Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food with the crunch of deep frying using up to 75% less oil. They've become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in homes worldwide — and for good reason. Here's how to choose the right one.
Air Fryer Basket vs. Oven Style
Basket-style air fryers are compact and heat up faster, perfect for smaller batches. Oven-style air fryers offer more capacity and often more cooking functions, ideal for larger families or those who want to replace multiple appliances.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Results
- Don't overcrowd the basket — food needs airflow
- Preheat for 3-5 minutes for crispier results
- Pat food dry before cooking
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking
- Use a light spray of oil for extra crunch
Our Top Picks
Ranked and reviewed by our experts after hands-on testing.
Ninja Foodi XL 2-BasketBest Overall
The most versatile air fryer for families. The dual-zone design lets you cook two different foods at two different temperatures, finishing at exactly the same time.
Pros
- Two independent baskets
- DualZone sync cook
- Large capacity
Cons
- Large footprint
- Loud
Philips Premium XXL
The Ferrari of air fryers. Philips' unique fat-removal technology and TurboStar air circulation deliver the crispiest results of any air fryer we tested.
Pros
- Twin TurboStar technology
- Fat removal tray
- Very even cooking
Cons
- Expensive
- Only one basket
Cosori Pro Gen 2
The best mid-range air fryer. The Cosori Pro Gen 2 delivers near-premium performance at a very reasonable price, with a user-friendly app and 100+ recipes.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Great app
- Even cooking
Cons
- Smaller than XL models
- Basket scratches easily
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1
From the makers of Instant Pot, the Vortex Plus combines air frying with roasting, broiling, baking, dehydrating, and reheating in one compact appliance.
Pros
- 6 functions
- Good value
- EvenCrisp technology
Cons
- Average basket coating
- Can run hot
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
If you want to replace both your toaster oven and air fryer, this is the answer. The Breville Smart Oven does everything with exceptional precision.
Pros
- Countertop oven + air fryer
- 13 cooking functions
- Large interior
Cons
- Very expensive
- Large footprint
Our Verdict
All products listed above have been hands-on tested by our expert team. Product availability and prices may change. Always verify current pricing before purchasing. We update these guides regularly to reflect the latest market.
