more space-efficient than many bulkier competitors.
In testing, the air fryer performed reliably across various tasks. The six presets for common foods like fries, chicken, and vegetables provided a great starting point, though the adjustable temperature dial allowed for fine-tuning. The EverGood ceramic nonstick coating lived up to its name, releasing even sticky items like marinated wings with minimal residue. The audible tone at the end of a cycle is a helpful feature you'll appreciate.
This air fryer offers solid value for its price point, delivering core air frying functions in a thoughtful, space-conscious package. It is ideally suited for singles, couples, or small families who prioritize counter space and desire straightforward, reliable performance for everyday cooking.
NEWBULIG Compact Digital Air Fryer
Capacity: 3 Quarts
Control Type: Digital Touchscreen
Basket Feature: Dishwasher Safe
Safety Feature: Auto Shutoff
What we loved
- ✓ Extremely compact, perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms
- ✓ Digital touchscreen is intuitive and easy to program
- ✓ Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup effortless
- ✓ Heats up quickly for fast, convenient meal prep
What we didn't
- ✗ 3-quart capacity is limiting for larger families
- ✗ Build quality feels a bit lightweight and plasticky
"A brilliantly space-saving appliance that delivers big flavor without the bulk."
The NEWBULIG air fryer makes an excellent first impression with its sleek, minimalist design. Its compact footprint is a true standout, taking up minimal counter space, which is a major win for apartment dwellers. The digital touchscreen interface looks modern, and the overall unit feels tidy and unobtrusive. The nonstick plate and basket have a quality finish that promises easy cleaning.
In performance testing, this little unit is surprisingly capable. It preheats in mere minutes, crisping frozen fries and chicken wings to a satisfying golden brown. The preset functions for common foods like fries and chicken work reliably, and the manual temperature and timer controls offer plenty of flexibility. The auto-shutoff feature provides welcome peace of mind, especially in compact living situations.
For its price point, the NEWBULIG air fry offers solid value. It is an ideal choice for singles, couples, or anyone with a small kitchen who wants to enjoy air-fried foods without committing to a large, expensive appliance. While not built for big batches, it excels at preparing quick, easy meals for one or two people efficiently.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Oven
Type: Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
Capacity: 26 Quarts
Cooking Functions: 24 Presets
Included Accessories: 7 Pieces
What we loved
- ✓ Massive capacity perfect for large families or meal prep
- ✓ Versatile with 24 cooking functions replacing multiple appliances
- ✓ High-quality build with durable stainless steel finish
- ✓ Includes a comprehensive set of useful accessories
What we didn't
- ✗ Very large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Higher price point compared to basic air fryers
"A kitchen powerhouse that air fries, bakes, and toasts with professional results."
The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Oven makes an immediate impression with its substantial stainless steel build and sleek French doors. The digital control panel is intuitive and modern, while the interior light provides a clear view of your cooking. Its large size commands counter space, but it feels like a premium, durable appliance built to last.
Performance is where this unit truly excels. The 26-quart capacity effortlessly handles a whole chicken or multiple trays of vegetables. The air fry function delivers crispy, golden results without excessive oil, and the baking is even and reliable. The 24 presets, from toast to pizza, make operation simple and consistent.
This is a significant investment, but it offers tremendous value by consolidating an air fryer, toaster, and convection oven into one high-performance unit. It is ideal for serious home cooks, large households, or anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a versatile, high-capacity workhorse.
FAQ
What are the best air fryers?
The best air fryer depends on your needs. For most households, a versatile 5-6 quart model like the Cosori TurboBlaze or a Ninja model offers excellent performance for a range of foods. For small kitchens or 1-2 people, compact 3-4 quart units are a great space-saving choice, while large families or serious cooks might prefer a high-capacity air fryer oven combo.
How do I choose an air fryer?
Start by considering your kitchen space and household size. A 5-6 quart basket is the sweet spot for versatility. Next, think about how you'll use it—do you need simple presets or precise digital controls? Finally, check that the design has features you value, like dishwasher-safe parts or a ceramic non-stick coating for easier cleaning.
What features matter most?
Capacity and temperature range are fundamental. Look for a model that reaches at least 400°F for proper crisping. A clear, intuitive control panel (digital or dial) and easy-clean components are huge daily conveniences. Additional presets for roasting, reheating, or dehydrating can simplify cooking, but the core air frying function is what you'll use most.
What price should I expect?
You can find capable basic models starting around $50-$80. The mainstream market for well-reviewed, feature-rich 5-6 quart air fryers typically sits between $100 and $150. Large capacity units or multi-function air fryer ovens with numerous accessories can cost $200 or more, representing a more significant kitchen investment.
Are expensive air fryers worth it?
A higher price often buys greater capacity, more durable construction, and advanced features like precise digital controls or specialized cooking functions. If you cook frequently for a family or want an appliance that can replace multiple others (like a toaster and dehydrator), the investment can be worthwhile. For occasional use, a well-chosen mid-range model often provides fantastic value.
Why you can trust our reviews
Our team is committed to providing you with honest, thorough, and practical reviews. We spend hours researching market trends, comparing specifications, and, most importantly, testing appliances in real kitchens to see how they perform with everyday cooking. Our goal is to cut through the marketing hype and give you the clear insights needed to make a confident purchase.
I’ve been testing and writing about small kitchen appliances for years, from basic blenders to smart cookers. This hands-on experience allows me to evaluate not just what an air fryer promises on the box, but how reliably it crisps fries, how evenly it cooks chicken, and how simple it is to clean day after day. My focus is always on how an appliance fits into your actual cooking life.