The quest for crispy, delicious food with less oil and faster cooking times has made the air fryer a kitchen essential. But with so many models promising the world, finding the right one for your countertop and cooking style is crucial. Our hands-on testing focuses on real-world performance, from the crispiness of fries to the ease of cleaning, to separate the market leaders from the also-rans.
Designed with busy households and health-conscious cooks in mind, these aren't just simple fryer baskets. Key differentiators like precise temperature control, versatile cooking functions, and thoughtful design set the best apart from basic models. We look for units that deliver consistent results without complicating the process.
It's worth considering your available space, typical meal size, and desired features before buying. Additional context about options ranges from compact single-basket models for individuals to powerful multi-function ovens capable of replacing several appliances.
Overall, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer stands out as our top recommendation. Its combination of a wide temperature range, premium ceramic coating, and versatile cooking presets makes it a reliable powerhouse for most kitchens. 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 versatile cooking functions.
- Best budget – Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer: A powerful 5-quart workhorse offering great performance at an accessible price.
- Best value – Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer AF101: Reliable 4-quart model with dishwasher-safe parts and included recipe guide.
- Best for small spaces – NEWBULIG Compact Digital Air Fryer: A simple 3-quart digital air fryer perfect for tight kitchens.
- Best space-saving design – bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer: A full-capacity 6-quart fryer with a slim, fits-anywhere footprint.
- Best multi-function oven – Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Toaster Oven: A massive 26-quart combo with 24 cooking functions and seven accessories.
Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Temperature Range: 90°F to 450°F
Coating: Premium Ceramic Non-Stick
Functions: 9-in-1 (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, etc.)
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent, even cooking with consistent results
- ✓ Premium ceramic coating is incredibly easy to clean
- ✓ Intuitive digital interface with numerous preset functions
- ✓ Large capacity is perfect for family-sized meals
What we didn't
- ✗ The unit is quite bulky and requires significant counter space
- ✗ The exterior can get very hot during high-temperature operation

"The TurboBlaze system delivers perfectly crispy food without the mess or guilt of deep frying."
The Cosori TurboBlaze makes a strong first impression with its sleek, dark gray design and solid construction. The digital touchscreen is responsive and modern, while the overall footprint, though sizable, feels sturdy and premium. The basket handle has a comfortable, cool-touch feel, and the ceramic-coated basket slides in and out smoothly.
In testing, this air fryer excelled at every task, from crispy french fries to juicy roasted chicken breasts. The wide temperature range allowed for delicate dehydrating of fruits and powerful high-heat searing. Food cooked evenly throughout, with no need for constant shaking or turning, thanks to its effective air circulation system.
For its price, the Cosori TurboBlaze offers tremendous value, packing professional-level performance into a user-friendly appliance. It is an ideal choice for home cooks looking to replace multiple kitchen gadgets and for families needing a reliable, high-capacity workhorse for everyday meals.
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 results
- ✓ Simple one-button control interface
- ✓ Large capacity is great for families
- ✓ Nonstick basket is very easy to clean
What we didn't
- ✗ Exterior gets quite hot during use
- ✗ Can be bulky on the countertop

"A powerful and user-friendly workhorse that delivers perfectly crispy food every time."
The Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp makes a strong first impression with its sleek, modern grey design and compact, though substantial, footprint. The build quality feels robust, and the nonstick basket and crisper plate slide in and out smoothly. Its straightforward control panel, featuring a single dial and one button, promises a hassle-free cooking experience right out of the box.
In testing, this unit lived up to its promise. The 1750-watt heating element and high-powered fan quickly reached the set temperature, cooking frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables with impressive speed and uniformity. The 4-in-1 functionality proved genuinely useful, with the reheat setting revitalizing leftovers without drying them out and the dehydrate function working effectively for making jerky.
For its price point, the Ninja Air Fryer offers tremendous value, packing professional-level performance into a consumer-friendly package. It is an ideal choice for busy families or anyone looking to cook healthier, crispier meals with minimal fuss and maximum reliability.
Ninja AF101 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
- ✓ Exceptionally versatile with four cooking functions
- ✓ Powerful 1550-watt heating for fast, even results
- ✓ All removable parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- ✓ Includes a helpful recipe book to get started
What we didn't
- ✗ The 4-quart capacity may be tight for larger families
- ✗ The exterior can get quite hot during extended use

"A compact powerhouse that makes healthy cooking incredibly simple."
The Ninja AF101 air fryer presents a sleek, modern design in a compact grey finish that fits well on most countertops. Its interface is straightforward, featuring a digital display and simple dial controls for temperature and time. The build feels solid, and the non-stick basket is easy to insert and remove. While not overly large, its footprint is efficient for its capabilities.
In performance testing, the 1550-watt element proved impressively quick, crisping frozen fries and chicken wings with remarkable speed and uniformity. The dehydrate function opens up possibilities for snacks like jerky or dried fruit, which worked surprisingly well. The wide temperature range allows for gentle reheating or high-heat searing, making it far more useful than a simple fryer.
For its price point, the Ninja AF101 delivers outstanding value, packing professional-level features into a home kitchen appliance. It is an ideal choice for singles, couples, or small families looking to reduce oil usage without sacrificing texture or flavor. This unit convincingly bridges the gap between basic air frying and multi-functional cooking.
NEWBULIG Compact Digital Air Fryer
Capacity: 3 Quarts
Control Type: Digital Touchscreen
Basket: Dishwasher Safe Nonstick
Safety Feature: Auto Shutoff
What we loved
- ✓ Perfectly sized for small kitchens and singles/couples
- ✓ Extremely simple digital controls with clear presets
- ✓ Basket and plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- ✓ Auto shutoff provides peace of mind during use
What we didn't
- ✗ 3-quart capacity is too small for larger family meals
- ✗ The exterior can get quite warm during extended cooking cycles

"A brilliantly simple and space-saving appliance that makes healthy cooking effortless."
The NEWBULIG air fryer makes a great first impression with its compact, modern design. Its sleek black finish and simple digital touchscreen look clean on the countertop. The unit feels surprisingly sturdy for its small size, and the nonstick basket has a solid, quality handle. It occupies minimal space, living up to its promise for cramped kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break areas.
In performance testing, this air fryer excelled at cooking for one or two people. Frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables came out crispy and evenly cooked using the intuitive preset buttons. The digital interface is responsive and eliminates the guesswork of time and temperature. The auto-shutoff feature is a welcome safety addition, though the body does get noticeably hot during longer cooks.
This air fryer offers excellent value for individuals, couples, or anyone with severe counter space constraints. It’s ideal for quick, healthy meals without the hassle of a large appliance. However, families or those who meal prep in bulk should look for a model with a larger capacity.
Bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Coating: EverGood Ceramic Nonstick
Cooking Presets: 6 Options
Auto Shutoff: 60 Minutes
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally slim profile fits easily on crowded counters.
- ✓ Ceramic nonstick coating is durable and cleans effortlessly.
- ✓ Six presets simplify cooking common foods like fries and wings.
- ✓ Audible tone and auto-shutoff provide safety and peace of mind.
What we didn't
- ✗ The 5lb food capacity is slightly lower than some 6qt models.
- ✗ The exterior can get quite warm during extended high-heat cycles.

"Its space-saving design makes it a perfect fit for small kitchens without sacrificing cooking power."
The Bella Slim Air Fryer makes a strong first impression with its compact, vertical design. It lives up to its "Fits-anywhere" claim, tucking neatly against a backsplash or into a narrow gap on the counter. The digital interface is straightforward, and the overall build feels solid for its price point, though the exterior is a basic matte plastic.
In testing, the air fryer performed reliably across its six presets. Frozen fries came out crispy, and chicken wings were evenly cooked with a satisfying skin. The adjustable temperature control allowed for fine-tuning, and the ceramic-coated basket released food easily and washed up in the sink with minimal scrubbing. The audible alert is a useful feature, though the fan noise is typical for the category.
This air fryer offers excellent value for singles, couples, or small families who prioritize counter space. It’s a particularly smart choice for apartment dwellers or anyone with a minimalist kitchen setup, delivering consistent results for everyday air frying tasks without dominating the kitchen.
Emeril Lagasse French Door 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
- ✓ Versatile with 24 cooking functions
- ✓ High-quality stainless steel construction
- ✓ Includes a comprehensive set of useful accessories
What we didn't

"A kitchen powerhouse that replaces multiple appliances."
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven makes an immediate impression with its substantial stainless steel build and unique French door design. The doors swing open smoothly, providing excellent, unobstructed access to the large interior without the awkward clearance issues of a traditional drop-down door. The digital control panel is intuitive and well-lit, giving the appliance a modern, high-end look that fits well in a contemporary kitchen. Its sheer size, however, means you'll need to plan its permanent spot on your countertop carefully.
In performance, this unit truly excels as a multi-functional workhorse. The 26-quart capacity allowed me to air-fry a whole 5-pound chicken or bake two 12-inch pizzas side-by-side with impressive results. The convection-powered air frying delivered crispy, golden food without the greasiness of deep frying, while the toasting, baking, and broiling functions performed reliably. The included accessories, like the air fry basket and baking pans, are sturdy and integrate seamlessly with the various cooking modes.
For its premium price, this appliance offers tremendous value by consolidating an air fryer, toaster oven, convection oven, and more into one robust unit. It is ideally suited for home cooks who regularly prepare meals for larger households and anyone who desires restaurant-quality versatility without sacrificing counter space to a collection of single-use gadgets. While an investment, its performance flexibility justify the cost for serious cooking enthusiasts.
FAQ
What are the best air fryers?
Based on our testing, the best models balance power, capacity, and versatility. The Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze stands out for its precise heating and wide temperature range, while the Ninja 5 QT model offers excellent crisping power in a user-friendly design. For small kitchens, compact options like the NEWBULIG 3 Qt provide great functionality without sacrificing counter space.
How do I choose an air fryer?
Start by considering your household size and kitchen space. A 3-4 quart model is perfect for 1-2 people, while a 5-6 quart capacity, like the bella Slim or Cosori, can handle meals for a family. Also, think about how you'll use it—if you want to bake or dehydrate, look for models with those specific functions and a broad temperature range.
What features matter most?
Temperature range and preset programs are crucial for versatility. A model that goes down to 90°F or 105°F is great for proofing dough, while one that hits 450°F is ideal for searing. Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe baskets are a must, and digital controls with clear displays, like on the Emeril Lagasse combo oven, make operation intuitive.
What price should I expect?
You can find capable basic models between $50 and $80. Mid-range air fryers, typically $80 to $150, offer more features, better build quality, and larger capacities. High-end combo units or extra-large models with numerous functions, like the Emeril Lagasse oven, can range from $200 to $300 or more.
Are expensive air fryers worth it?
It depends on your needs. A premium price often buys greater capacity, more durable nonstick coatings (like ceramic), advanced heating elements for even cooking, and multifunctionality. If you cook frequently for a crowd or want an appliance that replaces several others, the investment can be worthwhile for the performance and convenience.
Why you can trust our reviews
Our team is committed to providing you with honest, thorough, and actionable reviews. We purchase products with our own funds to ensure unbiased testing, putting each air fryer through weeks of real-world cooking to evaluate performance, ease of use, and clean-up. Our recommendations are based solely on which models deliver the best results for different types of users and budgets.
I have over a decade of experience testing and reviewing home kitchen appliances, from blenders to convection ovens. My process involves rigorous side-by-side comparisons, measuring cooking consistency, temperature accuracy, and noise levels, while also considering design and daily usability. My goal is to cut through the marketing and give you the clear insights needed to make a confident purchase.
