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From budget basics to dual-basket multifunctional models, these air fryers earn their countertop spot.
Choosing an air fryer is rarely about the frying — by now, all models bake, roast, and reheat. The real differentiators are capacity, airflow design, and how much counter space you're willing to sacrifice. That’s why a $40 machine can sometimes perform almost as well as a $400 one for a single person, but the same cheap unit will frustrate a family of five.
To build this list, we compared published spec sheets, professional reviews from major publications, and aggregated buyer feedback from thousands of verified purchases. We looked for consistent performance, build quality, and ease of cleaning — not just star ratings. Every pick on this list has been available for at least a year, so we could see how they hold up over time.
If you're upgrading from a first-generation air fryer, you'll notice today's models cook faster, circulate heat more evenly, and are far quieter. Many now feature dual-basket compartments, smart presets, and even toaster-oven functionality. But more features also mean more to go wrong, and a huge footprint that might not fit your kitchen.
Below, we’ve ranked eight air fryers across every niche: from the best overall workhorse to budget-friendly picks, large-family options, and multifunctional ovens. Use the table of contents to jump straight to the best fit for your cooking style.
This is the air fryer most households should buy first. It nails the basics—even browning, quick preheat, and an intuitive touchscreen—while its large 6-quart basket handles a whole chicken or fries for four. The trade-off: the basket’s nonstick coating may scratch if you use metal utensils, and it takes up noticeable counter space.
Main limitation: The nonstick basket can be prone to scratching if you’re not careful with cleaning tools.
Skip if: If you regularly cook for six or more people, you may outgrow the 6-quart capacity.
For under $70, this compact Instant gives you the same trusty brand and honest performance as its pricier siblings. It’s simple: dial in temperature and time, and it roasts, reheats, and air fries without fuss. The trade-off is a small basket that fits only about two portions, and you’ll get fewer extras like presets or a rotisserie motor.
Main limitation: Small 4-quart capacity won't feed more than two or three people comfortably.
Skip if: If you feed a family of four or more regularly, this model is too small.
If you’ve ever wished you could cook chicken and fries at the same time, this is the air fryer for you. Two independent baskets let you run two different cook cycles simultaneously, and the Smart Finish feature aligns both to finish at the same moment. The trade-off is its wide base, which demands more counter space than a single-basket model.
Main limitation: Footprint is significantly larger than single-basket alternatives.
Skip if: If you rarely cook more than one dish and have a cramped kitchen, a single-basket model is simpler.
This 10-quart beast can roast a whole bird or air fry up to 5 pounds of wings at once — enough for a family of six or a party. Its rotating rotisserie basket and even heat make it a standout for large-batch cooking. The main trade-off is its enormous footprint; it’s nearly as wide as a microwave and you’ll need dedicated shelf space.
Main limitation: It's bulky and heavy, and the huge basket can be awkward to clean in a sink.
Skip if: If you have limited counter space or typically cook for one or two, this is overkill.
If you want an air fryer that also toasts, bakes, and broils like a real oven, this Cuisinart is a kitchen workhorse. It’s wide enough for toast or a 12-inch pizza, and the air fry mode crisps with surprising speed for a toaster oven. The downsides: it’s large and heavy, and the fan is louder than dedicated air fryers.
Main limitation: Traditionally takes 15–20 minutes longer to preheat than basket-style air fryers.
Skip if: If you want countertop space for a dedicated small appliance and already own a toaster, this won't save room.
This is the aristocrat of countertop ovens: it air fries, bakes, broils, toasts, dehydrates, and even roasts a turkey. The brushed-steel build feels like a real appliance, and the Element IQ system adjusts heat distribution for exceptional consistency. The price is the elephant in the room — you could buy three budget Fryers for this cost — and it’s almost the size of a small European oven.
Main limitation: Premium price tag that’s overkill if you only want to cook frozen fries.
Skip if: If your idea of air frying is snacks and leftovers, skip this luxury model and get something cheaper.
Philips invented consumer air frying, and the XXL still excels at producing that deep-fried crunch with minimal oil. Its patented “fat reducer” catches and separates excess fat, and the large 7.3-quart basket is generous. The trade-off is its price, which sits in the upper tier, and the extra plastic parts mean more to break.
Main limitation: The basket and fat reducer are more complex to clean than simpler models.
Skip if: If you prefer the easiest cleanup and don't care about the fat-reduction feature, a cheaper air fryer can do the same crispy results.
This little gadget folds down to a square slab when not in use, making it a lifesaver for dorms, RVs, or kitchens with no counter space. It can still air fry, roast, and reheat enough for one or two people, and its nonstick pan is dishwasher safe. The compromise is capacity: you’ll only get a small basket of fries or a few drumsticks at a time.
Main limitation: 2-quart capacity is tight for even a couple, and the sliding fold mechanism can feel flimsy to some users.
Skip if: If you cook for more than two people or want to make a full sheet pan of roasted veggies, buy a larger model.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | 9.2/10 | $119.99–$139.99 Check current price → |
Instant Vortex 4-Quart Air Fryer Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | 8.0/10 | $49.99–$69.99 Check current price → |
Ninja Foodi DualZone 6.5 Quart Air Fryer (DZ201) Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | 9.0/10 | $149.99–$189.99 Check current price → |
Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart Air Fryer Rank #4 | — | 8.6/10 | $129.99–$169.99 Check current price → |
Cuisinart TOA-70 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Rank #5 | — | 8.5/10 | $199.95–$249.95 Check current price → |
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer BOV900BSS Rank #6 | — | 9.0/10 | $399.95–$449.95 Check current price → |
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (HD9867) Rank #7 | — | 8.5/10 | $199.99–$299.99 Check current price → |
Ninja Crispi Compact Air Fryer (CN301) Rank #8 | — | 7.5/10 | $69.99–$89.99 Check current price → |
Common questions buyers have about this category.
Yes, compared to deep frying, air fryers can reduce oil use by 70–80%, which cuts calories and fat significantly. However, they still cook with hot air, so the healthiness depends on what you put inside — a bag of heavily breaded frozen fries is still processed food. For best results, use air fryer recipes with light oil and whole ingredients.
Always unplug and let it cool completely. Remove the basket and pan, wash them with warm soapy water or place them on the top rack of a dishwasher if the manufacturer says it’s safe. For the heating element area, wipe gently with a damp cloth or soft brush to avoid damaging the coating. Do not submerge the main unit in water.
Yes, but you need to weigh them down with food because the high fan can blow loose paper into the heating element. Perforated parchment paper is better for airflow. Foil is fine for wrapping, but avoid covering the entire basket because it blocks air circulation and leads to uneven cooking.
With normal use and proper care, a quality air fryer can last 3–5 years (often longer). Budget models may show worn coating or reduced performance sooner. Clean after every few uses and avoid metal utensils on nonstick baskets — that will extend its life significantly.
Start with a 5.5- to 6-quart basket — it fits a 4-5 pound chicken or a generous portion of fries for four. If you want to cook more in one go (like two trays of fish or a whole chicken), move up to 8–10 quarts. Single-serving 2-3 quart models are not recommended for families.
Basket air fryers are circular or square with a pull-out basket, and they typically cook food fastest and crisp most efficiently because the fan sits directly above the food. Toaster oven air fryers are more versatile — They can toast, bake, and broil — but they often require longer cook times and can be louder. If you want a true air fryer, get a basket; if you want an extra oven, get a toaster oven hybrid.
Products we evaluated but did not recommend — and why.
