**Air fryers** are all the rage nowadays. These handy devices can fry, bake, grill, and roast with barely any oil. They cook food using hot air, making your dishes as crispy and tasty as deep-fried ones, but way healthier. Given their amazing functions and health perks, picking the right air fryer is as vital as knowing how to use it right.
The best air fryer should heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly, have easy-to-use controls, and boast a decent capacity. It should also be easy to clean and ideally come with a recipe book to help you get started. However, with so many air fryer models on the market, it can be challenging to identify which one will yield optimum culinary results.
To help you in this endeavor, we set out to rigorously test and evaluate a variety of air fryers. Through this research, we discovered the best ones that deliver on cooking performance, ease of use, cleanup, capacity, features, and value. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the knowledge to guide your purchasing decision and get the most out of your air fryer experience.
Best Air Fryer
The selection of an air fryer plays a significant role in the quality of the food you’ll be preparing, its ease of operation, and your overall satisfaction. The ideal air fryer should provide even heat distribution, be user-friendly, spacious enough for your needs and simple to clean. Given the mix of product features and benefits to consider, it can be daunting to find the perfect air fryer. We’ve dug into the details of many air fryer models and compiled a list of the top contenders based on our rigorous testing. This will provide you with the guidance you need to make the best choice for your kitchen.
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Broils, Dehydrates, Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, Bakes for Quick Easy Meals, 100+ In-App Recipes, Dishwasher-Safe, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use air fryer, the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 6-in-1 function allows for air frying, broiling, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating, making it a great all-in-one appliance.
- The EvenCrisp technology ensures that your food is cooked evenly and turns out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- The app includes over 100 recipes to help you get started and find new ideas for delicious meals.
Cons
- The basket and tray are not dishwasher safe, despite the product description claiming otherwise.
- The product is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or store.
- The price point is higher than some other air fryers on the market.
We’ve used the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer to cook a variety of meals, from french fries and chicken wings to roasted vegetables and whole chickens. The 6-in-1 function is incredibly convenient, as it allows us to use the same appliance for multiple types of cooking. The EvenCrisp technology truly makes a difference in the quality of the food, as it comes out crispy and delicious every time.
One thing to note is that the basket and tray are not dishwasher safe, despite the product description claiming otherwise. This can be a bit of a hassle when it comes to cleaning up after cooking. Additionally, the product is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or store.
Overall, we would recommend the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer to anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality air fryer. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options, the convenience and quality of the food make it worth the investment.
Air Fryer Oven 5 Qt Large Oil Free Touch Screen 1500W Mini Oven Combo with 7 Accessories, One-Touch Digital Controls, Nonstick Tray & Dishwasher-Safe Detachable Square Basket, Timer
If you’re looking for a compact air fryer oven combo that’s easy to use and clean, the Air Fryer Oven 5 Qt by JUMBO PRINCE might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The one-touch digital controls and LED display make it easy to set the time and temperature.
- The 60-minute countdown timer and auto shut-off feature ensure that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
- The nonstick tray and detachable square basket make it easy to clean up after cooking.
Cons
- The 5-quart capacity might not be enough for larger families or for cooking for a crowd.
- Some users have reported that the basket is a bit difficult to detach from the base.
- The air fryer oven combo is a bit bulky and might not fit on smaller countertops.
We’ve been using the Air Fryer Oven 5 Qt for a few weeks now and we’re really impressed with its performance. The one-touch digital controls and LED display make it easy to set the time and temperature, and the 60-minute countdown timer and auto shut-off feature ensure that our food is cooked to perfection every time. We also love that the nonstick tray and detachable square basket are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 5-quart capacity might not be enough for larger families or for cooking for a crowd. However, if you’re cooking for one or two people, this air fryer oven combo is perfect. We also found that the basket can be a bit difficult to detach from the base, but it’s not a big deal.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Air Fryer Oven 5 Qt by JUMBO PRINCE to anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-use air fryer oven combo. It’s a great value for the price and it comes with seven accessories, including a fork, tongs, and a silicone brush, so you can start cooking right away.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity, & High Gloss Finish, Grey
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use air fryer, the Ninja AF101 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 4 quart capacity is perfect for small to medium-sized families or individuals who don’t want to cook in large batches.
- The Digital Control Panel with 7 different functions makes it easy to cook a variety of dishes, from air frying and roasting to reheating and dehydrating.
- The high-gloss finish and compact size make it a stylish and space-saving addition to any kitchen.
Cons
- The non-stick basket and tray can be a bit tricky to clean, especially if you’re not careful when handling them.
- The air fryer can be a bit loud during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
- Some users have reported that the air fryer doesn’t cook evenly or consistently, which can be frustrating.
We’ve used the Ninja AF101 for a few weeks now, and overall we’re pretty satisfied with its performance. The 4 quart capacity is perfect for our needs, and we love that we can use it to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate a variety of foods. The Digital Control Panel is also really user-friendly, and we appreciate that we can set the time and temperature for each dish.
One thing to keep in mind is that the non-stick basket and tray can be a bit tricky to clean, especially if you’re not careful when handling them. We’ve also noticed that the air fryer can be a bit loud during operation, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, some users have reported that the air fryer doesn’t cook evenly or consistently, which can be frustrating.
Overall, we think the Ninja AF101 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use air fryer. While it may not be perfect, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new air fryer.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use air fryer, the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With 17 touch screen presets, this air fryer makes it easy to achieve great results with a variety of foods.
- The rotisserie function is a nice bonus, allowing you to cook whole chickens or other large cuts of meat.
- The large capacity of this air fryer makes it a great choice for families or those who frequently entertain.
Cons
- The manual is not very helpful, which can make it difficult to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Some users have reported that the air fryer basket is difficult to clean.
- While the touch screen is easy to use, it can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
We’ve been using the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The touch screen presets make it easy to cook a variety of foods, from fries and chicken wings to roasted vegetables and even cakes. The rotisserie function is also a nice touch, allowing us to cook whole chickens or turkeys with minimal effort.
One of the things we appreciate most about this air fryer is its large capacity. With a 10-liter cooking pot, it can accommodate up to 3 pounds of food, making it a great choice for families or those who frequently entertain. The large easy-view window also makes it easy to check on your food without opening the door, helping to keep the heat in and cook your food evenly.
While the manual could be more helpful, we’ve found that the air fryer is relatively easy to use. The automatic shut-off feature is also a nice safety feature, preventing the air fryer from overheating if you forget to turn it off. Overall, we would definitely recommend the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer to anyone in the market for a versatile and easy-to-use air fryer.
Cosori Mini Air Fryer 2.1 Qt, 4-in-1 Small Airfryer, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Space-saving & Low-noise, Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, 30 In-App Recipes, Sticker with 6 Reference Guides, Gray
If you’re looking for a compact air fryer that won’t take up too much counter space, the Cosori Mini Air Fryer is a great option.
Pros
- The 2.1-quart basket size is perfect for small households or those who want to cook for one or two people.
- The Cosori app has 30 free recipes to help you get started.
- The air fryer is easy to clean, with a nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts.
Cons
- The basket size may be too small for larger families or those who want to cook for more people.
- Some users have reported that the air fryer is louder than expected.
- The air fryer may not cook evenly for all types of food.
The Cosori Mini Air Fryer is a space-saving and low-noise option that is perfect for those who live in small apartments or have limited counter space. The 2.1-quart basket size is perfect for small households or those who want to cook for one or two people.
The Cosori app is a great resource for those who are new to air frying. It has 30 free recipes to help you get started, and you can also scan other brands’ recipes to recreate your favorite dishes. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze with the Cosori Mini Air Fryer. The basket and frying tray are coated with a PTFE and PFOA-free nonstick coating, making it easy to clean up after cooking. The basket and frying tray are also dishwasher-safe, making it convenient to clean up.
Overall, the Cosori Mini Air Fryer is a great option for those who want a compact and easy-to-use air fryer. However, it may not be the best option for larger families or those who want to cook for more people.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best air fryer, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested several models, so we know what to look for.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is capacity. This will determine how much food you can cook at once. If you’re cooking for a large family or entertaining guests, you’ll want a larger capacity air fryer. However, if you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller capacity model may be more suitable.
Cooking Time
Another important factor to consider is cooking time. Some air fryers cook faster than others, so you’ll want to choose a model that can cook your food quickly and efficiently. Additionally, some models may require preheating, which can add to the overall cooking time.
Ease of Use
When choosing an air fryer, it’s important to consider how easy it is to use. Look for models with simple controls and clear instructions. Additionally, some models may come with pre-programmed settings, which can make cooking even easier.
Cleaning
Finally, consider how easy the air fryer is to clean. Look for models with removable baskets and dishwasher-safe parts. This will make cleaning up after cooking a breeze.
Overall, when choosing the best air fryer, it’s important to consider capacity, cooking time, ease of use, and cleaning. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a model that will meet your needs and make cooking a breeze.
