By Nila Kartika Wati 
Years of rigorous testing, involving close to two dozen distinct models, have illuminated the landscape of air fryers, revealing a spectrum from merely "crispy-enough" to truly exceptional. The pinnacle of air fryer technology doesn’t just deliver golden-brown french fries and crackling chicken wings; it also excels at producing tender salmon fillets and even flawlessly roasted whole chickens with remarkable ease. These appliances, often misunderstood by their nomenclature, are essentially compact convection ovens. They harness the power of fans to circulate superheated air, ensuring food is cooked evenly and efficiently. While the image of a basket-style air fryer often comes to mind, the market also features versatile countertop convection ovens that integrate air frying with additional functionalities like baking, broiling, toasting, and slow-cooking. Some advanced models even offer dehydration and steaming capabilities, expanding their utility significantly.
The choice between a basket-style air fryer and an oven-style model hinges on two primary considerations: available counter space and intended usage. Basket-style units are generally more compact and cost-effective, ideal for quickly crisping up frozen snacks or preparing individual portions of proteins. Conversely, oven-style air fryers offer greater versatility, capable of handling larger tasks such as baking personal pizzas, batch-baking cookies, or toasting bagels, in addition to air frying. Our extensive testing, spanning multiple years and encompassing over 20 different models, has aimed to identify the superior air fryers across both categories, catering to diverse user needs and kitchen configurations.
This review has been recently updated to include new contenders and assess evolving market offerings. Notably, the Cosori Iconic received a favorable evaluation, earning its place on our list due to its strong performance and its inclusion of a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick basket. In contrast, the Typhur Dome, a previous top performer, has been discontinued and succeeded by the Dome 2. While the new model was tested, its considerable size rendered it impractical for average kitchens, leading to its exclusion from the top recommendations. We also evaluated the Dreo ChefMaker and the Ninja Crispi, which are discussed further in the "Others We Tested" section.
Top Air Fryer Selections
Best Air Fryer Overall: Cosori Turboblaze 6.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer
The Cosori Turboblaze 6.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer stands out as the preeminent choice for overall performance and value in the basket-style category. This model impressed consistently across all tested parameters, delivering exceptionally crispy and evenly browned results for a variety of foods, from frozen sweet potato fries to chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts. Its intuitive digital interface simplifies operation, offering a straightforward way to set time and temperature. The extensive array of 10 cooking functions—Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Frozen, Preheat, Reheat, Dehydrate, Proof, Bake, and Keep Warm—provides remarkable versatility for a basket-style unit.
What truly elevates the Turboblaze above its competitors, including the previously highly-rated Instant Vortex Slim, is its unparalleled crisping capability, achieved in impressively short cooking times. This superior performance is likely attributable to the increased space between the crisper plate and the basket’s bottom, which facilitates enhanced air circulation. The innovative variable fan speed system, which automatically adjusts based on the selected cooking function, further contributes to optimal results. For instance, the ‘Air Fry’ setting utilizes the highest fan speed (speed 5) for maximum crisping, while ‘Bake’ employs a gentler speed 3 to prevent disturbing delicate ingredients. Lower temperature functions like ‘Dehydrate’ and ‘Proof’ operate at speed 1.
The Cosori Turboblaze represents exceptional value, significantly outperforming other models in its price bracket ($100-$150). It is powerful, versatile, quiet, lightweight, and easy to maintain. Both the nonstick basket and the cooking tray are dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended for the nonstick coating to prolong its lifespan. The tested model integrates smart features, allowing for remote control and voice commands via the VeSync app. For those who prefer not to use smart technology, Cosori offers a non-smart version at a slightly lower price point.
Minor criticisms are few and far between. The basket release button can be slightly inconvenient, and the increased space that enhances airflow can also lead to smaller food items falling through the crisper plate. However, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise outstanding appliance. The Turboblaze is an ideal recommendation for individuals seeking a high-performing basket-style air fryer that excels at traditional air frying tasks.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 qt.
- Wattage: 1725
- Cooking Functions: 10 (Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Frozen, Preheat, Reheat, Dehydrate, Proof, Bake, Keep Warm)
- Color: White
- Weight: 11.5 lb.
- Dimensions: 11.8" x 14.4" x 11.9"
- Warranty: 2 years
Best Small Air Fryer: Cosori Lite 2.1-Quart Mini Air Fryer
For those with limited kitchen space, a tighter budget, or who primarily cook for one or two people, the Cosori Lite 2.1-Quart Mini Air Fryer emerges as an excellent option. This compact appliance delivers impressive crisping and browning for small servings of common air fryer fare, including tater tots, fries, sliced zucchini, and even two veggie burger patties at a time. Priced between $50-$60, it offers significant bang for its buck, featuring a lightweight design, quiet operation, and a user-friendly digital interface with four essential presets: Air-fry, Roast, Bake, and Reheat. Its small footprint makes it easy to store in cabinets or tuck away when not in use. Like its larger counterpart, the Lite features a nonstick basket, which, while dishwasher-safe, is best hand-washed.
The primary limitation of the Cosori Lite is its size; it is not suitable for cooking meals for more than two individuals. Additionally, it lacks a food-shaking reminder, requiring users to monitor the timer manually. However, the clear digital display simplifies this task. The Cosori Lite is an ideal choice for individuals prioritizing space-saving design and essential air frying functionality.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2.1-qt.
- Wattage: 900
- Cooking Functions: 4 (Air-fry, bake, roast, reheat)
- Colors: Gray, red, white, green
- Weight: 4.9 lb.
- Dimensions: 10.1" x 8.3" x 10.5"
- Warranty: 2 years
Best Air Fryer-Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
For those seeking maximum versatility and possessing ample counter space, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the definitive choice. This countertop convection oven, often referred to as an air fryer-toaster oven, seamlessly blends the crisping prowess of basket-style air fryers with the comprehensive functionality of a traditional oven. It has been a consistent top performer for years, praised for its robust build quality, intuitive design, and reliable results.
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro boasts 13 cooking functions, including Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air-Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow-Cook, and Dehydrate. Each preset intelligently utilizes a specific combination of heating elements to achieve optimal results for diverse culinary tasks. A more advanced, pricier model offers app integration for enhanced presets and features like a rotisserie-style chicken function.
In testing, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro consistently delivered excellent outcomes. It excelled with foods that benefit from being arranged in a single layer, such as veggie burgers or salmon fillets, and also performed admirably with frozen fries and other snacks. Its generous interior capacity, capable of accommodating a quarter sheet pan or a 13×9" casserole dish, effectively supplements or even replaces a full-size oven for many tasks. This versatility has made it a favorite among Bon Appétit staff and Test Kitchen editors, as well as culinary professionals like Nik Sharma, who notes its efficiency for common tasks like baking and toasting.
A drawback of oven-style air fryers, including this model, is the increased difficulty in tossing or shaking smaller foods mid-cook compared to basket-style units. Additionally, optimal results often require slightly higher temperatures and longer cooking times than with basket-style winners. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is best suited for users who desire a large-capacity, multi-functional air fryer oven that will remain a permanent fixture on their countertop.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 1 cubic foot
- Wattage: 1800
- Cooking Functions: 13 (Toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, air-fry, reheat, cookies, slow-cook, dehydrate)
- Color: Stainless steel
- Weight: 38.9 lb.
- Dimensions: 21.25" x 17" x 12.75"
- Warranty: 2 years
Best Small Oven-Style Air Fryer: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact
For those drawn to the oven-style air fryer concept but constrained by space or budget, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact presents a compelling alternative. This model distills the functionality of its larger sibling into a more manageable and affordable package. It retains the thoughtful design and stainless-steel finish characteristic of Breville appliances, offering five air-frying-specific presets in addition to standard functions like Toast, Bagel, Broil, Pizza, and Bake/Roast.
The Compact’s intuitive interface, aided by helpful guides printed on the oven door, makes operation straightforward. A standout feature is the "bit more" button, which allows for precise incremental additions to cooking time, proving useful for achieving perfect crispness. Performance in testing was comparable to the Pro model for most items, yielding juicy chicken and crispy vegetables.
However, the Compact’s smaller capacity presented challenges with certain foods, particularly frozen sweet potato fries, where overcrowding led to uneven browning. This underscores the general principle that oven-style air fryers perform best with single-layer cooking. The oven door’s insert guide, though useful, was not prominently featured in the manual, potentially leading to user errors like cooking without a drip tray. While the Compact’s capacity is smaller than the top-ranked basket-style air fryer, its overall performance and reduced footprint make it a strong contender for smaller kitchens.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 0.5 cubic feet
- Wattage: 1800
- Cooking Functions: 5 (Toast, bagel, broil, pizza, bake/roast) + 5 Air-frying functions (Air-fry, fries, wings, bacon, crispy reheat)
- Color: Stainless steel
- Weight: 15.8 lb.
- Dimensions: 15.7" x 16.9" x 10"
- Warranty: 2 years
For Progress Monitoring: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook Air Fryer offers a desirable feature for those who prefer basket-style air fryers: a clear window for monitoring cooking progress. This model performed nearly identically to the previous top-rated Vortex Slim, with the key innovation being the integrated cooking window and internal light, akin to a traditional oven. This allows users to track the browning of their food without interrupting the cooking cycle, a crucial advantage when aiming for optimal crispness.
The ClearCook also expands the function set by adding a Dehydrate mode and achieving lower temperatures (down to 95°F) compared to the Vortex Slim’s 120°F minimum. It is also typically priced more affordably than the Slim. A minor drawback is the square basket shape, which may accommodate fewer items than more elongated baskets, and its overall size can be perceived as bulky. This model is an excellent choice for users who prefer the basket-style format but desire the ability to visually track their food’s cooking status.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 qt.
- Wattage: 1700
- Cooking Functions: 6 (Air-fry, bake, reheat, roast, broil, dehydrate)
- Color: Black
- Weight: 11.35 lb.
- Dimensions: 14.9" x 11.8" x 13.0"
- Warranty: 1 year
A High-Performing Air Fryer with a PFAS-Free Option: Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5-Quart Smart Air Fryer
For consumers prioritizing PFAS-free nonstick surfaces, the Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5-Quart Smart Air Fryer is a noteworthy option. Cosori’s air fryers have consistently demonstrated strong performance in our tests, and the Iconic continues this trend. It offers comparable features and yields results similar to the top-ranked Cosori Turboblaze, producing crispy-skinned salmon and well-browned Brussels sprouts. Like the Turboblaze, the Iconic allows for five distinct fan speeds, making it adept at both delicate tasks like dehydrating kale chips and robust cooking of bone-in chicken breasts.
The primary distinction of the Iconic, beyond its slightly larger capacity, is its PFAS-free ceramic nonstick-coated basket and crisper plate. While its aesthetic, featuring a stainless steel finish, may appeal to some, the price point is considerably higher than the Turboblaze.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6.5 qt.
- Wattage: 1725
- Cooking Functions: 6 (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Proof, Reheat)
- Color: Stainless steel
- Weight: 14.1 lb.
- Dimensions: 11.8" x 11.8" x 11.6"
- Warranty: 5-year limited
How We Tested and Selected the Best Air Fryers
Our rigorous testing process involved extensive research and repeated evaluations of popular air fryer models from leading brands such as Breville, Cuisinart, Ninja, Philips, and Cosori. For each machine, we prepared a diverse range of foods to assess performance comprehensively:
- Proteins: Salmon fillets and chicken breasts/thighs were cooked to evaluate crispiness, juiciness, and evenness of cooking.
- Vegetables: Brussels sprouts were prepared to assess how well the air fryers handled moisture, aiming for crisp edges and tender interiors without becoming mushy.
- Tofu: Marinated tofu cubes were cooked to determine if the air fryers could achieve a crunchy, golden-brown exterior with a soft interior, free from sticking.
- Frozen Foods: A full package of frozen sweet potato fries was cooked to gauge performance with moisture-rich frozen items.
What Makes a Good Air Fryer?
Several key factors were considered during our evaluation to identify the best air fryers:
- Crisping Ability: This was a paramount criterion, assessing whether the appliance could achieve superior crispiness compared to conventional ovens.
- Even Cooking: We looked for consistent browning and crisping across all food items, avoiding unevenly cooked results where one end is crisp and another is raw.
- Ease of Use: While presets are convenient, the primary focus was on the simplicity of setting time and temperature. We favored intuitive interfaces over complex or confusing controls.
- Design and Cleaning: The shape of the air fryer and its components were evaluated for ease of cleaning. Models with fewer interlocking parts and a straightforward design were preferred.
- Capacity and Versatility: We considered both the physical size of the appliance and its ability to accommodate various cooking tasks. Options catering to different counter space limitations and cooking needs were sought.
Other Air Fryers We Liked
Instant Vortex Slim 6-Quart Air Fryer
This model from Instant was a previous top pick and remains an excellent air fryer. Its compact design belies a significantly larger cooking surface area than comparable models, thanks to its basket’s shape. This allowed for cooking more food per batch without compromising airflow.
Typhur Dome 2
The Typhur Dome 2 offers a substantial cooking capacity, with 139.5 square inches of surface area, capable of fitting a 12" pizza or a large quantity of proteins. Its digital interface is straightforward, and the companion app provides additional features, including a self-cleaning function. While it excels in even cooking and crisping, its large capacity can lead to longer cooking times for optimal results, making it more suitable for large families.
Philips Premium Digital Air Fryer XXL
This model boasts a generous capacity and an easy-to-navigate control panel, delivering good performance with minimal user intervention. However, its heavier basket, noisy operation, and cleaning difficulties due to interlocking parts, combined with a higher price point, place it below other top contenders.
Philips 3000 Series 6.2L Air Fryer
The Philips 3000 Series features a sleek touchscreen interface and a viewing window, along with 16 cooking settings. While it performed well in testing, producing crispy food, its interface and overall user experience were less favored compared to other top models.
Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer
The Dreo ChefMaker integrates probe cooking capabilities and app connectivity for effortless protein preparation. While its air frying performance is good, it falls short of the crispness and efficiency offered by the top-ranked Cosori Turboblaze at a significantly lower price point.
Our Place Wonder Oven Pro
This aesthetically pleasing oven, developed in collaboration with J. Kenji López-Alt, offers impressive cooking power and speed, outperforming some competitors in crisping time. Its three-tier, 30-liter capacity is generous, and it fits on the countertop without taking up excessive space. However, its preheating cycle can be slow and cumbersome, and the touchscreen interface is not always responsive.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven 6-Qt
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven is user-friendly, quiet, and includes a useful preheat feature and a viewing window. However, its square-shaped basket offers less surface area than some competitors, limiting its capacity for certain foods.
Ninja DoubleStack XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
This innovative model utilizes vertical space with stacked baskets, making it a tall and narrow appliance that fits under cabinets. Despite its space-saving design, it offers substantial cooking capacity. The ability to program baskets independently and use the Smart Finish feature to coordinate meal completion is a significant advantage. However, the interface can be somewhat confusing.
Air Fryers We Don’t Recommend
Our testing also identified models that did not meet our standards for performance, usability, or value:
- Instant Pot Vortex Slim XL 6-Quart Air Fryer: While offering good capacity and a sleek profile, its performance did not surpass other top-tier models.
- Ninja Basic Air Fryer: This model’s round basket limits versatility for cooking proteins or vegetables in a single layer, despite its lightweight design and ease of use.
- Cosori Basic 4-Qt Air Fryer: This model performed adequately but lacked the enhanced settings and features that elevate other Cosori models.
- Dash Retro Style Air Fryer: Despite its attractive design and colors, this model struggled with crisping, producing soggy fries and unevenly cooked tofu. The round basket also limited its capacity.
- Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven (NB-G110P): This oven-style air fryer offered a frustrating user experience due to unclear function labels, limited temperature selection for air frying, and an unskippable preheating cycle.
- Our Place Wonder Oven (Original): While aesthetically pleasing, its performance was inconsistent, producing unevenly browned food and lacking precise temperature control.
- Ninja Crispi Combi Air Fryer: This unique appliance, featuring a glass container and a top-mounted "PowerPod," cooked food to a crisp but took longer than standard basket air fryers and offered limited temperature control, restricting its versatility.
Air Fryer Questions, Asked and Answered
What is an air fryer? Is it just a convection oven?
An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven designed to crisp food rapidly using a high-speed fan to circulate superheated air. This process mimics the effect of deep-frying but requires significantly less oil, thereby reducing fat content and preventing the lingering greasy odors often associated with deep-frying. While technically a type of convection oven, the most traditional air fryers feature a basket design that necessitates shaking the food for even cooking, differentiating them from standard oven shapes. This review includes both basket-style units and oven-style appliances with air frying capabilities.
What accessories should I buy for my air fryer?
Essential accessories can enhance the functionality and convenience of an air fryer. These may include extra racks for multi-level cooking, parchment paper liners for easier cleanup, silicone molds for specific dishes, and tongs for safely handling food.
Get to Know Your Reviewer
Alaina Chou: With extensive experience testing small appliances for Bon Appétit and Epicurious since 2023, Alaina Chou has dedicated significant effort to identifying air fryers that deliver on their promise of deep-fried crispiness without the associated oil and mess. Her research has involved numerous cooking sessions, pushing the boundaries of air fryer capabilities.