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I’ll admit it: For years I was anti-air fryer. As someone who lives in a tiny New York City apartment, I felt that it was just one more unnecessary appliance to take up my very limited counter space. But then I got a job testing kitchen products, and after actually cooking with various air fryer models, I realized: The hype was real. Besides making meal prep speedier and easier, an air fryer is actually a great space saver because it can replace multiple small appliances. No wonder air fryers have garnered legions of fans since being introduced 15 years ago.
Experts in This Article
founder of Fork to Spoon and author of The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners
founder of Linda’s Best Recipes and author of The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook
founder of Pine & Pepper and author of Yummy Air Fryer Recipes
founder of Mommy Hates Cooking and author of 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes
“They’re versatile, capable of preparing everything from crispy vegetables to meats, desserts, and even reheating leftovers,” says Laurie Fleming, author of The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners. “Plus, air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient addition to any kitchen for hassle-free cooking.” Linda Larsen, author of The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook, agrees: “An air fryer is a great way to cook food so it’s very crisp without deep frying. You can save on calories and reduce fat content. And it saves time — up to 25% less time than conventional cooking.”
If you’re ready to add an air fryer to your kitchen arsenal, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to choose an air fryer, plus expert picks for the best air fryer for your space, needs, and budget.
Best air fryers, at a glance:
- Best overall: Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-In 1 XL Pro Air Fryer Oven
- Best value: Cosori Turbo Blaze 6.0-Qt. Air Fryer
- Best splurge: Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer
- Best for large families: Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8-Qt. Air Fryer
- Best for small spaces: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
- Best for crispy results: Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer
- Best double basket Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Qt. 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
- Best with window: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Qt.ClearCook Air Fryer
- Best looking: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
- Best for beginners: Simple Deluxe 6.34-Qt. Air Fryer
- Best air fryer toaster oven: Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven
What is an air fryer?
To put it simply, an air fryer is a small kitchen appliance that circulates hot air to cook food. Depending on the model, it can perform a variety of functions, including air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. Air fryers typically come in two versions:
- Basket style: This is the OG air fryer style, featuring a single basket with a handle. The basket can be pulled out of the unit to insert food, shake for even cooking, check for doneness, and, when dinner is ready, be placed in the sink or dishwasher for easy cleaning. Dual-basket models are also available for prepping two different foods with different cooking methods at once.
- Air fryer toaster oven: Larger and more versatile than a basket-style model, air fryer toaster ovens are ideal for making roasts, pizza, cakes, and casseroles, and have glass-paneled doors that let you keep an eye on cooking.
How does an air fryer work?
Don’t let the name fool you. Air fryers don’t actually fry food but give it a brown, crisp finish. This is thanks to the perforated basket or tray used when air frying, which lets the machine’s built-in convection fan blow hot air all around the food to cook it quickly and evenly.“ Air fryers do not need lots of oil, but most food does need a light coating of it,” says 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes author Kristy Still. “It's best to have grapeseed oil spray or olive oil spray on hand when air frying foods.” For her part, Cathy Yoder prefers avocado oil because it has a high smoke point and won’t burn at higher temperatures. “I [keep it] in an empty spray bottle,” says the Yummy Air Fryer Recipes author.
Another major benefit of air fryers is that they reduce overall cooking time. “They can cook so much faster than traditional oven baking,” says Rebecca Abbott, co-founder with Jennifer Gamble of the Air Frying Foodie blog. “From someone who lives where summers are 115°F, if I have to cook, it's in the air fryer!” Abbott also loves that frozen food can go directly into the air fryer (“A lifesaver when I forget to take dinner out to thaw!”) and that batch baking can be done in smaller amounts for convenience. And just for the record, she says, “The air fryer makes the BEST cheesecake in less than 30 minutes, without all of the hassle of a water bath.”
To guarantee the best results, here are some pro tips to follow when cooking with an air fryer:
- 1.Use the right amount of oil: A light spritz of oil enhances crispiness, but too much can make food greasy, says Fleming. For best results, pat food dry to remove moisture, then spray or brush on a thin layer of oil.
- 2.Use parchment paper carefully: While liners make cleanup easier, never completely block airflow. Use perforated parchment or leave space for proper circulation, says Fleming.
- 3.Preheat for even cooking: Just like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes ensures that food cooks evenly and gets crispy, says Fleming. However, Abbott and Gamble warn never to preheat with parchment paper in the basket, as it can blow into the fan and possibly catch fire.
- 4.Choose the right temperature and time: “All air fryers heat differently,” says Still, “so when making new foods, it's best to monitor the food throughout the cooking time until you know how your machine works.” Higher temperatures (375°F-400°F) work best for crisping, notes Fleming, while lower ones (300°F-350°F) are ideal for baking or reheating. Cook times should be adjusted based on food thickness.
- 5.Don't stack or overfill the basket: If air can’t circulate, food won’t cook properly. “This is especially important with pieces of meat overlapping, causing some parts to not be cooked,” says Abbott, who highly recommends using an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. Yoder agrees that thermometers are a “game-changer. If you go by that instead of a recipe book or the presets, you’ll have perfectly cooked food that's not dried out or burnt.”
- 6.Use silicone-lined tools: Avoid using metal utensils for flipping or picking up food, says Yoder, as they can scratch the basket’s nonstick coating. Stick with silicone-lined ones instead.
- 7.Clean the air fryer regularly: To prevent smoke and ensure consistent cooking results, Fleming recommends removing crumbs and grease buildup regularly. “Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe,” she adds.
What to consider when looking for an air fryer
Size and capacity
Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, from compact to XL, so how do you know which one is best for you? “Choose an air fryer that fits your household size and cooking needs,” says Fleming. “Small models (two to four quarts) are great for individuals or couples, while larger ones (more than five quarts) work well for families.” Abbott and Gamble also recommend that users consider how much counter space is available when choosing the size of the air fryer.
Power and cooking performance
Look for an air fryer with at least 1,200 to 1,500 watts for efficient cooking, says Fleming. “Higher wattage ensures faster and more even cooking.”
Features
Air fryers come with countless features, but the first thing to keep in mind is convenience. Fleming recommends models with preset cooking functions, temperature control, timers, and shake reminders. Then consider the extra functions that are important to you, like dehydrating, roasting, or baking.
Ease of cleaning
Nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets, and trays make cleanup much easier. “Look for removable, easy-to-clean components to save time,” says Fleming.
Design and storage
If counter space is limited, choose a compact model. For larger kitchens, a multifunctional air fryer (such as one with a toaster oven or grill feature) may be a better investment. “While air fryer toaster ovens may take slightly longer to cook compared to traditional air fryers, their multifunctionality makes them a great addition to any kitchen,” says Fleming.
Price and brand reputation
The cost of an air fryer varies greatly, ranging from $25 for a compact, single-basket model to nearly $2,000 for a smart air fryer oven. To get the most bang for your buck, Fleming advises users to compare prices based on features and quality. “Reliable brands with good customer reviews often offer better durability and performance.”
Noise level and safety features
Some air fryers can be loud, so check reviews if noise is a concern. Safety features like auto shut-off and cool-touch handles are also important.
Shop the 11 best air fryers, according to pros
Best overall: Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-In 1 XL Pro Air Fryer Oven
Capacity: 8 qts. I Dimensions: 17.09” x 20.22” x 13.34” I Watts: 1,800 I Functions: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, Pizza
Who needs an oven when you have the Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fryer Oven? The do-everything countertop appliance allows you to cook food evenly on two separate levels and is large enough to roast a 12-pound turkey or two 12-inch pizzas. “It’s amazing,” says Fleming. “It's a good size if you want to make hamburgers and french fries at once. Otherwise, you have to cook the hamburgers, then cook the fries, which leads to cold burgers or fries.” And that’s no fun. Besides 10 cooking functions, the Ninja DT201 Foodi also comes with two sheet pans, two wire racks, an air fryer basket, a roast tray, and a crumb tray for easy cleanup. From nourishing breakfasts to delicious desserts, this baby has your back.
Pros:
- True Surround Convection feature eliminates the need to flip or rotate food during cooking
- Cooks up to 30% faster than a traditional convection oven
- Digital display indicates optimal oven rack positions based on function selected
Cons:
- Larger size takes up more counter space
- Exterior can get hot while cooking
Best value: Cosori Turbo Blaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 qts. l Dimensions: 14.4" x 11.8" x 11.9" l Watts: 1,725 l Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm
The budget-friendly Cosori Turbo Blaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer is a hands-down favorite among many of our experts. “It does a great job cooking,” says Yoder, “but I really love the interface. It has nice, large numbers. There are not too many fancy buttons. It's just clear and direct.” Larsen describes it as “reliable with a nice-sized basket,” while Abbott and Gamble consider it their go-to air fryer. Besides prepping chicken and steaks, “I toast bread and bagels, and also make frozen pizzas and lasagnas in the air fryer,” Abbott says of the machine. “The Turbo Blaze is the perfect size for a family of 4-6, and is only about $120.” Even better? “It doesn’t take up a lot of counter space.”
Pros:
- Available in dark gray, gray, and cream (a Target exclusive)
- Whisper-quiet while cooking
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
- Frequently on sale for about $90
Cons:
- Metal utensils and harsh cleaners can scratch the basket and plate’s nonstick coating
Best splurge: Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer
Capacity: 5.6 qts. l Dimensions: 17.3" x 15.5" x 9.7" l Watts: 1,750 l Functions: Pizza, Bacon, Steak, Wings, Fries, Frozen, Air Fry, Toast, Grill, Bake, Griddle, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat
Yes, the smart Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer is an investment, but it’s “awesome,” says Yoder. For starters it has 15 — count ‘em, 15! — cooking functions that can be controlled via an app, plus a dual heating system that circulates hot air from the top and bottom of the unit, helping food cook quickly and evenly. (Two perfectly juicy steaks in 10 minutes? Yes, please!) Unlike most air fryers, the Typhur Dome 2’s spacious basket has a non-stick ceramic coating, and, Yoder notes, the machine is self-cleaning. “It self-cleans the area around the burner, which is a huge complaint for air fryer owners,” she says. “It’s just hard to clean up there and it gets quite dirty.” Besides the Typhur Dome 2’s overall performance, Yoder also loves its look. “It’s a conversation piece,” she says.
Pros:
- Cooks 30% faster than traditional air fryers
- Self-cleaning mode removes built-up grease and stains
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick ceramic basket
- Typhur app lets you control cooking functions, time, and temperature; activate self-cleaning mode; and access recipes
Cons:
- Large size requires more counter space
- Basket isn’t deep enough to cook a whole chicken
Best for large families: Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8-Quart Air Fryer
Capacity: 6.8 qts. l Dimensions: 12.9" x 11.7" x 13.8" l Watts: 1,750 l Functions: Chicken, Steak, Seafood, Veggies, Fries, Frozen, Air Fry, Reheat, Broil, Roast, Bake, Keep Warm
As with the Turbo Blaze, Abbott and Gamble have a lot of love for Cosori’s larger Dual Blaze 6.8-Quart Air Fryer. “The Dual Blaze is a bit deeper than the Turbo Blaze, which is perfect for whole chickens, hams, or turkey breasts,” says Abbott. It also has some key features that busy parents will find a blessing, like a heating element on both the top and bottom of the unit that eliminates the need to preheat the machine or wait around to flip food during cooking. Another game changer: The Dual Blaze can be controlled and monitored via app, Alexa, and Google Assistant, so parents can tend to other business (or even take a few minutes to relax) while meal prepping.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket is deeper and can hold larger food portions
- Heats from the top and bottom to cook both sides of food evenly
- Can be controlled via app, Alexa, and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Unlike the Turbo Blaze, the Dual Blaze is only available in black
- Crisper plate is designed so that it can only be pulled out once cool; food can also fall through larger holes
Best for small spaces: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
Capacity: 5 qts. l Dimensions: 14.84" x 11.29" x 10.39" l Watts: 1,750 l Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
If you have limited counter space or only need to meal prep for one or two people, look no further than the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is a solid choice. “It has a smaller capacity, but it still cooks beautifully,” says Larsen. Though the nonstick ceramic-coated basket is 5 qts., it’s still capable of holding up to 5 lbs. of chicken wings — enough for a game day celebration with friends (assuming you have the space). The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 heats up to 400°F and is especially good at transforming frozen food into golden crisp goodies in minutes. “It’s a solid product,” says Fleming. “This is a quick air fryer for people who want something well made, easy to clean, and use.”
Pros:
- Compact design saves space
- Affordable
- Easy to clean and use
Cons:
- Because it’s smaller, you may need to cook in batches
- Some users find it loud
Best for crispy results: Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer
Capacity: 6 qts. l Dimensions: 10.59" x 14.65" x 15.67" l Watts: 1,800 l Functions: Air fry, Defrost, Reheat, Broil, Roast, Toast, Bake, Dehydrate
It’s called the ChefMaker for a reason: After using this smart appliance, you’re bound to feel like a top chef. The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer features algorithms that mimic chef techniques and take charge of the entire cooking process, from checking temperature and doneness to calculating cooking time to controlling heating and moisture systems. That means perfectly crisp food every single time. There are three professional cooking modes to choose from: Chef Mode, which uses ingredient-based presets; Classic Cook, which utilizes traditional air fryer functions like defrost and roast; and Probe Cook lets you take charge and use a meat probe to experiment with temperature settings. No matter how you slice it, you can’t go wrong. “It’s literally a set it and forget it,” Yoder says of the machine.
Pros:
- Includes meat probe, grilling rack, and cooking tray
- Dishwasher-safe glass basket lets you monitor cooking
- More than 88 ingredient-based presets
- App lets you track cooking process and access recipes and step-by-step videos
Cons:
- Horizontal space is a bit smaller
- Pricey
Best double basket: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
Capacity: 8 qts. l Dimensions: 13.86" x 15.63" x 12.4" l Watts: 1,690 l Functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
“The feature of having two baskets is really convenient,” says Abbott. Her favorite: the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer, which can simultaneously prep two separate meals using two different cooking methods and even two different cooking times. Each 4-quart basket has a dedicated zone with a fan and heating system, so you can air fry sweet potato fries on one side while roasting barbecue chicken on the other. And if you want to use both baskets to cook the same food in the same mode and finish at the same time? Well, you have that option too, thanks to the Match Cook button. Cleanup is equally effortless: Both the baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Can cook two foods two different ways
- Smart Finish function ensures that both foods finish cooking at the same time
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates
Cons:
- Wider design takes up more counterspace
Best with window: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook Air Fryer
Capacity: 6 qts. l Dimensions: 12.8" x 11.8" x 14.9" l Watts: 1,700 l Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
“The Vortex is one of the easiest air fryers to use, and it's a snap to clean up,” says Fleming. “It cooks great. We actually have one on our counter as our go-to air fryer.” That’s understandable since the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook Air Fryer has a user-friendly interface, six cooking functions, and a host of customizable programs for prepping everything from cinnamon buns to roasted vegetables. But its greatest feature has to be the lighted ClearCook window, which lets you monitor food at a glance instead of needing to pull out the basket to check on its progress. “It’s not fancy,” Fleming admits of the super-quiet machine, “but if the kids want a snack, it's easy to use.”
Pros:
- ClearCook window and lighted interior let you monitor cooking
- Interface has progress bar indicating when to add or turn food
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tray
- Quiet
Cons:
- It’s programmed to automatically preheat
Best looking: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Capacity: 0.8 cu. ft. l Dimensions: 17.5" x 21.5" x 12.7" l Watts: 1,800 l Functions: Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, Dehydrate
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a true kitchen workhorse, able to perform 13 different functions, roast a 14-pound turkey, accommodate a 5-quart Dutch oven, and so much more. “It's a solid air fryer that I have had for years,” says Fleming. “It works well.” The oven uses smart algorithms to tailor its cooking experience, so food won’t turn out dry or undercooked and anything air-fried is always crisp. Operating the oven is easy: Turn the knobs to select the desired function, time, and temperature on the LCD display, then press the start button. Done! The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro comes with wire racks, a pizza pan, an air fryer basket, a roasting pan, and a broiling rack to get you started, and is roomy enough to fit a 12-cup muffin tray and 12-inch round pan. “It’s solid and well made,” Fleming says of the oven, “and while it’s a higher price point, it’s worth it,”
Pros:
- Spacious enough to handle a variety of cooking tasks
- Smart algorithms for better results
- Convection option for crispier results
- Includes a 13-inch non-stick pizza pan, two reversible wire racks, a 9-by-13-inch broiling rack, a 9-by-13-inch enamel roasting pan, and an air fry/dehydrate basket
Cons:
- Pricey
- Larger than a basket air fryer
Best for beginners: Simple Deluxe 6.34-Qt. Air Fryer
Capacity: 6.34 qts. l Dimensions: 10.5" x 12.9" x 13.6” l Watts: 1,700 l Functions: Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Fries, Chicken, Steam, Custard Tart, Wings, Sea Food, Vegetables
If you’re buying your very first air fryer, consider keeping it simple — Simple Deluxe, that is. “It has 12 preset functions to help when you are starting out,” says Larsen, so operating it is a no-brainer. Besides the easy-to-use touchscreen, the Simple Deluxe has a space-saving design that’s perfect for tiny kitchens and a 6.34-quart capacity with plenty of room for prepping family meals. Bonus points for the windowed basket and interior light that let you check the progress of what’s cooking without having to open the air fryer. “I always love a window,” says Larsen. Same here!
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in gray and beige
- Compact design
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket
Cons:
- Air fryer cannot be paused during cooking
Best air fryer toaster oven: Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven
Capacity: 25 qts. l Dimensions: 17.72" x 15.94" x 14.17" l Watts: 1,750 l Functions: Air Fry, Bake, Pizza, Reheat, Dehydrate, Rotisserie, Roast, Broil, Grill, Toast, Keep Warm, Slow Cook
“This gorgeous oven has French doors!” Larsen says of the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven. But this trés chic machine — which does the job of 10 different kitchen tools — is much more than good looks. “It also has 24 presets and a removable divider so you can cook different foods at the same time,” Larsen says. You can also have the food finish cooking at the same time, thanks to the oven’s QuickSync Technology. Remove the divider, and the oven becomes one large unit that can be used for baking bread, dehydrating fruit, roasting squash, or making a whole rotisserie chicken (yes, on an actual spit!). The Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven pretty much does it all — and with plenty of style, to boot!
Pros:
- Removable divider for creating two separate cooking zones
- QuickSync Technology lets you match cook times across zones
- Presets include Air Fry, Fries, Toast, Rotisserie, Chicken, Pizza, Wings, Eggs, Steak, Vegetables, Defrost, Grill, Bacon, Ribs, Fish, Slow Cook, Pastry, Proof, Broil, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Warm.
- Comes with a large bake pan, two small bake pans, a large wire rack, two small wire racks, and a rotisserie and spit set
Cons:
- The many buttons and functions can be overwhelming
- Pricey
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