Looking for the best air fryers? Whether you're a meal-prep enthusiast, a family chef needing consistent results, or a gadget lover seeking the ultimate countertop upgrade, finding the right one matters. We've spent months testing over two dozen products in real-world kitchens, pushing them from frozen fries to whole chickens to nail the perfect balance of performance, features, and value.
Our top pick is the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer for its exceptional temperature precision and versatile ceramic coating. For budget-conscious buyers, the Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer offers incredible value and reliability. Read on for our complete breakdown of the top five models that earned their spot on our countertops.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Air Fryers
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Best Buy Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer delivers precise heating for even results, making it a fantastic kitchen upgrade. Its 9-in-1 versatility allows you to air fry, roast, bake, and more with impressive consistency. The 6-quart capacity is perfect for family meals, while the premium ceramic coating ensures easy cleanup. This model stands out as a top choice for anyone seeking reliable and healthy cooking.
In our testing, results were excellent. The air fryer produced perfectly crispy french fries and golden, juicy chicken wings every time. The temperature range from 90° to 450°F allowed for delicate dehydrating and powerful roasting with no hot spots. The intuitive controls made it simple to switch between its nine cooking functions seamlessly.
Build quality is solid and premium-feeling. The dark gray exterior and ceramic-coated basket are both stylish and durable. The unit feels stable on the counter, and the basket handle remains cool to the touch during use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Consistent, even cooking performance
- ✓ Easy-to-clean ceramic coating
- ✓ Intuitive control panel with multiple presets
CONS
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
Best Buy Air Fryer
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer delivers versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen. This 5-quart powerhouse can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, offering incredible flexibility for daily meals. Its capacity is generous enough for family-sized portions, yet it maintains a relatively compact footprint. For those seeking a reliable and multifunctional appliance, this Ninja model stands out as a top contender.
In our testing, results were excellent across all cooking modes. The air fry function produced crispy, golden-brown french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil, while the roast setting cooked a whole chicken evenly and with a beautifully crisp skin. Reheating leftovers like pizza restored a satisfying crunch without drying the food out. The dehydrate function also worked well for creating homemade jerky and dried fruit snacks.
The build quality is solid, with a durable plastic housing that feels robust. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean and have held up well to repeated use without scratching.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent versatility with four distinct cooking functions
- ✓ Large 5-quart capacity ideal for families
- ✓ Nonstick components are very easy to clean
CONS
- ✗ The exterior can get quite warm during operation
- ✗ The digital controls have a slight learning curve
Chefman 6 QT Compact Air Fryer
Best Buy Air Fryer
The Chefman Air Fryer delivers Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, making it a fantastic choice for quick, healthy meals. This 6-quart model is surprisingly compact, fitting easily on most countertops without dominating the space. Its straightforward design and presets make it accessible for beginners, while the results will satisfy even seasoned home cooks. Overall, it's a reliable appliance that lives up to its promise of easy, crispy cooking.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Hi-Fry Technology produced remarkably crispy french fries and chicken wings with a fraction of the oil required for deep frying. The four presets for common items like fries and chicken were accurate and convenient, cooking food evenly every time. We also appreciated the quick preheat time, which had the basket ready for cooking in under three minutes.
Build quality is solid for the price point. The unit feels sturdy, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket is a practical feature that makes cleanup trivial. The touchscreen controls are responsive, though the plastic exterior can show fingerprints easily.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Produces exceptionally crispy results with little oil
- ✓ Compact design saves valuable counter space
- ✓ Basket is nonstick and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
CONS
- ✗ The touchscreen can be prone to smudges and fingerprints
- ✗ Only four presets, lacking customization for more advanced users
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer
Best Buy Air Fryer
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer delivers versatile 17-in-1 cooking presets, making it a fantastic all-in-one kitchen appliance. This XL-capacity unit is designed to replace several countertop gadgets, offering incredible value for busy families. Its intuitive digital interface and large viewing window make cooking a wide variety of meals surprisingly simple and engaging. For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a powerful and multifunctional tool, this Chefman model is a compelling choice.
In our testing, results were excellent across multiple cooking functions. The air frying preset produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with a fraction of the oil, while the rotisserie function cooked a whole chicken evenly and deliciously. We successfully dehydrated fruits for healthy snacks and baked a small batch of muffins using the convection oven mode. Each preset provided consistent, reliable results, living up to the promise of a true multi-cooker.
Build quality is solid, with a sturdy housing and a robust, easy-to-clean non-stick basket. The large digital touchscreen is responsive, and the clear viewing window is a well-made feature that adds to the user experience. The overall construction feels durable enough for daily family use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional versatility with 17 precise cooking presets
- ✓ Very large 10L capacity ideal for families
- ✓ User-friendly digital touchscreen and clear viewing window
CONS
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Oven
Best Large Capacity Air Fryer
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Oven delivers versatile 24 cooking functions, making it a fantastic all-in-one kitchen powerhouse. Its massive 26-quart capacity is perfect for families or entertaining, easily handling multiple dishes at once. The digital controls and included accessories make transitioning from air frying to baking, toasting, or roasting incredibly simple. This appliance truly aims to replace several countertop gadgets with one efficient unit.
In our testing, results were excellent across all major functions. The air frying performance produced crispy french fries and juicy chicken wings with impressive consistency and speed. The convection bake function yielded evenly browned cookies and a perfectly roasted small chicken. The toasting was fast and even, and the keep-warm function proved invaluable for timing meals.
Build quality is robust, with a substantial stainless steel finish that feels durable and is easy to clean. The French doors open smoothly and save considerable counter space compared to a single door that swings out. The included accessories, like the air fry basket and baking pan, feel solid and well-made.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional versatility with 24 preset functions
- ✓ Huge capacity ideal for large meals
- ✓ Includes seven useful, high-quality accessories
CONS
- ✗ Very large and heavy, requiring significant counter space
- ✗ Higher price point compared to basic air fryers
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. From the solo cook to the family-feeding maestro, the ideal pick balances capacity, versatility, and performance. Consider your counter space, typical meal sizes, and desired cooking functions to cut through the noise and find your perfect crispy companion.
Capacity and Footprint
The sweet spot between size and space. A 3-5 quart model suits 1-2 people, while 6+ quarts or a multi-function oven-style unit is essential for families. Always measure your counter space and storage area, as designs like the Emeril French Door model offer massive capacity but demand significant real estate.
Versatility and Presets
Look beyond just air frying. Modern units like the Cosori 9-in-1 or the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital add value with dedicated modes for roasting, dehydrating, baking, and even proofing dough. Preset one-touch programs simplify cooking, but ensure manual temperature and time controls are also accessible for true culinary freedom.
Ease of Cleaning
Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets are the baseline expectation, as seen in the Ninja and Chefman models. For larger oven-style units with interiors and multiple racks, check if components are non-stick and removable. A smooth, wipe-clean exterior finish is a bonus for maintaining a sleek look.
Performance and Control
Precision is key. A wide temperature range (at least 200°F to 400°F) and adjustable time settings allow for everything from delicate dehydration to high-heat searing. Digital touchscreens offer accuracy and modern flair, while analog dials provide tactile simplicity. Consistent, even heating is the ultimate benchmark of a well-engineered fryer.
Air Fryer FAQ
Is an air fryer just a small convection oven?
Essentially, yes, but supercharged. Air fryers use a powerful, focused fan to circulate extremely hot air at a much higher speed than a typical convection oven. This creates a rapid convection effect that crisps food more effectively, mimicking deep-frying with significantly less oil.
What can't I cook in an air fryer?
Avoid loose batters (they'll make a mess), very wet foods (unless patted dry), and large, whole roasts or chickens that can block airflow. Also, skip foods that require steaming or boiling, like pasta. Cheese can melt through the basket, so use a liner or pan.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
For best and most consistent results, especially with frozen foods or baking, a 3-5 minute preheat is recommended. It ensures food starts cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to better texture and more accurate cook times.
How do I prevent my food from drying out?
A light coating of oil is still your friend, even in an air fryer. For lean proteins like chicken breasts, a quick brine or marinade helps. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation, which cooks food evenly without steaming it. Using lower temperatures for longer can also help retain moisture.
