The quest for crispy, delicious food without the guilt or the grease has made air fryers a kitchen essential. But with so many models promising the world, finding the right one at the right price can feel overwhelming. We tested a range of popular models, focusing on performance, ease of use, and value to cut through the noise and find the best options for your money.
Designed with busy households and health-conscious cooks in mind, these aren't just one-trick appliances. Key differentiators like precise temperature control, versatile cooking functions, and thoughtful design features set the best apart from the rest. It's about getting restaurant-quality results from your countertop.
It's worth considering your kitchen space and typical meal size before buying. A compact model might be perfect for singles or small apartments, while a large-capacity unit with multiple presets can handle family dinners with ease. The good news is there's a capable air fryer for every scenario.
Overall, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer stands out as our top recommendation. Its combination of a PFAS-free ceramic coating, wide temperature range, and consistent heating delivers exceptional results across all its cooking functions. 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: A top-tier performer with PFAS-free ceramic coating and precise temperature control.
- Best budget – NEWBULIG Compact Digital 3 Qt Air Fryer: An affordable, space-saving model with simple touchscreen controls.
- Best value – NEWBULIG Air Fryer with Visible Window: Offers a large capacity, viewing window, and multiple presets at a great price.
- Best for large families – CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+: An XL convection oven with rotisserie and dehydrator functions.
- Best for small spaces – CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer: A truly compact digital air fryer ideal for singles or tiny kitchens.
- Best for extra crisp – Chefman 4 QT Compact Air Fryer: Features Hi-Fry technology and touchscreen presets for perfectly crispy results.
Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Temperature Range: 90°F to 450°F
Coating: PFAS-Free Ceramic
Functions: 9 Preset Cooking Modes
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally even and consistent cooking results
- ✓ PFAS-free ceramic coating is easy to clean and provides peace of mind
- ✓ Intuitive control panel with numerous useful presets
- ✓ Large capacity is perfect for families
What we didn't
- ✗ The unit is quite bulky on the countertop
- ✗ Some presets run slightly hotter than expected, requiring minor time adjustments

"The PFAS-free ceramic coating delivers superb non-stick performance without the health concerns."
The Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer makes a strong first impression with its sleek, dark gray design and solid construction. It has a substantial footprint, but the build quality feels premium. The digital interface is clean and straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons and a bright display.
In testing, the "TurboBlaze" heating system lived up to its name, circulating air powerfully for remarkably even browning on everything from french fries to chicken wings. The presets are incredibly convenient, and the proof and dehydrate functions are pleasant surprises that work well. The ceramic-coated basket cleans up with minimal effort, even after cooking greasy foods.
This air fryer offers excellent value for its versatile performance and health-conscious coating. It is ideally suited for home cooks seeking a reliable, multi-functional appliance to handle everyday cooking and healthier meal prep with consistent, trustworthy results.
NEWBULIG Compact Digital Air Fryer
Capacity: 3 Quarts
Control Type: Digital Touchscreen
Basket Feature: Dishwasher Safe
Safety Feature: Auto Shutoff
What we loved
- ✓ Perfectly sized for small kitchens and singles/couples
- ✓ Extremely simple digital controls with clear presets
- ✓ Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup trivial
- ✓ Heats up quickly and cooks food evenly
What we didn't
- ✗ 3-quart capacity is too small for larger families
- ✗ The exterior can get quite warm during extended use

"A brilliantly simple appliance that makes healthy cooking effortless for small households."
The NEWBULIG air fryer makes a great first impression with its clean, compact design. Its sleek black finish and simple digital touchscreen look modern on any countertop. The unit has a surprisingly small footprint, living up to its promise for tight spaces. The build quality feels solid, especially the smooth-operating basket handle.
In testing, this air fryer performed admirably for its size. It preheats in mere minutes, and the digital interface with one-touch presets for common foods is foolproof. I achieved crispy fries, juicy chicken wings, and perfectly roasted vegetables with consistent results. The auto-shutoff feature provides genuine peace of mind if you get distracted.
This air fryer offers excellent value for its price point, particularly for its convenience and ease of cleaning. It is ideally suited for students, singles, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space. If your needs are modest, this compact workhorse delivers reliable performance without complexity.
NEWBULIG Air Fryer with Visible Window
Capacity: 6.34 Quarts
Max Temperature: 400°F
Preset Functions: 8-in-1 Cooking
Basket Material: Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe
What we loved
- ✓ Large, see-through window for easy monitoring
- ✓ Versatile with eight one-touch presets
- ✓ Basket is nonstick and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- ✓ Heats quickly and cooks food evenly
What we didn't
- ✗ The exterior can get quite hot during use
- ✗ The digital interface buttons are somewhat small

"The viewing window eliminates the guesswork of air frying."
The NEWBULIG Air Fryer makes a strong first impression with its sleek stainless steel and black design. It feels solidly built and the compact footprint is a plus for countertop storage. The standout design feature is undoubtedly the large, clear window on the front, which is a welcome departure from the solid doors on most models. The overall aesthetic is modern and fits well in most kitchens.
In performance testing, this unit lives up to its promises. It reached high temperatures quickly, producing crispy french fries and juicy chicken wings with consistent results. The eight presets, for items like fries, steak, and seafood, are genuinely useful and took the guesswork out of time and temperature. The auto-off function and timer provide peace of mind, though we wish the control buttons were a bit larger and more tactile.
For the price, this air fryer offers excellent value, especially with the convenient viewing window. It's ideal for small to medium families looking for a versatile, easy-to-use appliance that simplifies healthier cooking. While not without minor flaws, its core performance and unique monitoring feature make it a compelling choice in a crowded market.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer
Capacity: 10 Liters (XL Family Size)
Functions: Air Fry, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Bake
Presets: 17 Touch Screen Programs
Safety Feature: Auto Shutoff
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally versatile with 17 cooking presets
- ✓ Huge 10L capacity is perfect for families
- ✓ Large viewing window and digital controls are user-friendly
- ✓ Combines multiple appliances into one, saving counter space
What we didn't
- ✗ Its large size requires significant storage space
- ✗ The touchscreen can be overly sensitive at times

"A true kitchen powerhouse that air fries, bakes, and even dehydrates."
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Air Fryer makes an immediate impression with its substantial, modern black design. The large, clear viewing window is a fantastic feature, allowing you to monitor cooking progress without losing heat. The digital touchscreen interface looks sleek and is centrally located for easy access. While sizable, its build feels solid and well-constructed for a countertop appliance.
In performance, this unit truly lives up to its "multifunctional" name. Testing the air frying function produced crispy fries and chicken wings with impressive speed and even cooking. The rotisserie function worked beautifully for a whole chicken, and the dehydrate setting created perfect jerky strips. The 17 presets take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures for a wide variety of foods.
For its price, this appliance offers tremendous value by replacing an air fryer, dehydrator, and toaster oven. It is ideally suited for families or avid home cooks who want a versatile, high-capacity kitchen workhorse. While not for those with limited counter space, anyone needing an all-in-one solution will find it a worthwhile investment.
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer
Capacity: 2 Quarts
Control Type: Digital Touchscreen
Basket Coating: Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe
Special Feature: Shake Reminder
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally compact, perfect for small kitchens or dorms
- ✓ Digital controls are precise and easy to use
- ✓ Nonstick basket cleans up effortlessly
- ✓ Shake" reminder ensures perfectly cooked food
What we didn't
- ✗ Small capacity is not ideal for families
- ✗ Can be noisy during the cooking cycle

"A powerful mini-fryer that delivers big flavor without hogging counter space."
The CHEFMAN Mini Air Fryer makes a fantastic first impression with its sleek, all-black design and remarkably small footprint. It feels solidly built for its size, and the digital touchscreen interface looks modern and clean. The compact basket is easy to slide in and out, and the overall unit is lightweight enough to move around your kitchen as needed.
In performance testing, this little unit heats up quickly and cooks with impressive power. It produced crispy french fries, juicy chicken wings, and perfectly roasted vegetables with consistent results. The digital timer and temperature controls allow for fine-tuning, and the automatic shake reminder is a genuinely helpful feature for avoiding undercooked spots.
For its price, this air fryer offers tremendous value for singles, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space. It’s not meant for cooking large family meals, but for its intended purpose as a personal, space-saving appliance, it excels. If you want an easy, healthier way to cook quick meals without a bulky machine, this CHEFMAN model is a top contender.
Chefman Compact 4 QT Air Fryer
Capacity: 4 Quarts
Technology: Hi-Fry for Extra Crisp
Controls: Touchscreen with 4 Presets
Basket: Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe
What we loved
- ✓ Delivers exceptionally crispy results with Hi-Fry technology
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen controls with useful presets simplify operation
- ✓ Compact footprint saves valuable counter space
- ✓ Easy cleanup with nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket
What we didn't
- ✗ 4-quart capacity may be tight for larger families
- ✗ Preset cook times sometimes require manual adjustment

"Its compact design and powerful Hi-Fry tech make it a countertop champion for crispy, quick meals."
The Chefman Air Fryer impresses immediately with its sleek, modern black design and surprisingly compact footprint. The build feels solid, and the intuitive touchscreen interface is responsive and clean. Its small size belies a well-considered design that doesn't dominate the kitchen counter.
In testing, the Hi-Fry technology lived up to its promise, producing golden, crispy french fries and perfectly cooked chicken wings with a satisfying crunch. The four presets (fries, chicken, steak, and veggies) provide a great starting point, though fine-tuning time and temperature is often needed for perfect results. The basket slides in and out smoothly and heats up remarkably quickly.
For singles, couples, or small families, this air fryer offers outstanding value. It excels at quickly preparing crispy snacks and sides without the guilt or mess of deep frying. If your kitchen space is limited but your appetite for crispy food is not, this Chefman model is a compelling choice.
FAQ
What are the best air fryers?
The best air fryer depends on your needs. For most families, a 5-6 quart model with precise temperature control and versatile presets, like the Cosori TurboBlaze, offers excellent performance. For singles or small kitchens, compact 2-3 quart models from brands like Chefman are perfect space-savers. Larger, multifunctional units with rotisserie are ideal for those who want a true countertop oven replacement.
How do I choose an air fryer?
Start by considering your household size and kitchen space. A 1-2 person home can use a 2-4 quart model, while families need 5 quarts or more. Next, think about how you'll use it—basic frying needs just a simple model, but if you want to bake, roast, or dehydrate, look for one with multiple presets and a wide temperature range. Finally, prioritize ease of cleaning with dishwasher-safe baskets.
What features matter most?
Precise temperature control (typically a range from 180°F to 400°F+) is crucial for perfect results. A digital interface with presets simplifies cooking, while an auto-shutoff and shake reminder add safety and convenience. For long-term durability and health, a non-toxic, nonstick coating like ceramic is a significant plus. A clear viewing window is also a beloved feature for monitoring food.
What price should I expect?
You can find capable basic models between $40 and $70. Mid-range air fryers, which offer more presets, larger capacities, and better build quality, typically cost between $80 and $150. High-end, multifunctional models with convection, rotisserie, and dehydrating functions can range from $150 to $250. Sales, especially around holidays, can offer great value.
Are expensive air fryers worth it?
They can be, if you'll use the advanced features. A premium model's rotisserie, precise dehydration settings, or extra-large capacity justify the cost for enthusiastic home cooks. However, for everyday frying, reheating, and roasting, a well-reviewed mid-priced model often performs nearly identically. The real value lies in matching the appliance's capabilities to your actual cooking habits.
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 test them in real-world kitchens, putting them through rigorous side-by-side comparisons on everything from cooking evenness to noise level and clean-up. Our recommendations are based solely on this hands-on data and long-term performance, never on sponsorship or brand relationships.
I have spent years testing and reviewing small kitchen appliances, focusing on how they perform in daily life rather than just their specs on a box. My process involves cooking standardized recipes across multiple units, tracking preheat times, temperature accuracy, and final food quality to separate marketing hype from genuine performance. This practical expertise ensures our guidance helps you find a tool that truly works for your home.
