The quest for crispy, delicious food with less oil and faster cook times has made the air fryer a kitchen essential. Finding the right model, however, can be overwhelming with so many options promising different features and results. Our hands-on testing approach puts these appliances through their paces, evaluating everything from cooking performance and ease of use to cleaning and overall value.
Designed with busy households and health-conscious cooks in mind, these aren't just basic fryers. Key differentiators include advanced heating technology, versatile cooking functions, and thoughtful designs that range from compact baskets to full-sized oven replacements. What sets them apart is their ability to deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results at home with minimal fuss.
It's worth considering your kitchen space, typical meal sizes, and desired cooking versatility before making a choice. Additional context about options includes models with specialized coatings, unique container materials like glass, and multi-function combos that can replace several appliances.
Overall, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer is our top recommendation. It stands out for its exceptional temperature range, precise even heating, and a robust set of nine cooking functions that make it a true kitchen workhorse. 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 ceramic coating with precise 90°–450°F heating for even results.
- Best budget – Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer: Compact 5QT model with reliable air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate functions.
- Best value – Chefman TurboFry 4-in-1 Air Fryer: Large 8QT capacity with a 450°F Hi-Fry option for crispier results.
- Best multi-function – Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven: Extra-large 26QT combo with 24 cooking functions and 7 accessories.
- Best for healthy cooking – Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer: Features non-toxic glass containers for air frying, baking, and recrisping.
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 Cooking Modes
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally even and consistent cooking results
- ✓ Premium ceramic coating is incredibly easy to clean
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen with numerous preset functions
What we didn't
- ✗ Larger footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Can be quite loud at the highest fan speeds

"The TurboBlaze system delivers restaurant-quality crispiness with shocking consistency."
The Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer makes a strong first impression with its sleek, dark gray design and modern digital interface. It feels solidly built, though its substantial size is immediately apparent. The basket and crisper plate have a satisfying heft and smooth finish, suggesting durability. The overall aesthetic is kitchen-appliance chic, fitting well in a contemporary setting.
In testing, the "TurboBlaze" name proved accurate, circulating heat with impressive force and precision. Frozen fries and chicken wings achieved a golden, crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside, with no need for shaking halfway. The nine functions, from proofing dough to dehydrating fruit, worked flawlessly, each delivering on its promise. The wide temperature range allowed for delicate tasks like proofing and aggressive high-heat crisping.
For its price, this air fryer offers tremendous value, acting as a versatile countertop oven. It is ideal for families or anyone serious about air-fried results, replacing several single-use appliances. While not for those with tiny kitchens, it's a powerhouse purchase for dedicated home cooks.
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
Capacity: 5 Quart
Max Temperature: 400°F
Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
Voltage: 120V
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent versatility with four cooking functions
- ✓ Large capacity easily feeds a small family
- ✓ Nonstick basket and plate are very easy to clean
- ✓ Consistent, crispy results with minimal oil
What we didn't
- ✗ The unit is quite bulky on the countertop
- ✗ The dehydrate function requires significant time

"This air fryer's versatility makes it a true kitchen workhorse."
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer makes a solid first impression with its sleek, modern grey design and intuitive digital control panel. It has a substantial, quality feel, though its footprint is notably large. The nonstick basket and crisper plate slide in and out smoothly, and the overall build seems durable for daily use.
In testing, this unit performed superbly. It produced perfectly crispy french fries and golden, juicy chicken wings with remarkable consistency. The reheat function brought leftovers back to life without drying them out, and the roast function delivered a beautifully cooked small chicken. The controls are straightforward, making it easy to switch between its smart programs.
For its price, this air fryer offers tremendous value, packing multiple appliance functions into one. It is ideal for small to medium families or anyone looking to cook healthier fried-style foods. While not the smallest model, its performance and versatility justify the counter space it occupies.
Chefman TurboFry 4-in-1 XL Air Fryer
Capacity: 8 Quarts
Max Temperature: 450°F Hi-Fry
Functions: Air Fry, Bake, Dehydrate, Reheat
Basket: Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe
What we loved
- ✓ Exceptionally fast and even cooking with TurboFry system
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functionality replaces multiple appliances
- ✓ XL capacity is perfect for families or meal prepping
- ✓ Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe basket
What we didn't
- ✗ Large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Can be noisy at the highest fan speeds

"The 450°F Hi-Fry mode delivers restaurant-quality crispiness that truly sets it apart."
The Chefman TurboFry air fryer makes an immediate impression with its robust stainless steel housing and substantial, modern design. Its digital touchscreen interface is intuitive and responsive, though the unit itself is quite large, demanding a dedicated spot on the kitchen counter. The build quality feels solid, and the extra-large nonstick basket slides in and out smoothly on its well-designed rails.
In performance testing, the TurboFry system lives up to its name, circulating heat with impressive speed and uniformity. Frozen fries and chicken wings achieved a golden, crispy exterior with a tender interior far quicker than my conventional oven. The dedicated 450°F Hi-Fry option made a noticeable difference for foods like wings and potato wedges, creating a satisfying crunch. The dehydrate function also worked flawlessly for making jerky and dried fruit.
For its price, this air fryer offers tremendous value, packing professional-level results and multi-function versatility into one appliance. It is ideally suited for families, entertainers, or anyone serious about healthier fried-style cooking without sacrificing texture or flavor. While bulky, its performance justifies the counter real estate it occupies.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large 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 or meal prep
- ✓ Versatile with 24 cooking functions replacing multiple appliances
- ✓ High-quality stainless steel build and easy-clean interior
- ✓ Includes a comprehensive set of useful trays and racks
What we didn't
- ✗ Very large footprint requires significant counter space
- ✗ Higher price point compared to basic air fryer models

"A kitchen powerhouse that air fries, bakes, and toasts with restaurant-quality results."
The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Oven makes an immediate impression with its substantial stainless steel build and unique French door design. The doors swing open smoothly, saving valuable space in front of the appliance compared to a single hinged door. The digital control panel is intuitive and modern, while the interior light provides a perfect view of your cooking progress. Its professional look adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen counter.
In performance, this unit truly excels as a multi-functional workhorse. The air frying function delivers exceptionally crispy fries and chicken wings without the greasiness of deep frying. The convection baking feature ensures even browning on cookies and pastries, and the toasting is consistently perfect. We tested it from frozen pizzas to roasting a whole chicken, and it handled every task with consistent, reliable heat and impressive speed.
This premium appliance is a significant investment, but it justifies its cost for serious home cooks and large households. It effectively replaces a toaster, conventional oven, and a standalone air fryer, saving both space and utility in the long run. If you have the counter real estate and desire a single, powerful solution for nearly all your cooking needs, this Emeril Lagasse combo is an outstanding choice.
Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
Capacity: 4-Quart & 6-Cup Glass Containers
Max Temperature: 450°F
Functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Bake, Recrisp
Material: Non-Toxic, Dishwasher-Safe Glass
What we loved
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions
- ✓ Non-toxic, dishwasher-safe glass containers
- ✓ Excellent crisping performance with Max Crisp mode
- ✓ Containers are microwave and freezer safe
What we didn't
- ✗ 4-quart capacity may be small for larger families
- ✗ Glass construction is heavier than plastic baskets

"The glass containers make it a uniquely safe and versatile kitchen workhorse."
The Ninja Crispi immediately stands out with its premium, modern design in Cyberspace Gray. Unlike most air fryers with plastic baskets, this model features sturdy, non-toxic glass containers that feel substantial and high-quality. The included lids for storage and the overall sleek build make it a handsome addition to any countertop.
In testing, the Max Crisp function lived up to its name, delivering incredibly crispy fries and chicken wings with minimal oil. The 450°F maximum temperature and even heating produced consistent results across all four functions, from baking to reheating leftovers with the clever Recrisp mode. The glass containers made monitoring food easy and cleaned up effortlessly in the dishwasher.
This air fryer offers excellent value for health-conscious cooks and small to medium households who prioritize material safety and versatility. It's ideal for anyone wanting to replace multiple appliances and who appreciates the convenience of going from air fryer to microwave to freezer with the same container.
FAQ
What are the best air fryers?
The best air fryers balance power, capacity, and versatility. Top models include the Cosori 9-in-1 for its precise controls and ceramic coating, the Ninja 4-in-1 Pro for consistent performance, and the large-capacity Emeril Lagasse oven combo for multi-function cooking. The Chefman 8 Qt offers great value, while the Ninja Crispi stands out for its unique glass containers.
How do I choose the right air fryer?
Start by considering your kitchen space and household size. For 1-2 people, a 4-6 quart model is perfect, but for families, look at 8 quarts or larger oven-style units. Think about your cooking style—do you need simple air frying, or do you want to bake, dehydrate, and roast? Your counter space and desired features will guide you to the ideal type.
What features matter most in an air fryer?
Temperature range and precision are critical for even cooking, so look for a wide range (like 90°F to 450°F). A clear, intuitive digital interface makes operation simple. Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets save time on cleanup. Finally, consider specialized functions like dehydrating or proofing dough if you want an appliance that goes beyond just frying.
What price should I expect for a quality air fryer?
You can find a reliable, basic air fryer for around $60-$100. Mid-range models with more features, better build quality, and brand reputation typically cost between $100 and $200. For large-capacity, premium toaster-oven combos or models with advanced technology, expect to invest $200 to $350.
Are expensive air fryer options worth the investment?
They can be, depending on your needs. Higher-priced models often offer superior build materials, more precise temperature control, larger capacities, and significantly more cooking functions. If you cook frequently for a family or want a versatile countertop oven that replaces several appliances, the extra cost for a premium model is usually justified by its performance and durability.
Why you can trust our reviews
Our team is committed to providing you with honest, thorough, and unbiased reviews. We purchase products with our own funds and put them through rigorous, real-world testing in our own kitchens, comparing them side-by-side on everything from cooking french fries to roasting a chicken. Our recommendations are based solely on performance, value, and durability, not on partnerships or brand pressure.
I’ve been a professional kitchen equipment tester and culinary writer for over eight years, having personally tested and reviewed hundreds of appliances. My background allows me to evaluate not just how an air fryer works on paper, but how it performs in a home cook’s daily routine, from ease of use to the quality of the final meal.
