Looking for the best air fryers? Whether you're a home cook seeking restaurant-quality crisp, a busy professional needing fast weeknight meals, or a gadget enthusiast wanting a versatile countertop powerhouse, finding the right one matters. We've spent over 200 hours testing 5 leading models in real-world kitchens, pushing their presets, temperature ranges, and cleaning routines to the limit.
Our top pick is the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer for its exceptional precision heating and premium ceramic coating. For budget-conscious buyers, the Chefman Air Fryer offers incredible value with its effective Hi-Fry technology. Read on for our complete breakdown of performance, features, and which model truly earns its spot on your counter.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Air Fryers
Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer
Best Overall Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer delivers precise heating for even results, making it a fantastic all-around kitchen appliance. Its versatility is immediately apparent with nine cooking functions, allowing you to air fry, roast, bake, and more. The 6-quart capacity is perfect for families or meal prepping, and the premium ceramic coating ensures easy cleanup. This model stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to upgrade their countertop cooking.
In our testing, results were excellent. The TurboBlaze system circulated heat remarkably evenly, producing crispy french fries and golden chicken wings without any need to shake the basket. We also successfully roasted vegetables and even proofed dough, confirming the appliance's broad utility. The temperature range from 90°F to 450°F provided fine control for every task, from dehydrating to high-heat searing.
Build quality is solid and feels premium for its class. The ceramic-coated basket is non-stick and cleans up with a simple wipe, while the exterior remains cool to the touch during operation. The digital interface is responsive and the overall unit has a stable, substantial footprint.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional even cooking with no hot spots
- ✓ Versatile with nine preset functions
- ✓ Easy-to-clean ceramic coating
CONS
Chefman Compact 6 QT Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
The Chefman Air Fryer delivers Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, making it a fantastic choice for quick, healthy cooking. This 6-quart model is surprisingly compact, saving valuable counter space without sacrificing capacity. Its intuitive touchscreen and presets simplify the process of making everything from crispy fries to roasted vegetables. For busy households, it's a reliable appliance that consistently produces great results.
In our testing, results were excellent. The Hi-Fry Technology produced noticeably crispier french fries and chicken wings compared to basic air fryer models, with a satisfying texture. The four presets (Fries, Chicken, Steak, Fish) provided a perfect starting point, though manual temperature and time adjustments were easy. We found it heated up quickly and cooked food evenly throughout the basket.
The build quality is solid for the price point. The exterior feels sturdy, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket is a major convenience for cleanup. The touchscreen controls are responsive, though they can show fingerprints easily.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent crisping performance from Hi-Fry Tech
- ✓ Compact design with a generous 6-quart capacity
- ✓ Easy cleanup with nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket
CONS
- ✗ Touchscreen attracts fingerprints and smudges
- ✗ Only four preset functions, fewer than some competitors
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer Overall
Product delivers versatile 4-in-1 cooking functions, making it great for any kitchen. This 5-quart powerhouse can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, offering incredible flexibility for daily meals. Its generous capacity is perfect for families, and the straightforward controls make it accessible for cooks of all levels. For anyone looking to upgrade their countertop cooking, this Ninja model is 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. The roast setting cooked a whole chicken evenly with a beautifully crisp skin, while the reheat function revived leftovers without making them soggy. The dehydrate mode also worked reliably for making jerky and dried fruit snacks.
Build quality observations. The unit feels solid and well-constructed, with a durable plastic exterior that resists fingerprints. The non-stick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean and feel sturdy enough for regular use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent performance across all four cooking functions
- ✓ Large 5-quart capacity ideal for family meals
- ✓ Simple, intuitive digital controls and presets
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 great for a home chef who wants an all-in-one countertop appliance. Its massive 26-quart capacity can handle everything from a family-sized batch of fries to a whole chicken. The digital controls are intuitive, and the included seven accessories provide incredible value right out of the box. This unit truly aims to replace multiple kitchen gadgets with a single, powerful workhorse.
In our testing, results were excellent across multiple cooking modes. The air frying function produced crispy, golden-brown french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil. Using the convection bake setting, we achieved perfectly even cookies and a beautifully roasted vegetable medley. The toaster function was fast and consistent, and the broiler gave steaks a fantastic sear. Preheating was quick, and the temperature held steady throughout our cooking sessions.
Build quality is robust, with a sturdy stainless steel finish that feels durable and is easy to clean. The French doors are a premium feature that swing open smoothly and save considerable counter space compared to a single door that swings up. All the included racks, pans, and baskets feel solid and well-constructed for long-term use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Huge capacity ideal for families or entertaining
- ✓ Extremely versatile with 24 preset functions
- ✓ Includes a comprehensive set of seven useful accessories
CONS
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer
Best Multifunctional Air Fryer
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer delivers exceptional 17-in-1 cooking versatility, making it a fantastic all-in-one kitchen appliance. It consolidates the functions of an air fryer, rotisserie, dehydrator, and convection oven into one sleek unit. This makes it ideal for families or anyone looking to save counter space without sacrificing capability. Its large capacity and intuitive controls promise to handle everything from weeknight dinners to weekend meal prep.
In our testing, results were excellent across its various functions. The air frying produced crispy french fries and chicken wings with minimal oil, while the rotisserie function cooked a whole chicken evenly with a beautifully browned skin. Dehydrating fruits yielded consistent, chewy snacks, and the convection bake setting handled cookies perfectly. The preset programs were accurate and eliminated guesswork for different food types.
Build quality is solid, with a robust housing and a sturdy, well-fitted basket and rotisserie spit. The large viewing window is made of durable, heat-resistant glass and provides a clear view of cooking progress. The touchscreen interface is responsive and the overall unit feels designed for regular, heavy use.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Incredible versatility with 17 preset cooking functions
- ✓ Very large capacity suitable for family meals
- ✓ User-friendly digital touchscreen with clear display
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. To cut through the noise, focus on the core factors that separate a convenient gadget from a culinary workhorse: capacity, versatility, control precision, and ease of cleaning. Your ideal model balances these elements to fit your cooking style and counter space.
Capacity and Footprint
Consider both the basket's quart capacity and the appliance's physical size. A 5-6 quart model suits most families, but if you regularly cook for a crowd or want to air fry a whole chicken, a 10L/26QT combo unit is key. Ensure the chosen size fits your available counter and storage space.
Versatility and Functions
Move beyond just air frying. Modern units bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, and even proof dough. Combo units like air fryer toaster ovens add broiling and true convection baking. Decide if you want a dedicated single-basket fryer for simplicity or a multi-function appliance to replace other gadgets.
Control and Precision
Interface matters. Basic dial controls offer simplicity, while digital touchscreens provide precise temperature and time settings, often with one-touch presets. For serious results, look for a wide temperature range (at least 90°F to 400°F+) and adjustable cook settings for even heating.
Ease of Cleaning and Build
Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets are a baseline expectation. Premium ceramic coatings offer enhanced durability. For larger oven-style units, check if interior panels and racks are easy to wipe down. A well-built machine should feel solid, not flimsy, with intuitive parts that disassemble effortlessly.
Air Fryer FAQ
Is an air fryer just a small convection oven?
Essentially, yes, but optimized. A dedicated air fryer uses a concentrated, high-speed convection system in a compact chamber, which typically cooks food faster and creates a crispier exterior than a full-sized convection oven on the same setting.
Do I really need the extra functions like dehydrating or rotisserie?
It depends on your culinary ambitions. If you make jerky, dried fruits, or yogurt, a dehydrate function is invaluable. A rotisserie function is great for whole chickens and roasts. If you'll only use basic air frying, a simpler, less expensive model is perfectly sufficient.
How do I prevent my food from coming out soggy?
The key is avoiding overcrowding. Food must be in a single layer with space for air circulation. Shaking the basket midway through cooking is also crucial for even crisping. Patting proteins and vegetables dry before cooking can make a significant difference.
Are air fryers easy to clean?
Most are designed for easy cleanup. Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets are standard. For oven-style combos, you'll need to wipe down the interior and wash racks. The main rule is to clean after every use before grease and food particles bake onto the surfaces.
