The quest for crispy, delicious food without the guilt of deep frying has made air fryers a kitchen essential. Finding the right one, however, can be overwhelming with so many models promising faster cooking and healthier results. We put a range of popular units through rigorous hands-on testing, evaluating everything from crispiness and capacity to ease of cleaning and special features.
Designed with modern home cooks in mind, these aren't just simple fryers. Key differentiators now include multi-function ovens, smart presets, and family-sized capacities. What sets them apart is their ability to roast, bake, dehydrate, and even proof dough, transforming a single appliance into a versatile cooking powerhouse.
It's worth considering your counter space and typical meal size before buying. Additional context about options reveals a clear split between compact basket-style fryers for individuals and large-capacity oven-style units that can handle a whole chicken or a 13-inch pizza.
Overall, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer stands out as our top recommendation. Its precise temperature control, PFAS-free ceramic coating, and consistent performance make it a reliable workhorse for daily use. 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-performing 6-quart model with excellent even cooking and a safe ceramic coating.
- Best budget – GoWISE USA 15-in-1 Deluxe Air Fryer Oven: A high-value, multi-function oven with rotisserie at an accessible price point.
- Best value – Ninja 4 QT 4-in-1 Air Fryer: A compact, powerful, and user-friendly air fryer perfect for smaller households.
- Best for large batches – Ninja XL Air Fryer with MaxCrisp: A high-power 6.5-quart fryer with a specialized MaxCrisp setting for extra crunch.
- Best extra-large capacity – Beelicious 32QT Air Fryer Oven Combo: A massive countertop oven that fits a 13-inch pizza and includes a rotisserie kit.
- Best feature-rich oven – CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+: A digital oven with 17 presets, a large viewing window, and rotisserie functions.
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
- ✓ Excellent, even cooking with no flipping needed
- ✓ PFAS-free ceramic coating is easy to clean and safe
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen with numerous preset functions
- ✓ Compact design fits well on most countertops
What we didn't
- ✗ The exterior can get quite hot during use
- ✗ Some presets run slightly hotter than expected
"Its set-it-and-forget-it presets deliver perfectly crispy results every single time."
The Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer sports a sleek, modern design in a dark gray finish that looks great in any kitchen. Its compact footprint is surprisingly small for a 6-quart unit, and the digital touchscreen interface is clean and straightforward. The build quality feels solid, and the non-stick basket has a comfortable, sturdy handle.
In testing, this air fryer performed superbly. The TurboBlaze technology lives up to its name, circulating air powerfully for consistently golden and crispy fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. The nine presets, from 'Air Fry' to 'Proof' for dough, are remarkably accurate and eliminate guesswork. The wide temperature range is a boon for tasks like dehydrating fruit or keeping food warm.
For its price, the Cosori TurboBlaze offers tremendous value, packing professional-level results into a user-friendly appliance. It's an ideal choice for busy families seeking healthier fried-food alternatives and for home cooks who appreciate culinary versatility without kitchen clutter.
GoWISE USA Deluxe Air Fryer Oven
Capacity: 12.7 Quarts
Functions: 15-in-1 Cooking Modes
Special Features: Rotisserie & Dehydrator
Included: 50 Recipe Cookbook
What we loved
- ✓ Massive capacity perfect for families
- ✓ Versatile 15-in-1 functionality replaces multiple appliances
- ✓ Rotisserie function works exceptionally well
- ✓ Easy to clean with non-stick interior
What we didn't
- ✗ Large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Preheating time is longer than smaller models
"A kitchen powerhouse that air fries, roasts, bakes, and dehydrates with surprising precision."
The GoWISE USA Deluxe Air Fryer Oven makes an immediate impression with its substantial, modern black and silver design. It feels solidly constructed, and the digital touchscreen interface is intuitive and responsive. While its large size is notable, the overall build quality suggests this appliance is built for regular, heavy use.
In testing, the 15-in-1 functionality proved to be more than just a marketing claim. The air frying performance delivered crispy fries and chicken wings with far less oil, while the convection bake setting produced evenly browned cookies. The rotisserie function was a particular standout, creating a perfectly juicy and crispy whole chicken. The dehydrator also worked well for making fruit chips and jerky.
This air fryer oven offers tremendous value for anyone looking to consolidate countertop appliances. It is ideal for families or home cooks who regularly prepare meals for multiple people and want the versatility of an air fryer, toaster oven, and dehydrator in one robust unit.
Ninja Air Fryer 4-Quart 4-in-1
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 heating for fast, crispy results
- ✓ Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- ✓ 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 use
"A compact powerhouse that perfectly crisps fries and expertly dehydrates fruit."
The Ninja AF101 presents a sleek, modern design with a compact footprint that fits easily on most countertops. Its grey finish and simple digital interface give it a clean, uncluttered look. The basket and crisper plate feel solid and well-made, and the overall construction inspires confidence for daily use.
In testing, the 1550-watt element heats up rapidly, delivering noticeably crispier fries and chicken wings compared to a conventional oven. The four functions work as advertised, with the dehydrate setting being a particular surprise for making excellent jerky and dried fruit. Temperature control is precise, and the unit is consistently quiet during operation.
For singles, couples, or small families, this air fryer offers outstanding value. Its versatility makes it a true countertop replacement for several appliances. While larger households might need the bigger model, this is a top-tier choice for anyone wanting healthier fried foods and more.
Ninja XL 6.5 QT Air Fryer
Capacity: 6.5 Quarts
Functions: 6-in-1 (Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate)
Max Temperature: 450°F
Wattage: 1750 Watts
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally fast and crispy results with MaxCrisp mode
- ✓ Large 6.5-quart capacity is great for families
- ✓ Versatile 6-in-1 functionality replaces several appliances
- ✓ Easy to clean nonstick basket and crisper plate
What we didn't
- ✗ The large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Can be quite loud during high-power operation
"The MaxCrisp technology delivers restaurant-quality crispy fries in minutes."
The Ninja XL Air Fryer makes a strong first impression with its sleek, modern grey design and intuitive digital control panel. It feels solidly built, though its substantial size is immediately apparent, demanding a dedicated spot on the kitchen counter. The included nonstick basket and crisper plate slide in and out smoothly, and the overall setup is straightforward.
In performance testing, this unit is a powerhouse. The 1750-watt heating element and MaxCrisp function achieved incredibly crispy chicken wings and french fries far quicker than my conventional oven. The six cooking functions performed admirably; I successfully roasted vegetables, reheated pizza, and even made decent jerky using the dehydrate setting. The high 450°F maximum temperature is key for achieving perfect browning.
For its price, the Ninja XL offers tremendous value given its capacity and versatility. It is an ideal choice for families or anyone who regularly cooks for a group and wants to make healthier fried-style foods efficiently. While it's not for those with tiny kitchens, for most home cooks seeking a top-tier air fryer, this model is a compelling and highly capable option.
Beelicious 32QT Air Fryer Oven Combo
Capacity: 32 Quarts
Functions: 19-in-1 Cooking Modes
Power: 1800 Watts
Included Accessories: 6 Pieces
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally large capacity fits a 13-inch pizza
- ✓ Versatile 19-in-1 functionality replaces multiple appliances
- ✓ Includes useful rotisserie and dehydrator features
- ✓ Comes with six practical accessories
What we didn't
- ✗ Large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Digital interface has a slight learning curve
"A true kitchen powerhouse that air fries, bakes, and roasts for a crowd."
The Beelicious 32QT Air Fryer Oven makes an immediate impression with its substantial, all-black design. It has a modern, digital front panel that looks sleek, though its large size is undeniable. The build quality feels robust, and the included accessories like the rotisserie spit and baking pan are solid and well-made. This is clearly an appliance built for serious cooking tasks, not just occasional use.
In performance testing, the 1800-watt heating element and convection fan delivered fast, even cooking. The air frying function produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with excellent results, while the oven function baked evenly. The rotisserie feature worked perfectly for a whole chicken, and the sheer capacity allowed for cooking large batches or a full meal simultaneously, which is a major time-saver.
For its price, this unit offers tremendous value by consolidating an air fryer, toaster oven, dehydrator, and more into one device. It is ideal for large families, avid home cooks, or anyone who regularly entertains and needs the capacity and versatility. While it demands counter real estate, its performance justifies the space for the right user.
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 capacity ideal for families or meal prep
- ✓ Large viewing window for easy monitoring
- ✓ User-friendly digital touchscreen interface
What we didn't
- ✗ Large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Rotisserie spit assembly can be slightly fiddly
"A true kitchen powerhouse that replaces multiple appliances."
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer makes a substantial first impression with its sleek black design and prominent, clear viewing window. Its digital touchscreen panel looks modern and is centrally located for easy access. While it is a large appliance, the build feels solid and the overall aesthetic is clean enough for most kitchens.
In performance, this unit excels at versatility. The 17 presets, from dehydrating to rotisserie, work reliably and produce excellent results, with crispy fries and evenly roasted chicken being highlights. The large 10-liter basket allows for cooking family-sized portions efficiently, and the auto-shutoff feature provides welcome peace of mind during longer cooking sessions.
This air fryer offers tremendous value for anyone looking to consolidate their countertop appliances. It is perfectly suited for busy families or home cooks who regularly prepare large meals and want the convenience of multiple cooking functions in one reliable device.
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 a great balance. For large families or serious meal preppers, a large-capacity oven-style unit from GoWISE or Beelicious is a top choice. We prioritize models with consistent performance, useful presets, and easy cleaning.
How do I choose an air fryer?
Start by considering your kitchen space and household size. A compact 4-quart model is perfect for 1-2 people, while 6+ quart baskets or oven-style units suit families. Think about how you'll use it—if you want to bake, dehydrate, or rotisserie, look for those specific functions. Your counter space and desired cooking versatility are the key deciding factors.
What features matter most?
Precise temperature control and even heating are the most critical performance features. A user-friendly digital interface with presets saves time, while dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup effortless. Also, look for practical elements like a clear viewing window, an auto-shutoff safety feature, and a non-toxic, durable non-stick coating for long-term value.
What price should I expect?
You can find capable basic air fryers starting around $60-$80. For a premium mid-range model with digital controls, multiple functions, and a 5-7 quart capacity, expect to pay $100-$150. Large, multifunctional air fryer ovens with rotisserie and dehydrator capabilities typically range from $150 to $250.
Are expensive air fryers worth it?
Often, yes. Higher-priced models usually offer greater capacity, more consistent results, and robust construction. Features like precise temperature probes, specialized presets, and accessories like dehydrator trays or rotisserie kits add genuine utility. If you plan to use it frequently or replace multiple appliances, the investment in a more capable model is usually justified.
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 cooking cycles to assess performance, ease of use, and durability. Our recommendations are based solely on our hands-on experience and data, not on partnerships or brand influence.
I have spent years testing and reviewing home kitchen appliances, from blenders to multi-cookers. My process involves methodically comparing cooking performance, analyzing user interfaces, and evaluating long-term reliability to separate marketing hype from genuine innovation. My goal is to cut through the clutter and give you the clear insights needed to make a confident purchase.