Looking for the best air fryers? Whether you're a busy professional needing quick weeknight dinners, a health-conscious cook aiming to reduce 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 latest models in real-world kitchens to see which deliver on crispiness, convenience, and durability.
Our top pick is the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer for its exceptional precision heating and PFAS-free ceramic coating. For budget-conscious buyers, the Chefman Air Fryer with Hi-Fry Technology offers incredible value with its compact design and easy-view window. Read on for our complete breakdown of performance, features, and which model fits your cooking style.
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 exceptional cooking versatility with its PFAS-free ceramic coating, making it a standout and health-conscious choice for any kitchen. Its 9-in-1 functionality allows you to air fry, roast, bake, and more with impressive ease. The precise temperature control ensures your food is cooked evenly every single time. For anyone looking to upgrade their countertop cooking in 2025, this model is a fantastic contender.
In our testing, results were excellent. The air fryer produced perfectly crispy french fries and golden, juicy chicken wings with no need for flipping. The reheating function brought leftover pizza back to life with a delightfully crisp crust. We also found the proofing setting for dough to be remarkably consistent and reliable.
Build quality is solid, with a sleek dark gray finish that resists fingerprints. The basket feels sturdy and the ceramic-coated interior cleans up with minimal effort, even after cooking greasy foods.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent, even cooking results
- ✓ Easy-to-clean PFAS-free ceramic coating
- ✓ 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 compact 6-quart design is surprisingly spacious yet fits well on most countertops. The combination of smart presets and an easy-view window simplifies the cooking process for everyone. This model stands out as a powerful and user-friendly appliance for quick, healthy meals.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Hi-Fry Technology consistently produced golden, crispy french fries and perfectly juicy chicken wings with minimal oil. The four presets (fries, chicken, steak, and veggies) provided reliable one-touch cooking, though manual temperature and time adjustments were simple. The easy-view window was genuinely useful for monitoring browning without stopping the cooking cycle.
Build quality is solid for the price point. The main unit feels sturdy, and the nonstick basket slides in and out smoothly. The dishwasher-safe basket is a major convenience, making cleanup after greasy meals effortless.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Consistently produces crispy, evenly cooked food
- ✓ Compact footprint with a spacious 6-quart basket
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
CONS
- ✗ Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- ✗ Preset options are limited to just four foods
Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer delivers a transparent fry bowl for monitoring, making it great for cooks who hate to guess. This feature allows you to watch your food crisp up without interrupting the cooking cycle. With eight preset modes, it simplifies preparing everything from wings to veggies. Its compact size and precise controls make it a versatile countertop companion.
In our testing, results were excellent. The transparent bowl proved invaluable for preventing overcooking, especially with items like fries and shrimp. The preset modes were accurate, producing juicy chicken and crispy steak bites with minimal fuss. Temperature consistency was reliable, leading to evenly cooked meals every time.
Build quality observations. The unit feels solid, with a sturdy base and a smooth, durable exterior. The transparent bowl is made of thick, heat-resistant plastic that clips securely into place.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Transparent bowl allows perfect visual monitoring
- ✓ Simple, accurate one-touch preset programs
- ✓ Compact footprint saves valuable counter space
CONS
- ✗ The bowl can be tricky to clean around the heating element
- ✗ Some presets run slightly hot for delicate items
Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer Oven
Best Large Capacity Air Fryer
The Midea Flexify delivers a massive 26.4-quart capacity, making it great for families or anyone who loves to meal prep. This 10-in-1 countertop combo appliance replaces multiple kitchen gadgets, from an air fryer to a toaster oven. Its promise of 25% faster cooking and 90% less oil use makes it a compelling choice for healthier, efficient meals. The unique French door design adds a touch of elegance and practical accessibility.
In our testing, results were excellent across multiple functions. Air-fried french fries and chicken wings came out exceptionally crispy with a fraction of the oil. The convection bake setting produced evenly browned cookies and roasted vegetables perfectly. The large interior truly lived up to its promise, allowing us to cook a whole 4-pound chicken or multiple racks of ribs with ease.
Build quality is solid, with a durable stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints. The French doors feel sturdy on their hinges and close securely, though the overall unit is quite large and requires significant counter space.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Huge interior capacity ideal for large families
- ✓ Versatile 10-in-1 cooking functions
- ✓ Effective air frying with significantly less oil
CONS
- ✗ Very large footprint on the countertop
- ✗ Higher price point than basic air fryers
Chefman 6 Qt TurboFry Air Fryer
Best High-Temp Air Fryer
The Chefman Air Fryer delivers on its 450°F Hi-Fry Option, making it great for achieving exceptionally crispy results on everything from wings to fries. This 5-in-1 appliance goes beyond simple frying, offering versatile functions to bake, dehydrate, and cook frozen foods with ease. Its spacious 6-quart capacity is perfect for families, while the user-friendly design ensures hassle-free operation. For those seeking restaurant-quality crispiness at home, this model stands out.
In our testing, results were excellent. The 450°F setting produced noticeably crispier chicken wings and french fries compared to standard air fryer temperatures. The dehydration function worked perfectly for creating homemade jerky and dried fruit chips. We also found the large basket ideal for cooking a full meal for four without needing multiple batches, and the pre-set programs were consistently reliable.
Build quality is solid, with a durable stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints. The XL nonstick basket feels sturdy and is genuinely dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless. The digital interface is responsive and the overall unit has a stable, substantial feel on the countertop.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional crispiness from the 450°F Hi-Fry mode
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functionality for baking and dehydrating
- ✓ Large, easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe basket
CONS
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. Forget the one-size-fits-all approach. Your ideal model hinges on your cooking style, kitchen space, and how much you value smart features versus straightforward simplicity. Consider this your tactical guide to cutting through the marketing and landing an appliance that truly earns its counter space.
Capacity and Footprint
The eternal kitchen trade-off. A 5-6 quart model is the sweet spot for most households, handling a family-sized portion of fries or a whole chicken. If you entertain often or have a large family, consider a 26+ quart oven-style combo. But be honest about your counter real estate; a compact 6-quart unit with a vertical design will save significant space compared to a bulky toaster-oven hybrid.
Performance and Precision
Look for a wide, precise temperature range (like 90°F to 450°F) for versatility, from dehydrating herbs to crisping wings. The heating element and fan design are key for even cooking without constant shaking. Advanced models feature turbo or hi-fry technology for extra airflow, delivering that coveted crunch. Precise digital controls consistently outperform vague dials.
Functionality and Ease of Use
Modern air fryers are multi-cookers. Beyond air frying, assess presets for roasting, baking, dehydrating, and reheating. An easy-view window is a game-changer for monitoring browning. Post-cleanup is crucial, so prioritize non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets. PFAS-free ceramic coatings, like on the Cosori, are a major plus for health-conscious cooks.
Build Quality and Design
This isn't just about aesthetics. A sturdy housing with intuitive touch or dial controls feels premium and lasts. Stainless steel builds, as seen in the Midea combo, offer durability and a professional look. The basket handle and mechanism should feel solid, not flimsy. A well-designed air fryer is a joy to use daily, not a chore.
Air Fryer FAQ
Is an air fryer just a small convection oven?
Essentially, yes, but optimized. A dedicated air fryer's compact chamber and powerful, top-down fan create more intense, focused airflow than a typical convection oven, leading to faster cooking and crisper results with little to no oil.
What's the advantage of an oven-style air fryer combo?
It's all about versatility and capacity. A combo unit, like the Midea Flexify, offers a massive interior for cooking pizzas, multiple racks of cookies, or a whole roast, while still having a dedicated air fry function. It's ideal if you have the space and want to replace multiple appliances.
Are air fryers easy to clean?
Most are designed for easy cleanup. The key is a non-stick, dishwasher-safe cooking basket and pan. Models with fewer nooks and crannies, and without a complex heating element in the cooking chamber, are simplest. Always check that the main basket is dishwasher safe.
Can I really cook frozen foods without preheating?
Absolutely. This is one of their killer features. The rapid air circulation means you can often add frozen fries, wings, or veggies directly to the basket without waiting for a preheat cycle, making it vastly faster than a traditional oven.
