What is the best air fryer?
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. We tested and compared the top air fryers on the market to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen. From compact models for small households to large-capacity units for families, our comprehensive ranking covers everything you need to know.
After extensive testing, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL emerges as our top pick for its exceptional cooking performance, generous capacity, and excellent value. The Cosori Pro II is a close second with its user-friendly interface and reliable results. For those seeking premium build quality and the largest capacity, the Philips Premium XXL delivers restaurant-quality results with its proprietary fat removal technology.
Pros
- PPRO
Excellent value proposition.
At under $150, the air fryer offers powerful performance and extensive features. Compared to premium brands, this represents strong value for budget-conscious buyers.
- NPRO
Easy maintenance design.
The ceramic-coated basket offers non-stick properties that allow food residue to release easily. The dishwasher-safe components simplify cleaning and encourage regular use.
- LPRO
Family-sized 5.5 quart capacity.
The 5.5 quart basket provides substantial capacity, allowing families of four to prepare complete meals in a single batch - ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- CPRO
Consistent crispy results.
The Max Crisp technology consistently delivers crispy results across various foods including fries and chicken wings, maintaining texture quality over extended use.
Cons
- CCON
A Bit Bulky.
It is not the most compact air fryer out there. Make sure users have enough counter space before buying.
Pros
- LPRO
Intuitive touchscreen controls.
The responsive touchscreen interface provides easy navigation. The controls are straightforward enough for users of all technical skill levels to operate without difficulty.
- NPRO
Preset Heaven.
The 12 one-touch presets eliminate guesswork by automatically setting optimal temperature and time for common foods like chicken, fries, and bacon.
- PPRO
Shake Alert Is Genius.
The mid-cooking shake reminder alerts when it is time to redistribute food in the basket, promoting even cooking without requiring manual timing.
- CPRO
Whisper Quiet.
Compared to the old air fryer, this one is very quiet. Users can have a conversation in the kitchen while its running.
Cons
- LCON
Watch the Coating.
The basket coating may show wear after approximately one year of use. Using gentle cleaning methods and avoiding metal utensils helps preserve the coating.
Pros
- NPRO
Restaurant Quality Results.
This thing cooks like nothing else. The Starfish design ensures hot air hits every angle. The wings come out better than restaurant wings.
- PPRO
Massive Basket.
Users can fit a whole chicken in here! Perfect for meal prepping or cooking for guests. The XXL name is notable.
- CPRO
Healthier.
The fat collector at the bottom works. skeptical but users can see all the grease that drains away from the food.
Cons
- LCON
Premium investment.
At over $300, the price is significant. The quality and durability justify the cost for daily users, positioning it as a long-term kitchen investment.
- NCON
Basic Controls.
The dial controls work fine but feel dated compared to touchscreen models. Does the job though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying - typically just a tablespoon or less compared to several cups. This can reduce fat content by 70-80% while still achieving crispy results. However, the healthiness also depends on what you are cooking. Air-fried vegetables are healthier than air-fried frozen foods loaded with preservatives.
For 1-2 people, a 2-4 quart air fryer works well. For families of 3-4, look for 5-6 quarts. Larger families or those who meal prep should consider 7+ quart models like the Philips XXL. Keep in mind that toaster oven-style air fryers like the Cuisinart and Breville offer more cooking space but take up more counter real estate.
Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for frozen foods - no preheating or defrosting needed in most cases. Frozen fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and vegetables all cook beautifully. Most air fryers have presets specifically for frozen foods. Just remember to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Most modern air fryers have dishwasher-safe baskets and pans, making cleanup easy. For stuck-on food, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. Never use metal utensils or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the nonstick coating. Wipe down the exterior and heating element regularly with a damp cloth.
Air fryers and convection ovens both use fans to circulate hot air, but air fryers do it more intensely in a smaller, concentrated space. This results in faster cooking times and crispier results. Toaster oven-style air fryers like the Breville Smart Oven essentially combine both functions, offering versatility but typically not achieving quite the same crispiness as dedicated basket-style air fryers.