Air fryers have changed the game for home cooks who crave crispy, delicious food without all the added fat. But with so many models on the market, choosing the best one for your needs isn’t the easiest of tasks. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of top performers to help you cut through the noise and choose the perfect air fryer for your home.
Ready to ditch the deep-fat fryer and the need to preheat? Discover the best air fryers on the market with these top picks.
The Best Air Fryers of 2024
- Best Overall: Ninja Air Fryer
- Best User-Friendly: Instant Vortex Plus
- Best for Families: Cosori Pro III Air Fryer
- Best for Versatility: Chefman Multifunctional Digital Fryer+
- Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Air Fryer
- Best Multipurpose: Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL
- Best Large Capacity: Kalorik MAXX Digital Air Fryer
- Best for Customization: Cosori Pro II Air Fryer
- Best for Busy Folks: Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer
- Best for Foodies: Nuwave Brio 10-in-1 Air Fryer
- Best Dual Basket: Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
- Best for Precision: Nuwave Brio 8-Qt Air Fryer
Best Overall: Ninja Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Power: 1550 watts
- Temperature Range: 105°F-400°F
Pros
- Ceramic coated basket
- Small countertop footprint
- Approachable price point
- User-friendly control panel with multiple functions
Cons
- Small basket capacity
- Not a ton of extra features
Why We Chose It
The Ninja Air Fryer promises a healthier way to enjoy the foods you love. From French fries to a whole roast, this air fryer boasts a family-friendly size and the capacity to create various tasty meals in a flash. It functions as an air fryer, roaster, reheater, slow cooker and dehydrator.
Ninja’s air fryer reduces the need for added fats and oils, which makes it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. The wide temperature range means you can use it for more than just crispy snacks — think reheating leftovers or being able to slow cook a flavorful roast. It can handle everything from frozen foods to fried foods. The versatility makes it a true counter top workhorse. Cleaning is hassle-free with the dishwasher-safe parts, saving you time and effort.
While the Ninja boasts a smaller countertop footprint than many other models on our list, that also means it holds a smaller amount of food in the basket. Depending on what you’re cooking, you might have to prepare dishes in batches with this air fryer, especially if you have a big family.
Best User-Friendly: Instant Vortex Plus
Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Power: 1500 watts
- Temperature Range: 95°F-400°F
Pros
- Intuitive control panel
- Multiple cooking functions
- Over 100 in-app recipes
Cons
- Smaller capacity
- Lacks extra bells and whistles
Why We Chose It
Like many products from the Instant brand, the Instant Vortex Plus stands out for its user-friendly operation. This 6-quart air fryer features an intuitive control panel that clearly lays out the functions of the machine, including “air fry,” “bake,” “roast” and “dehydrate.” Meanwhile, a handy dial allows you to easily set the cooking time and temperature.
The easy-to-read digital display lets you monitor the cooking process, letting you know when something is done or if it needs to be flipped halfway through. This air fryer also comes with a free downloadable app, which connects you to over a hundred recipes with step-by-step instructions.
The 6-quart capacity of this machine isn’t too shabby, but it might not be the best option if you’re cooking for a crowd. And while we love its straightforward and user-friendly operation, more experienced home cooks may desire an air fryer with more bells and whistles than this one.
Best for Families: Cosori Pro III Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 6.8 quarts
- Power: 1750 watts
- Temperature Range: 175°F–400°F
Pros
- Dual heating elements
- 12 one-touch functions
- Dishwasher safe
- App connectivity
Cons
- Extra features may be too advanced for some
- Higher price point
Why We Chose It
The Cosori Pro III is an air fryer with all the bells and whistles for those who want to enjoy delicious, healthy cooking without sacrificing time or convenience.
This air fryer offers ultra-fast cooking thanks to its dual heating elements, which ensure that food cooks faster and more evenly. With a large capacity and a variety of preset functions, you can cook, bake, roast and broil complete dinners for your family, from roasted vegetables to juicy chicken.
Being able to control and monitor your cooking via an app is a huge time-saver, as well, letting you keep an eye on dinner from the other room.
The app integration and smart features, while cool, might be overkill for cooks who prefer hands-on cooking with a basic appliance. Additionally, since it’s so well-equipped, this air fryer is definitely an investment piece and might not be the best fit for those on a tighter budget.
Best for Versatility: Chefman Multifunctional Digital Fryer+
Key Specs
- Capacity: 10 liters
- Power: 1700 watts
- Temperature Range: Not specified
Pros
- 17 preset options
- Accessories included
- Interior light lets you monitor the cooking process
Cons
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Door feels a bit flimsy
Why We Chose It
If you want your appliances to pull double duty, the Chefman Multifunctional Digital Fryer+ delivers. This versatile appliance can air fry, bake, dehydrate and roast, with a total of 17 preset cooking modes. Think crispy air-fried snacks, juicy rotisserie chicken or even homemade dehydrated fruit for healthy munching — this multicooker does it all.
Chefman’s convection oven and air fryer cuts down on the need for multiple appliances, saving precious counter space. The generous 10-liter capacity makes it ideal for feeding bigger families or meal-prepping the whole week’s lunches. Features like the user-friendly touchscreen and included accessories, such as oven racks and a drip tray, ensure you achieve delicious food with minimal fuss.
While loaded with features, the counter top oven does pose a concern with its overall build quality — particularly the door. And at this size, it’s not the best pick for those lacking kitchen real estate.
Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 930 cubic inches
- Power: 1500 watts
- Temperature Range: Up to 450°F
Pros
- 12 cooking functions
- Rotisserie feature
- 360° cooking technology
Cons
- Rotisserie stand sold separately
- A bit bulky on the counter
Why We Chose It
If you’re the type who loves a kitchen gadget with options, the Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 is for you. This machine boasts a whole bunch of cooking functions that let you tackle everything from a simple snack to a whole roast dinner. This fryer’s unique 360° cooking technology mimics the even heat of a commercial oven, so your food turns out crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked through.
As the best air fryer toaster oven, it boasts a massive capacity and includes accessories like a crisper tray, a pizza rack and a baking pan. So you can ditch multiple counter top gadgets and use this for roasting, baking, dehydrating and, of course, air frying. If you love a good infomercial and Emeril’s enthusiastic style, this one will feel right at home in your kitchen.
With all the bells and whistles, this air fryer is definitely larger and more complex than a basic model. This means it takes up a bit more counter space and might not be the best choice for those who want an ultra-simple appliance. Plus, some accessories, like the rotisserie spit, are sold separately.
Best Multipurpose: Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL
Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Power: 1760 watts
- Temperature Range: 250°F–450°F
Pros
- 12 programmable cooking functions
- Extra-large crisping basket
- Pressure cooker and air fryer combo
Cons
- Large countertop footprint
- Extra features may be overwhelming for some
Why We Chose It
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL 12-in-1 machine takes the classic pressure cooker and gives it a seriously tasty upgrade. Imagine fall-off-the-bone ribs in a fraction of the time, followed by a batch of extra-crispy fries for the kids — all in the same pot.
Similar to an Instant Pot, this kitchen workhorse handles everything from fluffy rice to complete dinners, saving you time and a whole lot of cleanup. The extra-large capacity makes it family-friendly, and thanks to the nonstick and dishwasher-safe surfaces, tackling post-meal messes is a breeze.
While it delivers on its promises, the Foodi Deluxe boasts a larger footprint than a standard air fryer, so counter space is a must-have. Also, the multitude of options might feel a bit overwhelming for those who prefer simple appliances.
Best Large Capacity: Kalorik MAXX Digital Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 26 quarts
- Power: 1700 watts
- Temperature Range: Up to 500°F
Pros
- 21 smart presets
- Extra-large capacity
- Fast cooking times
- Includes nine accessories
Cons
- Not ideal for small kitchens
- May feel overwhelming for some users
Why We Chose It
If you’re tired of juggling multiple cooking appliances and crave the simplicity of a one-and-done meal solution, the Kalorik MAXX is calling your name. This supersized air fryer isn’t messing around when it comes to the amount of food it can handle.
This isn’t just about frying healthier fries (though it does that well). The MAXX is a multitasking monster. You can roast a whole turkey, air fry crispy wings or bake pizzas in this thing — the possibilities are pretty extensive with those 21 presets. Furthermore, its powerful heating system means your meals cook lightning-fast compared to a traditional oven, saving time and energy.
With its jumbo size, this counter top cooker isn’t right for tiny kitchens and might be overkill if you’re only cooking for one or two people. Additionally, even though the digital controls are meant to be user-friendly, the sheer number of options could feel overwhelming to less tech-oriented users.
Best for Customization: Cosori Pro II Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 5.8 quarts
- Power: 1700 watts
- Temperature Range: Up to 400°F
Pros
- 12 convenient presets
- Customizable cooking functions
- “Shake Reminder” feature
Cons
- Not ideal for larger households
Why We Chose It
The Cosori Pro II takes the guesswork out of air frying. You get all the crispy goodness without the complication of temperatures and timings. This is thanks to handy presets and a nifty “Shake Reminder” that even gently nudges you to check on your food for perfect results.
This air fryer is designed to make your life easier. It’s a cinch to use, thanks to the straightforward controls, and those dishwasher-safe baskets mean cleanup is a breeze. And with the ability to create and save your favorite settings, you can whip up your best-loved snacks with just a few taps.
While it’s perfect for small families, a larger household might find the 5.8-quart capacity slightly limiting. Additionally, the abundance of features could potentially overwhelm those who prefer the ultra-basics in their appliances.
Best for Busy Folks: Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Power: 1700 watts
- Temperature Range: 200°F-400°F
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Touch controls
- LED shake reminder
Cons
- Can get noisy during operation
Why We Chose It
If weeknight dinners make you want to order takeout, the Chefman TurboFry is here to be your hero. This is all about getting tasty, crispy meals on the table fast and with minimal cleanup.
The generous capacity lets you whip up a whole family dinner’s worth of fries, wings or veggie sides. In addition, the touch controls are super intuitive, and the “Shake Reminder” ensures even crispness so you can forget babysitting your food. As a bonus, those dishwasher-safe parts make life even easier.
This model can be a bit noisy during operation, though, which might be bothersome if you have an open-concept kitchen. Additionally, if you prioritize a ton of preset options, this fryer keeps it fairly simple with the basics.
Best for Foodies: Nuwave Brio 10-in-1 Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 7.25 quarts
- Power: 1800 watts
- Temperature Range: 50°F to 400°F
Pros
- 100 pre-programmed settings
- 50 memory slots to save your favorite recipes
- Linear T technology for precise temperatures
Cons
- A bit bulky on the counter
- Might feel too complex for some users
Why We Chose It
The Nuwave Brio isn’t just a small air fryer; it’s a counter top cooking powerhouse. With options for grilling, baking, dehydrating, and more, this appliance can handle both family-sized meals and small goodies like homemade dried fruit snacks. The precise temperature control means you’re in charge of achieving the perfect crispy fries or rotisserie-style chicken wings.
This model gives you the ability to fine-tune your cooking like a pro and even save your favorite settings. For those who like total control, it’s a dream. The dishwasher-safe parts mean you can clean up in a snap, and its generous size makes it perfect for whipping up those big-batch meals.
With all those features and options, the Brio might feel too complex for those who want a set-and-forget style air fryer. You should also know that it takes up some real estate, so finding the ideal counter space is key.
Best Dual Basket: Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 10 quarts
- Power: 1690 watts
- Temperature Range: 105°F–450°F
Pros
- Two baskets for cooking multiple foods
- Smart thermometer
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Large countertop footprint
Why We Chose It
If you’ve ever dreamed of air frying chicken wings and veggies simultaneously, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 is about to make that a reality. This counter top wonder is the queen of multitasking, perfect for families and those who hate waiting for dinner.
This dual-basket air fryer basically eliminates the need to cook one side dish at a time. Roast a whole chicken in one basket and make crispy fries in the other — they’ll even finish at the same time. Plus, the Foodi Smart Thermometer simplifies cooking with its temperature monitoring. For the busy home cook, this is a sanity saver.
This is a big-size air fryer, so it’ll dominate some counter space — something to be aware of if your kitchen is small. Furthermore, all the fancy technology and settings could feel overwhelming to someone who just wants a basic air fryer.
Best for Precision: Nuwave Brio 8-Qt Air Fryer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Power: 1800 watts
- Temperature Range: 50°F to 400°F
Pros
- Integrated digital temperature probe
- 100 pre-programmed settings
- 50 memory slots for storing recipes
- Linear T technology for accurate temperature control
Cons
- Extra features may overwhelm some users
Why We Chose It
The Nuwave Brio boasts an air fryer function that truly delivers. You get a digital temperature probe that monitors the internal temperature of your food so you can achieve that perfectly cooked steak or whole chicken. What’s more, you can customize its presets to remember your favorite air fryer recipes.
The Brio Air Fryer makes it easy to take the guesswork out of mealtime. Say goodbye to dry chicken breasts and hello to perfectly roasted veggies. It’s got a spacious capacity for feeding the family, and those dishwasher-safe parts mean less time scrubbing.
If you prefer fuss-free appliances, the temperature probe and extra features might feel like a bit much. And like most counter top appliances, it requires a dedicated spot in your kitchen.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right air fryer is an investment in tastier, healthier meals. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, love kitchen gadgets or simply crave no-fuss dinners, you’ll find the perfect air fryer within this list. Some of our top picks include the Ninja Air Fryer, which is a great all-around option at an approachable price point. Looking for an air fryer that also doubles as a toaster oven, a dehydrator and even a rotisserie? Opt for the ultra-versatile Chefman Multifunctional Digital Fryer+. And if you’re cooking for a family, we recommend the Cosori Pro III Air Fryer.
How to Choose an Air Fryer
Capacity
Consider how many people you typically cook for. Smaller air fryers (around 4 quarts) are great for individuals and couples, while larger ones (8+ quarts) are best for families.
Features
Do you want basic presets or a whole range of cooking options? Some air fryers offer multiple functions like roasting, dehydrating, and even rotisserie.
Ease of Use
Look for models with intuitive controls and dishwasher-safe parts to make cleanup a breeze.
Size
Counter top space is precious, so make sure you have room for your chosen air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is essentially a mini convection oven. These small countertop appliances use an interior fan to circulate hot air around the food to crisp it up without using excessive amounts of oil or fat.
Is there anything you can’t cook in an air fryer?
While there are plenty of things you can cook in an air fryer, there are some foods to avoid cooking in them. A few of these include bacon, leafy greens, raw grains, super cheesy foods and large, bone-in proteins such as whole chickens. You should also avoid cooking anything with a wet batter in an air fryer, as the batter can drip through the basket and create a huge mess (and a potential fire hazard).
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
It’s possible to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, but there are some ground rules to follow. First, you should only use foil in the basket of the air fryer, and never let it touch the heating element. You should also make sure the foil is weighed down with food so it doesn’t move around and disrupt the airflow. Additionally, it’s best not to use foil when cooking acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus, as the foil can react with the ingredients and leach out into your food.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of writers, editors and shopping experts evaluated dozens of popular air fryer brands before coming up with our final picks for this list. When choosing the best air fryers, we factored in the price point, specifications (such as basket size and watts of power), extra features and the overall quality and performance of each model. We also considered customer reviews and ratings when determining if the air fryers we selected were up to par.
Sources
- Juicy Baked Chicken | Modern Honey
- A Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prep | EatingWell
- How to Dehydrate Food: Methods, Benefits, Tips, and More | Healthline
- Perfect Crispy French fries | RecipeTin Eats
- What Is an Air Fryer and How Does Air Frying Work? | KitchenAid
- These Are the Foods You Just Can’t Make In an Air Fryer | Food Network
- Can You Put Aluminum Foil In the Air Fryer? | Food Network
