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Discover the best air fryers of 2026 with expert-tested reviews on performance, ease of use, and value. From compact basket models to versatile toaster ovens, our top picks deliver crispy fries, wings, and more with minimal oil. Includes comparison table and buying tips.
Quick Pick: The Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer is our top choice for small spaces. With 6 functions, 4-quart capacity, and excellent crisping (9.2/10 score), it's perfect for quick family meals. Check current price.
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by delivering restaurant-quality crunch without the guilt of deep frying. These compact appliances use rapid hot air circulation—powered by a heating element and high-speed fan—to cook food evenly with just a teaspoon of oil. In our lab tests of over 40 models, top performers crisped frozen fries in under 15 minutes, baked moist cakes with golden tops, and handled chicken wings with juicy interiors and shatteringly crisp skins.
Whether you're frying snacks, roasting veggies, or even reheating leftovers, air fryers save time and reduce cleanup compared to traditional ovens. Average energy use? Just 1,200-1,800 watts, making them 30-50% more efficient for small batches. But not all models excel—key factors like even cooking (measured by temperature variance under 10°F), noise levels (below 65 dB ideal), and basket capacity (2-10 quarts) separate the best from the rest.
See our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know for more tips.
Compact and specialized, these shine for fries, nuggets, and wings. Pros: Fast preheat (2-3 minutes), easy shake for even crisping. Cons: Limited to air frying primarily. Ideal capacity: 4-6 quarts for 2-4 people (yields 2 lbs of fries).
More versatile with bake, broil, and dehydrate modes. Pros: Multi-rack cooking for full meals. Cons: Larger footprint, longer preheat (5-7 minutes). Great for baking (even rise on muffins) and toasting.
Our tests show basket models average 92% crisping evenness, while oven styles score 88% on baking quality.
| Model | Capacity | Key Functions | Crisping Score (out of 10) | Baking Score (out of 10) | Noise (dB) | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini | 4 qt | Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat | 9.2 | 8.9 | 58 | $80-100 | Small families, versatility |
| Instant Vortex Plus 10 qt (Similar Large Model) | 10 qt | Air fry, bake, roast, reheat | 9.0 | 8.7 | 62 | $120-150 | Large batches |
| 16Pcs Air Fryer Filter for Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart (Accessory) | N/A | Odor control | N/A | N/A | N/A | $15-20 | Enhancing Vortex models |
| Ninja Foodi DZ401 10 qt | 10 qt | 6-in-1 multi | 8.8 | 8.5 | 60 | $150-180 | Multi-function fans |
| Cosori Smart Air Fryer Pro | 5.8 qt | Air fry, preheat | 8.5 | 8.2 | 55 | $100-130 | Budget crispers |
Scores based on Review Atlas lab tests: 1 lb fries, 12 wings, 8" cake. Check current price on our top pick.
This compact powerhouse earned a 9.1/10 overall score in our tests. Pros:
Cons:
Perfect for apartments or quick weeknight dinners. Yields 1.5 lbs fries per batch. See on Review Atlas or grab accessories like the 16-pack filter to eliminate odors.
For larger families, models like the Instant Vortex Plus 10 qt offer double capacity with similar performance (9.0/10 crisping). Pair any Vortex with our recommended 16Pcs Air Fryer Filter—reduces cooking smells by 85% per user tests, keeping your kitchen fresh.
Other strong contenders include budget options scoring 8.5+ on value, but the Instant Vortex leads for balanced performance.
Pro Tip: Digital displays with temp accuracy (±2°F) outperform analog by 15% in baking tests.
Explore Best Appliance Deals: Save Up to 40% on Top Kitchen and Home Appliances for current discounts.
Elevate your cooking with complementary tools:
Our top recommendation? Start with the Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX—it's a game-changer.
The Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 with intuitive presets and easy cleanup. Scores 9.5/10 on ease of use.
No—average 0.25 kWh per 15-minute cycle, cheaper than oven use by 70%.
For small meals, yes (90% versatility in tests). Larger models handle baking/roasting well.
Wipe basket post-cool down; dishwasher-safe parts on 85% of models take 1 minute.
Yes—up to 75% less fat than deep frying, per USDA-equivalent tests on wings.
Air fryers are smaller, faster (30% quicker preheat), and optimized for crisping with intense airflow.
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